Snow Leopards growth

My recent journals have been kind off depressing with many of the journals indicating negative ecological events. This journal will be of more positive bases as we will provide some information and input about an elusive species that seems to have adapted and grown in numbers. This elusive feline is known as a snow leopard and is illustrated below.

Looking at the picture their creature looks so majestic and is just awesome. The article that helps me discover this big cat indicated that they are listed as endangered. Recent research indicated that the snow leopard has managed to increase in numbers as this species is aggressively trying to remain alive and remove the possibility of its extinction. The one thing I do not like about this article is the precise location that is documented about the endangered species habitat. I think that is great to provide this information but poor decision on all people involved in this article to provide such sensitive information for the like of poachers, hunters and other negative intended humans. The article states that the snow leopard resides in the extremely steep mountain region. I am hoping that the landscape will provide much needed barrier and protection from the aforementioned poachers and hunters. The environmentalist estimates that around 4,500 to 7,500 snow leopards remain alive. That number is far better than the 2,500 tigers that are counted to be alive but as humans we can make a way stronger effort to ensure this and many other species that they will not ever make it to the brink of extinction.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos-elusive-snow-leopards-thrive-surprising-spot-150801114.html

Poachers

Recently I ran across an article that was a bit different. This article dealt with poachers who had been caught killing tigers in the Thailand region. It was mentioned that of these tigers only about 2,500 remain alive today. Reading this article reminded me of the field trip I had taken to Cork Screw Sanctuary. There was an area where I remember that they had preserved or recreated the camp where the poachers camped for bird feathers. In reading this article it hit me that environmentally I had completely overlooked the human effect of poachers on the rare and unique animal species. The article mentioned that tigers are hunted mainly for their pelts and bones which are used for medicines. As I am reading this article I am asking myself how people can just be so ignorant to know that these animals are on the verge of extinction and they selfishly hunt this innocent life. There are really two culprits here the people who create the demand and the suppliers. I feel both parties need to be severely punished for these hideous deeds as they are not only stealing an innocent life but also stealing both a piece of this world from every one of us as well as of our future. I truly feel more justice needs to be placed on this business and a policy of an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth for be just for this situation.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43756746/ns/world_news-world_environment/

Kyoto Protocol

While thinking about a topic to write about for this journal entry, a thought popped in my head about the environmental condition of the United States. I decided to research the bigger issues concerning the environmental condition of this nation. In researching for the information I was able to pull together a long list of serious issues. The issues that I was able to locate but not limited to were, climate change, conservation, deforestation, energy, invasive species, mining, nuclear, pesticides, air pollution, water pollution, marine pollution, solid and hazardous waste, over population and consumption waste. Reading about climate change the US is listed second behind China as the world largest emitters of carbon dioxide. This issue is largely created due to the burning of fossil fuels and helps contribute to the global warning problem. It was noted that the United States is one of two countries that has not signed up for the which is an attempt at fighting global warming. This group of countries consists of 37 that are considered industrial countries. They are referred to as Annex I countries and have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by five percent from the 1990 level. I truly believe that as the world’s number one and two economies, United States and China, need to aggressively remodel their industrial blue print and foot print to help preserve this would. Instead it seems that they are focused on competing with one another at the expense of other people lives. There is no salvation if there is no hope of a future.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol

