The biologists let students participate in some of their management/monitoring activities . One group learned how to do line transect plant surveys, monitoring plant abundance. They spoke about the different methods of habitat restoration [mechanical, chemical and fire]. This location uses a combination of all three methods in order to restore and maintain natural habitats. Along with methods, students learned about community, agency and cooperative efforts that all play an important role in which method is used and when, along with overviews of all the permits and permissions required for maintaining natural habitats.
The second group of students learned how to use throw nets to survey and record what is living in the waters of the park. In this case, the "net" was netting on a square pvc cube that was placed to isolate sections of water. They then sieve out the water to see what species are found. They record and continue this method until there are no more fish or arthropods in the net, then move on to another section. They found shrimp, crayfish and several fish species.
Along the swamp buggy tour students saw nesting great white herons, swallowtail kites and even feral hogs. We have the pictures to prove it! Thanks to our hosts for another great field trip.
