BREVARD COUNTY, FL - The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) presents a unique chance for individuals passionate about delving into the diverse ecosystems of Florida. Featuring a remarkable array of expert speakers, captivating presentations, and an abundance of educational resources, the program provided a truly rewarding experience. Recently, our team achieved certification in wildlife monitoring, gaining fascinating knowledge in this niche field. However, the pinnacle of our adventure was the exhilarating field trips. Immersing ourselves in the natural surroundings elevated this program to extraordinary heights!
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Diamondback terrapin, a turtle that thrives in the brackish coastal tidal marshes of the eastern and southern United States. |
Our day at the Barrier Island Education Center was extraordinary, stretching from the first light of dawn to the moment the sun gracefully sank beneath the horizon. We immersed ourselves in the captivating realm of sea turtle monitoring, uncovering the secrets of these remarkable animals. Along the way, we also learned about the complex ecosystem of the barrier island and the vital nesting habitats that support these magnificent creatures.
Sea turtles encounter many challenges, both from nature and human activities. Their delicate eggs are particularly vulnerable, often becoming targets for clever predators like raccoons, which dig up nests for a meal. The dangers don’t stop there; other threats loom over these fragile eggs, including fire ants, crabs, lizards, various bird species, dogs, coyotes, and ghost crabs, all of which constantly risk their survival.
We embarked on a picturesque 1-mile loop along the Barrier Island Trail, where we immersed ourselves in the beauty of coastal ecosystems. This path is a serene retreat adorned with colorful wildflowers, lively pollinators, and captivating birds. Whether you are a passionate nature lover or looking for solace in the great outdoors, this gently traveled loop is an ideal option.
Open to guests every day from 7 am until sunset, the trail offers a tranquil haven, allowing you to escape the chaos of daily routines.
Joining a FrogWatch volunteer in the field, we learned the art of monitoring frogs and toads solely by their distinct calls. These amphibians are vital in human medicine and the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems. They are considered indicators of environmental health.
As the sun set, we embarked on another thrilling hike at Viera Wetlands. Our mission? Spotting alligators, capturing fireflies, and tuning in to the enchanting symphony of bats and frogs.
Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, bats are not rodents! Their wing structure resembles a human hand, making them unique among mammals as the only ones capable of true flight. But here's the best part about these fascinating creatures: they are voracious insect-eaters! Mosquitoes, flies, beetles, wasps, ants - you name it, bats devour them. Incredibly, they can consume their entire body weight in insects every single night!
We ventured on educational hikes and absorbed knowledge from different class speakers at Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Along the way, I couldn't resist capturing a few snapshots of a captivating green lynx spider. This remarkable creature doesn't rely on webs to catch its prey unlike other spiders. Instead, it cunningly hunts vegetation and flowers, skillfully blending in with its surroundings by adjusting its body color. While it may feast on butterflies and other beneficial insects, there's a silver lining: it could assist in agricultural pest management, curbing the population of harmful insects and caterpillars.
We brought out some aggressive Nuthatch birds using a recorded call. Nuthatches will defend their territory throughout the year. They are one of the noisiest woodland birds in the early spring and get their name from the way they crack open seeds.
"We have a responsibility to teach children to respect the environment."
“You won’t save what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.” -Unknown
Additional Sources and Reading:
Barrier Island Sanctuary: https://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/Sanctuaries/BarrierIslandSanctuary
Fight for Zero Nonprofit: www.fight4zero.org
FogWatch: https://www.aza.org/frogwatch
Turkey Creek Sanctuary: https://www.palmbayflorida.org/government/city-departments-f-to-z/parks-recreation/turkey-creek-sanctuary
Florida Master Naturalist Program:
There are three core modules: freshwater systems, coastal systems, and upland systems.
There are four special topics: conservation science, environmental interpretation, wildlife monitoring, and habitat evaluation.
There are four special topics: conservation science, environmental interpretation, wildlife monitoring, and habitat evaluation.
Website: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/