Reflecting on Service Learning

            It has been about one to two weeks since completion of my service learning hours at the Calusa nature center. In reflection on my experience there, I must admit that it was rather pleasant. I did have to overcome a couple of my phobias in order to be of productive help to the works. The day started early as I arrived at 8:45 AM in the morning to offer my volunteering services. I was given two options to select from to designate how my services would be rendered. The options were helping the counselors with the summer camp kids or help with animal care. Having great interest in animals that decision was not very difficult, animals it was without thought. At that point, I made my way to the area where they house the ducks. I was really excited since I am a big fan of ducks of any kind. These ducks were so small and cute. There were 5 of them and they had energy. I ended up joining them on their terrain in order to be able to rake up and turn over their soil. This process helps bring hidden forms of food and much needed nutrients to the surface for the ducks. It did not take long for the ducks to feel somewhat comfortable before they gathered cautiously around me. After the cleaning up the ducks area I was asked to help clean the area of a huge hog named Elvis. This hog was incredibly big and extremely friendly. The workers showed me how much Elvis loves his belly to rub by them using a broom to rub his belly. He harmlessly lay down while getting is personal massage. Much of the day was just as exciting as the beginning. As one of the guides explained most of these animals have been given the opportunity for a longer life since most are there due to serious injuries they suffered. As long as I have been in this area I never realized that Calusa Nature Center was somewhat of a sanctuary for animals. The experience of volunteering has encouraged me to help support their causes in aiding injured animals who on recovery are released back into the wild. Initially I thought I was going to help offer my help, in reflecting on my experience I feel as though I needed those moments more that it needed me. I am very fortunate and grateful to have been exposed to it and plan on being part of their purpose in many other ways that are possible.

Indigenous tribes

An article that I ran across recently reminded me that we have to help preserve not just the life of plants and animals but also attempt to preserve the life of uncontacted indigenous tribes hidden deep within nature. In Brazil there recently was a tribe located that has managed to remain hidden from modern civilization. The tribe was described as consisting of about 200 members. The article shows that the members attempt to capture the airplane flying over their camp by firing arrows at the aircraft. Many dangers are presented if modern civilization were to establish contact with the native people. The article mentions that there is danger of disrupting their natural habitat or spreading germs that the tribal people were not immune from. In a previous attempt to establish contact with the same type of tribe, 45 tribe members ended up dying from lack of immunity to what we would consider common gems. By introducing both common and advanced deceases to these tribes we would like help contribute to an expedited process of their extinction as well. It is of great concern that this tribe including many other unknown tribes risk contact through aggressive logging activity with the country forest. It is sad to see that regardless of who, what and where on this earth much of this earth risk being contaminated by our modern hands.

http://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/articles/169552/20110625/uncontacted-lost-amazon-tribe-brazil-great-discovery-amazing-rare-photos-ancient.htm

Personal Consumption

This week was a bit different as far as my consumption concerned. For this week my consumption increased by tenfold. The reason for this was complete house cleaning. My residence consists of about 1300 square feet and needed a complete scrub down. Prior to beginning with cleaning I did some shopping for chemicals I needed in cleansing by house from any bacteria. I purchased 4 gallons of Bleach to help make sure that all bacteria would be removed. It is funny but I actually was considering getting more, however at the time of filling up my cart I recalled my ecological footprint from the quiz I had taken and decided to lower my targeted quantity. With that frame of mind I continued to purchase additional items needed for cleaning but on a more conservative basis. While cleaning the bathrooms I found myself also being extremely conscious of the quantity of water that I was utilizing. I constantly found myself trying to evaluate my behavior to see if it was the most efficient and effective method available in using the least amount of resources. I must say that spent a lot of mental energy throughout the day trying to reinvent my regular processes of cleaning in order to be more conservative with chemicals, water and electricity. I remembered while shopping the “Story about Stuff” also influencing me in the fact of how many items I ended up purchasing compared to my initial estimated amount. I would say that the colloquium experience definitely served its purpose and influence as it changed my behavior for what I consider an important task.

