Moccasin Lake Park
Casey Stein

      The park, only 51 acres, is tucked back behind some neighborhoods and next to a railroad track.
This park at first glance is underwhelming. Infested with peacocks and weeds. But as the day went on, the park began to show its true colors. Supporting many different forms of life.
      We started the day by either pulling invasive species of weeds,  air potato or  Ceaser weed, or we could have helped dig a trench to help make sure the pen didn't flood. I decided to help pull the weeds. Working for only about 45 minutes, the group had filled the trash cans designated for the weeds, plus filling the wheelbarrows. And there still was a ton of weeding to be done. But it was nice being able to help the park in getting rid of some invasive weeds. One thing I found inserting about the air potatoes is that if you take the potato in a box, with nothing else in the box, and put the box in a dark closet for an extended period of time, the potato will still grow. All the nutrition it needs is in the actual potato.  
      On our walk through the park, I learned the poison ivy will grow almost into the side of the tree and make its leaves look like its coming from the tree itself and not the vine. Also, pine trees will drop their needles around the tree to make the ground more acidic to help the tree grow. Because of this very few things will be able to grow around the tree. I also learned that the lakes have the murky green color due to the tree leaves falling and designating in the water. That changes the pH of the water, which in turn changes the color.
     When we were walking on the trail, we were learning about the different biomes. And how even just a few inches can change the growth pattern and landscape. The best example was near the stream. Next to the water was more tall grasses and cypress tress, but then just a few yards away, pine trees and bushes/ shrubs.
     I very much enjoyed myself at the park and looking forward to learning more about Florida and its wildlife.