Field Journal

There’s so much I learned throughout this Colloquium experience that I don’t even know where to begin!  From indigenous and invasive plants, to birds and other animal species, I could almost say I am pro at identifying plants and animals in Southwest Florida’s environment (well at least those that are on campus).  Here’s just a brief a list of several plants and animals I have learned, identified, and spoken about in and outside the classroom:

Bald Cypress Tree

·         Swamp tree
·         Indicator of a lot of water
·         Needles fall off in winter
·         Cypress wood is pretty, strong, can be used to make houses, and is insect resistant
·         Triangular root system which provides stability
·         Was seen on FGCU’s campus and at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Cabbage/Sabal Palm Tree
·         Palm fronds (look like the palm of your hand)
       o   Chickee hut roofs are made out of fronds.
·         State tree of FL
·         Boots contain whole ecosystems.  Bird nests can be made and critters can thrive.  These boots collect water.
·         Was seen on FGCU’s campus and at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Wild Coffee
·         Very toxic
·         Cannot be used to make coffee
·         Pretty and native
·         Doesn’t require much irrigation, ecologically responsible, doesn’t die fast
·         Was seen on FGCU’s campus

 

Woodpecker
·         Makes home inside trees
·         Tail feather acts as brace
·         Long sticky tongue
·         14 inches tall (pileated)
·         Was seen at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, but can be seen and heard through Southwest Florida.

Slash Pine

·         A part of the Pine Flat Wood ecosystem
·         Pointed top means tree is still growing; rounded top means tree has matured
·         Early pioneers used slash pine to get sap to use for turpentine (saw mills)
·         Needs to burn 3-5 years to survive
·         Peely/puzzle piece like bark
·         When tree burns, it sends pine cones and seeds away from fire in order to recreate pine trees.
·         Was seen on FGCU’s campus and at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Sea Grape (my favorite!)
·         Native Plant
·         Holds barrier islands together with an interconnecting root system
·         Large round leaves
·         Can be used for Sea Grape jelly (SO YUMMY!)
·         Spotted during the Fort Myers Beach field trip

Double-crested Cormorants
·         Weigh from 3.3 to 6.6 pounds
·         33 inches long, with a wingspan of about four feet.
·         Feathers are not waterproof; spread wings to dry
·         Very adaptable
·         Nests in trees near water, on cliffs, or on island beaches.
·         Was seen on FGCU’s campus trails

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