Fight for survival

            In reading some of the online news, I ran across an article that caught my interest. The article correlated with some of the readings and chapters in our course book “State of the world.” The location of the story occurs in the Kenya area on the African continent. Currently the area is experiencing the worst drought since the 1950’s which is largely created due to human hands. Many of the animals are competing with humans for water and other small quantities of natural resources. The article depicts a depleted area of resources as the carcasses of 27 cattle and 1 giraffe are counted within a three hour period all due the inability of the land to sustain them. Some local believe these poor conditions are due to the lack of rain which can also be a contributor from the global warming effect. The article offers a more in-depth analyzes which adds the influence from humans hands through the means of war. It is through war that many of the resources become scarce and prices are driven up out of common people reach. The support of AID agencies also seems to have little impact as both the growing population and continuous war activities are dwindling the impact these organizations are having on the local people. It is documented that the targeted goals of donated AID for one organization is around $80 million to help support about 12 million people who are fighting for survival. There are so many variables that need to be controlled and changed for this area to progress in a positive direction. Many of the cultures also thrive on the creation of large families as it is a cultural belief that large families create more successful families. The older generations anticipate the younger generations to prosper and actively support the parents when grownup. This cultural belief greatly helps increase the dependency of mouths in need of the aid. The issue of war existing on African soil has remain present since my younger days. With lack of progress in their efforts to extinguish these efforts my believe lack optimism that this issues will be resolved in my lifetime.

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/07/07/7031757-worst-drought-in-60-years-12-million-africans-face-fight-for-survival

Urban Environment

In visiting downtown Fort Myers, the incorporation of new urbanism into the community is very evident. Many of the roads are paved of red brick to give a homely feel and encourage pedestrians to travel through the community. Many planters have been added along the right of way helping integrate the added vegetation that had long been missing in the area. Majority of the selected vegetation is the state plant, the palm tree. Visually that common type of scenery gets old in my opinion. The spacing for the area also remains extremely poor. It feels as though everything is clustered together as there is no large area of open space. Much of the open space has been dedicated to parking. In the past, limited parking during business hours made downtown Fort Myers a stress inducer and extremely congested. The atmosphere for the downtown area changes depending on the time of day. Recently two large parking garages were constructed to help alleviate some of the parking demand and issues that haunted the image of the area for several years. In the morning and afternoon times, the area is overwhelmed with business activity as much of the traffic is due for the most part to the activities from the court houses. Many of the businesses located in the downtown area consist of government services, bond offices or lawyer’s offices. The county jail is also located right next to the court house which in my opinion gives off an eerie feeling of discomfort. For much time the city of Fort Myers has also been trying to change the visual image of downtown Fort Myers caused from the deteriorating historic buildings to a combination of social friendly environment and historically preserved surroundings. The difficulty of the task was greatly increased with the presence of the neighboring east Fort Myers area, which had a reputation of severe and frequent hard crimes. As far as the landscape is concerned, majority of it as mentioned previously is reserved for parking or asphalted. There are small areas of grass landscape that can be found, the main area being the Centennial Park. In traveling through the area, I did felt out of place. I was not able to determine if that feeling was due to lack of connection I was able to form with the surrounding or the selected theme that the city selected to represent the downtown area. Perhaps the weather played a role also as a thunderstorm was moving in. During the night life the area has a couple of night clubs and bars that function during that time period. The area visually is dark and gloomy. Much of the area remains in the dark including many of the side roads and paths. In the past many homeless people sought cover under the Centennial Park pavilion or rested till the morning hours on the boardwalk which also painted a rigged image of the downtown area. The city has made huge efforts to change the image of the area including overhauling many of the major roads leading to the area, mainly Martin Luther King Boulevard. Their efforts have been rewarded with more confidence from the local residents in frequently partaking in activities surrounding the area. The city need to focus on sharing the whole area with more than just their human counterparts are much of the area still remains naked in lack of many plants and even more animals.

