Cristina: This past week we took a trip to the Calusa Nature Center and took a leisurely stroll through the wilderness. First we stopped in the main section of the CNC and saw some animals like the American Bull Frog and Screech Owls. I thought that part was pretty fun to see the animals and get some information on our own. They had quite a few animals ranging from lizards to fish. I did feel like our purpose for being there was a little confusing because we did not get an introduction nor did we even know that the purpose of the CNC is. I think that if we had a tour guide it might have easier to understand what was going on. During our walk I had fun learning more about my classmates and enjoying the weather but I will admit I didn't learn much about the plants or animals and that was pretty disappointing.
Meredith:
It was enjoyable to visit the Calusa Nature Center because it gave the class an opportunity to meet in a different environment to learn about Florida’s native trees, plants, and animals. Even though the naturalist did not show up for our group, we were allowed to explore the trails on our own. Some of the students were able to provide their information about the specific trees and plants that they had learned about previously in their academic career. My favorite part of the trip was towards the end when we got to see some of Florida’s wildlife. Included in this were a bald eagle, a possum, fox hound, owls, and alligators. I am looking forward to seeing more of Southwest Florida when we canoe on our next field trip.
Calusa Nature Center Pictures:
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| American Bull Frog |
The American Bull Frog was pretty big, probably one of the biggest frogs I have even seen! I wish the glass on his tank was cleaner so I could have gotten a better shot but you can still see him.
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| Tillandsia - Air Plant |
I see air plants all the time on trees and I never knew what they were called so it is awesome to be able to put a name on it!
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| Silver Fox |
This little guy is allergic to something in the ground so his habitat needed to be build above ground. At the time he was limping around back and forth so hopefully he'll recover soon!
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| Great Horned Owl |
I love owls so I was glad to see one up close!
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| Smilax |
Melanie was able to identify this one on her own!
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| Ferns |
We definitely saw quite a bit of ferns growing along the way.
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| Saw Palmetto |
We learned that Saw Palmetto Berries are good for men and their health.
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| Bald Eagle |
We met Azul's brother! (haha) This is probably one of the few times I have ever seen an Eagle!
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| Laurel Oak Tree |
The cool thing about walking through the oak hammock was the temperature difference, it definitely felt cooler walking through that part than any of the other parts.
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| Maple Tree |
I am from New England so it was cool to see something so familiar in my new "backyard".
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| Holly |
It was nice to see some red berries on the Holly. In South Florida the holly trees never get this bright red berries.
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| American Beauty Berry |
This plant is really pretty. It provides birds with a lot of food, they just love those berries berry much. (haha)
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| Mayan Cichlid |
The Mayan cichlid can be found in lakes, rivers, estuaries, red mangrove, and flats on the mainland. They can be up to 2 pounds and 16 ounces and can survive in a range of salinity from 0 to 40 and can eat a wide variety of organisms such as, shrimps, worms, insects, and even algae.
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| The beautiful weather and scenery on the walk |
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| Melanie and Meredith having some fun at CNC |
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