 |
|
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
Field Ecology of the Space Coast
March 6-10, 2006
The Space Coast of Florida is well known as the home of the nation’s space program. All American manned space launches from the Mercury program to the Space Shuttle have taken place from launch pads located on the space coast. However, the space coast is home to more than rockets and missiles. Situated on the Atlantic coast almost exactly in the middle of peninsular Florida, the area is home to numerous ecosystems. Marine, lagoon and freshwater systems influence the climate and ecology of the area. The terrestrial systems include sand ridges, pine flatwoods, beach dunes, oak hammocks and scrub. Between these systems is an array of freshwater and saltwater marshes. Perhaps the most important feature of the Space Coast is the fact that it includes transitional areas for many ecosystems. Traveling south, temperate areas give way to a sub-tropical region, resulting in diverse habitats and large number of species. Perhaps the most striking change is demonstrated by the domination of mangrove swamps along inlets and lagoon south of Cape Canaveral. North of the Cape low-energy shorelines are characterized by Spartina alterniflora, a common dominant shoreline plant along low energy marine systems all the way to the maritime Canadian Provinces. The ecological systems of the Space Coast benefited from the space program by the mere fact the program required a large buffer area. The Kennedy Space Center is located on 140,000 acres, with about 90% of it designated as the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is home to more threatened and endangered species than any other refuge in the continental US. The beach area north of the launch pads, the Canaveral National Seashore, offers the greatest remaining expanse of undisturbed beachfront on the East Coast of Florida. The Space Coast Field Ecology course is intended to provide the student with exposure to many of the natural features of the area. Students will visit sites representing the major ecological systems found on the Space Coast. Orientation Sunday evening, Brevard Community College campus, Bldg 7 Rm 213. Day 1 Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. A kayak tour through a flood tide delta deposit located in the Banana River Lagoon. Students will observe all three native mangroves as well as the related buttonwood tree and tropical plants near the northern limit of their range. Transect samples will be taken to determine percent cover, and species diversity. Soil samples will be obtained. The Thousand Islands serves as winter habitat for several hundred bird species including white pelicans. The canals that intersect the islands provide habitat for dolphin and manatee. There are three main vegetation communities: natural marsh, dredge spoil and tropical hammock. Lunch will be in the field. On the way back to the laboratory and residence facilities the students will stop by the Ulumay Wildlife refuge on Merritt Island. The students will walk impoundments and contrast fresh and estuarine systems. The students will break for dinner at the host’s house. Day 2 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge A drive through BlackPoint Drive will expose the class to uplands and wetlands. There are many stops along the way to explore the numerous habitats. Stops will allow students to view bald eagle nests, salt marshes, mud flats, and marsh restoration activities. A walk along the Cruickshank Trail will allow a close-up view of the marsh. Birds wintering in the area such as white pelicans, roseate spoonbills and many species of ducks and shorebirds should be abundant. There is another trail, the Oak Hammock, that takes the visitor to wetlands. http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/ Lunch in the field. If time allows there will also be a visit to: Canaveral National Seashore The seashore offers the last significant uninterrupted shoreline on the East Coast of Florida. Situated north of the space center the area offers the opportunity to study the beach community, both the front and backside of dune systems. Nearby mudflats associated with low and high salt marshes and the Mosquito Lagoon provide a glimpse of the salt and glassworts and many types of crabs. The geologic history of the area is revealed through a series of ridges and swales showing how the beach has been created over recent history.
Day 3 Enchanted Forest The Enchanted Forest is the premiere property of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. A variety of habitats are located on the property. New classroom and laboratory facilities are available for the class. Light traps for insects and pitfall traps will be set up. Dinner/cookout at Dixie Crossroads in Titusville.
Day 4 Coconut Point Beach systems, then a cookout at Burton Smith park.
Day 5 Haulover Canal A half day kayaking trip. The group is likely to encounter manatees. Tour around rookery islands. Lunch at a KSC cafeteria. Kennedy Space Center The students will have the chance to continue to study the lagoon area at the Kennedy Space Center. Restoration work associated with impoundments will be studied. Depending on the availability of access students may have the opportunity to visit one of the launch pads and the vehicle assembly building. |
||
|
|
|
[Home] [Coursework] [Books] [MINWR] [Thousand Islands] [Enchanted Forest] [Coconut Point] [Tosohatchee] [Ecosystems of Brevard] [Links] [Contact] |