Social or environmental degradation

          The article that I decided to read involved social and environmental degradation to the country of India. From an economic perspective I am aware that the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are in strong competition to secure many global business opportunities locally with investors. With China becoming the world’s second largest economy this year I believe they are no longer an emerging country but should be considered a developed country. I am also aware of China’s population and control rule of one child per household. In reading this article I was dumbfounded to learn that estimations anticipate India to overtake China in the year 2050 as the most populous civilization. Currently India has eighteen percent of the world’s population which places a heave burden on all of it natural resources. For India, their available water supply and sanitation issues create majority of their environmental issues. Most cities dump untreated sewage and partially cremated bodies directly into the Ganges River, which is located upstream used as a main source for usable water. The water there after flows downstream and is used for activities including drinking, bathing and washing. That sounds like a bad situation all together. There will be last effects and emerging diseases as outcome from these activities. Approximately, half a billion people live along the Ganges River which greatly increases the percentage of negative events. Many countries need to be held responsible for blindly turning their eyes away from significant issues. In bidding for opportunities countries need to be given a weighted placement based on humanitarian issues addressed. In any scenario, where accumulation of success and wealth at the direct expense of the local population is present should be discouraged.

Echo Park

This week’s field trip was at ECHO Park, an agricultural farm in Fort Myers. Aided through a scheduled tour my group made its way through the farm following the guide. The farm blended in extremely well with the natural environment. The tour guide informed the group that the main purpose of ECHO Park is to problem solves agricultural issues. While the tour only covers one fifth of the overall farm land it never the less was a great experience. Immediately upon entering the farm there are exotic plants and fruit greeting the tourists. The tour guide wastes no time explaining that all the vegetation on the farm each serves a unique purpose in demonstrating invaluable means of sustaining agricultural issues not just local but on a global outlook. The farm produces seeds from the plants and distributes them to areas in the world were specific plant could offer better production compared to local plants with similar functions. The objective is to provide improved production at low cost. The greatest contribution these function make to buyer is that the sale is made with the intent that no need for a secondary purchase will be necessary. Unlike most products out in the world today, ECHO attempts to provide the means of self sustaining plants that will not require multiple purchase but instead have a high rate of self producing which greatly helps toward eliminating lack of foods and hunger issues. The plants as indicated provide superior sources of nutrients compared to available products in retail store. A complexity remains in lack awareness of these available products as most of the sales are generated on a word to mouth basis from tourists whom visited ECHO. Surprisingly, many of the plants that were introduced had the ability to produce at a high quantity while requiring little use of natural resources. These plants could be introduced to areas with high droughts and provide local people with a sustained source of provided foods. Additionally many of these plants are edible and contain about 5 times the nutrients common house hold products provide.

ECHO Park also demonstrates that the natural habitat does not have to take a back seat to societal needs. On the farm small examples are given how opportunity can be maximized by intergrading the use of it environment with common areas in society. The farm also illustrates that animals manure greatly enhances growth and health for many of the vegetation projects on the farm. Awareness of ECHO’s activities and success needs to be presented on a grander platform. I feel that many of today’s issues concerning foods and sustaining plant life in areas with harsh condition can be effectively addressed using the methods implanted at the farm. Hunger dominates many areas of the world and with the key right under our noses there should be no reason why solutions to these issues cannot be presented. Empowered with the key to the problem we can live up to our duties and responsibilities and provide the means to feed many of our hungry children by implementing this method to provide foods at an infinite amount.

Volunteering with FGCU’s Fruit Farming

Today I had the opportunity to volunteer my time in attempt to support non technological improvements of fruit farming. The day started early at 7:00 AM and many hands were available with common interest. I found it very interesting in that farming requires a lot of common sense combined with specific techniques. As a group we had to physically move soil from one location to another in order to create a terrain which was more adapt to allow for water retention and distribution. We specifically focused on creating gradual slopes along the top of banks locations for many plant. The overall experience was very gratifying and extremely demanding. Having been in colloquium for this semester, I have actively attempted to adjust my life to accommodate the environments needs. Today was no different except that I got to contribute hands-on to the well being of the local lands. At the end of the day I was extremely exhausted yet I knew that my energy was contributed to the highest importance. It has been a while since I have helped farm but it was refreshing to be reminded about the physical investment needed on our part to preserve our natural riches. Today, I was reminded that rebuilding the world starting with our local environment in no way will be of east means.

Reflect on my improved ecological footprint

        It has been a couple of weeks since I took the ecological foot print test. I have tried to change of couple of my behaviors in attempting to consume fewer resources. I must admit that it is pretty difficult. From taking shorter showers and using less air conditioning to using less electrical appliances in the house. The behavior has been a norm of mine for quite some time. Every time I am reminded of the suggested result of 6.5 planets need to sustain this behavior of a lifestyle I created. It seems as though ever phase of my life is involved with over consumption in some shape or form. I love food but it seems that my eating behavior can take a large reduction in consuming food. Not only would I retain a larger portion of my income in the long run but essentially I would be leaving more resources available for other much needier than myself. Another effort I have been making is less usage of my personal transportation in order to help conserve bio energy and create a reduced bio foot print as well. I guess adding this  increased awareness and  additional responsibilities should have been part of my behavior and lifestyle long ago. I do hope other become aware also so that we can all enjoy from each other contribution in the near future.

Relating sustainability to myself

Sustainability as a word blankets and bridges the intent of many words into an intent or objective. In relating sustainability as a concept of me, it can serve as a means of expressing a long term view of a continuous function. Sustainability in an ecological perspective always holds the long term as a constant view. The concept correlates in the fact that throughout my live I am continuously remaining active. Any decision I make can be measured against that sustainability, as in the consideration of how long those options will remain available. Like in ecology, any choice that alters at the slightest notion from its original purpose is not considered sustainable. The theory in sustainability is a constant presence while remaining unaltered. Unlike nature, many different part of my lifestyle get altered each day. These chances force me to subconsciously redirect path to arrive at the initial objective or goals. The purpose in my life remains sustainable but the path I take never is. The measure of sustainability in common with ecology is the main purpose. In sustaining my goals I have to interact with diverse components in life in order to adjust my life to remain on course on my intent.  Support is also a function utilized by me as I merge into societal hierarchy in order to contribute to life and its purpose. Sustainability expresses the order that must be maintained to provide balance and structure to a health and cohesive earth.

Maranzas Pass Preserve

I visited the Matanzas Pass Preserve. Upon entering the site, there was a sign which indicated that various portions of the area had been created and altered by storm and wave activity. Also mentioned was that since the 1940’s there has been human development resulting in the alteration in the natural landscape. At this point I took way along the designated path through the preserve. While walking along the path, I stopped to grasp the atmosphere of the preserve as a cool gently breeze passed through. It may have been due to my timing of afternoon, but there was little sound going around. It was very quiet as the only sound was that of the wind flowing through the trees. I really enjoyed the combination of the cover of shade and being blanketed by the subtle warm breeze. There were very few mosquitoes out, which made for a pleasant experience also. Strolling through the path, I observed the landscape and vegetation. Through the lower elevated areas the path was created by a low level man made bridge. As I entered the higher elevations the walkway merged with the natural ground. After speaking with some personnel maintaining the area, they stated that it was designed that way due to the level of water during the rainy season which would occupy the lower elevated areas. The vegetation was distinctively different in the lower areas compared to the higher elevated areas. In the lower areas the vegetation had its roots exposed more as water was available in abundance. The vegetation in the higher areas had their roots dug deep into the ground in order to have better access to the water supply and foods. I was also informed that the natural vegetation compared to exotic plants also handled turbulent climate changes much better since they were better adapted to withstand those conditions. Throughout my walk there was evidence of the human impact on the area, as there was pollution in the water and vegetation. Along with mangrove trees, Matanzas Pass Preserve also has the last maritime oak hammock community existent on Estero Island. Hammocks are elevated areas surrounded by wetlands or different vegetation. Most of the vegetations help cleanse water, as many of the vegetation play an important role of absorbing polluted water in order to purify it. There were not many birds out as it was very hot but I was able to see many crows and one other bird which I was not able to identify. Through the preserve there were dirt hills used as manmade barriers in order to help contain natural fire. In total the preserve consists of 60 acres which was originally inhabited by native Indians. The city of Fort Myers Beach is said to have purchased this land with the intent of preserving the region and there after turned over the title of land to Lee County with the agreement of maintaining its purpose. The preserve consists of 3 different types of mangroves which are named red mangrove, white mangrove and black mangrove. The mangroves are also responsible to majority to the leave litter visible in the preserve. Overall the experience was very calming, especially near the water where the visual was absolutely beautiful. It was very peaceful there. It is worth preserving.

ecological footprint

In taking the ecological footprint quiz, the result suggested that 6.5 planets would be needed to sustain my lifestyle if everyone on the planet had a typical lifestyle. That is a very concerning and scary thought due to the fact there is only planet available for us humans to live on. This planet is blessed with so many precious resources compared to the bareness of all other planets within our solar system. I honestly did not think my consumption required the suggested equivalence of 6.5 planets worth of resources. The scarier thought is also superior usage of fellow citizens. Being empowered with the knowledge of my impact I plan to adjust my lifestyle to reap less benefit from resource usage. It is a behavior of many years and do understand that it will require dramatic measures to alter the course of the planet in a whole. I do plan to focus on my personal impact as well as that based in the influence of family members and friends. Industries also need to take an active stand on imposing better practices and utilizing resources as more reasonable and sustainable levels. Corporations will need to let go of the notion that shareholder profit is the lone driver of their purpose. At this rate the structure of any life will come crumbling down if no action is taken. The only thing remain on this earth will be the initial inhabitants from the beginning of this earth’s history, bacteria.

Walk-About

As mentioned in my profile, I am originally from Suriname, South America. It is a hidden mystery and populated with only 350,000. Suriname is also part of the Amazon rain forest. I remember so many tropical trees and fruit all over the place. Complementary to all that vegetation were mosquitoes the size of dragons, well felt that at least. The trees seemed so lively at times as almost speaking or cheering me on. Often in my youth, I made it a point to spend time resting and starring at the motion branches of trees were taking by the wind. It also seemed as though the motion of the trees help magnify this gentle cool breeze in the strong gusty wind. Today as I reside in Cape Coral, occasionally I take a stroll around the local area. I remain dumb founded at how bare Cape Coral is. Florida considered the most tropical state of all the states is not living up to its name. When I take my walk, instead of being gently greeted by the wind, I feel as though I am in a furnace turning crusty and charcoaled. Instead of being protected by the soft shade to trees, I am feeling like an ant under a magnifying glass getting roasted. I am all for development of housing and population. I do feel like way to many trees and vegetation was all too willfully removed from these beautiful tropical areas at the cost of producing an extra penny. Cape Coral looks more like the Sahara desert then a lush tropical place. All over Florida does this type of landscape exists. Overall Florida does resemble its state tree the palm tree. This tree has a handful of branches and even fewer leaves. I am confident more fellow residents would be inspired to walk if the horizon did not look so bleak.

Perception of Colloquium

The objective the Colloquium course is trying to achieve in my opinion is very important. In today’s society, especially the American society, the culture is driven with a business mentality. This creates a behavior and perception that the business is the key environment. In my opinion, business in general is a subsystem as part of the overall system in nature. Business politics and practices have gradually, if not already so, tried to overtake replace nature as the source of provision for humans. In doing so many of nature’s resources have fallen victim to the needs of business. In my view, business and its production is a middleman between nature and humans that creates a non-equivalent trade. Through business measures we  over produce and over use resources, to create greater value at lower prices, much which never gets consumed but wasted. Colloquium helps refocus that business always should remain in its rightful place as a subsystem within nature. It helps redefine that business should never outperform nature in order to prevent it from becoming extinct. Nature is our lifeline and blood flow, as children of this earth we need to protect our mother and our future.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

            The fieldtrip of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary started at the noon of day. Welcomed by the brisk warm winds, I questioned if this was the best time to pursue this task. Determined to pursue this adventure, I confidently stepped forward. The initial sign gave a descriptive overview of the course. It displayed that we would travel through six habitats: pine flat woods, wet prairie, bald cypress, central marsh, lettuce lakes and pond cypress. In the first view steps on the trail, the course is guided by a sturdy hand build wooden platform that varies in height above the ground. Quickly I was embraced by the chirping of many birds. The first of the birds species located in the pine flat woods I encountered was the red shouldered hawk. The bird was actively communicating from a branch on a tall slash pine tree. The area had few tall trees but was dense with ground level vegetation. The ground was very dry with little water in sight. This may have been due to the summer weather waiting the rainy season. As the trail continued we seen sabal pine trees, described as Florida’s state tree, and the troublesome saw palmetto, which I had to cut through many time in land surveying project, were displayed. Within minutes the terrain surrounding us had changed as we continued. No longer was the area open, as we had entered the cypress forest. Sunlight seemed removed between the shades of tall cypress pines. The trees seemed as though they were competing in length for portions of sunlight. The ground seemed deprived of water yet moist. Hovering next to many cypress pines are air plants named tillandsia which absorb the moisture and particles from the humidity. Saw grass is also plentiful in this area which is known to grown in fresh water swamps and wet lands through Florida. It is clear that due to the density and shading for this area, vegetation has more freedom to navigate to suitable hosts. In the pine flat wood area, vegetation in open areas was impacted greatly by suns exposure. The vegetation was deprived from moisture in the soil and the constant exposure left most plants dried or dead. Further along the trail in the lettuce lake area the hierarchy of the environment is displayed. I witnessed a great egret scavenging the drained lakes for a meal. Patiently and cautiously it waited for its prey, a small fish, which it caught. Its confidence grew as its caution dropped. The bird was willing to accept greater risk with recent success not knowing it was targeted as a meal by an American alligator. Throughout the trail, water was scarce as drought had settled in. In observing the adaptation of the vegetation to its habitat, it seemed as though the larger vegetation in the dense area had its base above ground level and only its roots secured into the ground. The smaller vegetation like parasites clung onto the larger vegetation in reliance. In the open areas, it was opposite, here each plant had to establish it own means of support by digging into the soils to secure moisture and nourishments. Throughout the trail of the walkway, there were trees in the middle of the path. Specific effort had been made not to remove the tree. The wooden boards instead we especially cut to include the trees as part of the walkways landscape. To me this plays a significant role, reminding us that is very possible to construct around the environment creating a win-win effort so all life form can co-exist on this earth. To think that these habitats were the normal environment our forefathers had to endure is humbling. It is even more amazing that availability of this environment is becoming a scarcity to us all each and every day.

·         The three habitats identified were: Pine Flatwoods, Cypress Forest and Marsh

·         The 5 plants in each habitat were:

            Pine Flatwood (seen only 4): slash pine, sabal pine, saw palmetto, wax murtle

            Cypress Forest: pond cypress, bald cypress, strangler fig, Spanish moss, airplants

            Marsh: water lettuce, resurrection fern, old man’s beard lichen, pickerelweed, pond apple.

·         10 animals identified: great erget, swallow-tailed kite, red-shouldered hawk, red-bellied woodpecker, gray catbird, American alligator, florida redbelly turtle, green anole, brown anole, southeastern lubber grasshopper.

·         The landscape creates natural ponds and retains all the water of a specific area in natural made ponds due to elevation difference. The ground absorbs the water until it will be soaked. From there the water will be retained as a pond or lake since the natural ground cannot absorb anymore.

·         This environment provides many insects needed to our system of living organisms. As a proclaimed intellectual species we need rapidly grow aware of the immediate urgency to preserve and restore a great portion of the developed world back to it original position in order to prevent the weighs of balances from tipping.