Field Trip - Marine - Topsail Island and Aquariums

Learning Objectives - Marine – Topsail Island Beaches, Onslow Beach, and Pine Knoll Aquarium

• • Define and identify the characteristics and main species of an estuary and barrier island environment.
• • Describe the role and importance of mangroves in the ecosystem.  (Not applicable to my location.)
• • Identify the main species found in the habitats found in this environment.  
• • Define, describes, compare and contrast changing land use over time and identify associated challenges

This is a field trip that I spread over multiple visits for a few reasons. First, I felt like simply going to a beach was not enough of a field trip, and secondly, I really love the aquarium and any excuse to go there and take pictures is a great one in my opinion.

Topsail Island is a 26 mile long barrier island south of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  Some of the biggest challenges facing Onslow County Parks and Recreation are protecting the turtles’ nesting sites, keeping the sand dunes intact, and keeping the beaches clean to protect our wildlife. Topsail Island is home to a larger percent of the Eastern Coast’s turtle nesting sites. Every summer March – October people take shifts patrolling the island to find and mark off new turtle nesting sites. Once a new turtle nest is found it is marked off with tape around a 10’x10’ square, plus a fenced in box over the actual nest. Other than protecting the turtles’ nests by barriers the sand dunes are also fenced off areas on the beaches. These fences are on both sides of the dunes to protect them from people walking on them, driving on them, or littering on them.  The reasons sand dunes are so important is that they protect the inland and keep the water in its place per say. We must be concerned about the sand dunes because without them the landscape of our beaches would change. During hurricanes one of the biggest challenges is the protection of the shores, and with that, the sand dunes.

The varieties of species that inhabit Topsail Island in my opinion include species on shore, and in the water. The most important species that grows on Topsail Island is an asset because it protects  the sand dunes and is called sea oats. There are many species that live on the shore and thrive from the waters including many types of crabs and birds.  There are some crabs the burry themselves and live on the shores and others that strictly live in the water. The birds like sandpipers run up and down the beach, whereas others fly and search for fish, like pelicans. There are many creatures within the waters of Topsail Island; these include sharks, dolphins, whales, game fish, shelled creatures, and more. The most common sharks in our area are sand sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, thresher, black tip, white tip, and dogfish. Out of all of these sharks the sand shark and the most commonly seen whereas bull sharks are the most dangerous.

There are a series of aquariums within the local area all within a few hours apart. Each of these aquariums has something different to offer, and many things they share in common. Something I love about the Fort Fisher Aquarium over the Pine Knoll aquarium is the natural setting area. This area is an amazing ecosystem including alligators, turtles, birds, and plants. It is amazing. 

Mr. Hermit Crab

Strange Little Crabby

Baby LoggerHead ( I believe..) 

Take Two of the little lady swimming

Shark

Hes sooo adorable! Boxfish

Part of the natural environment area... 

Field Trip - Urban - New Bern North Carolina

The town I decided to take a “field trip” to New Bern, North Carolina, home of the Bear Town Bears and the birth place of Pepsi-Cola.

• •        Identify key historic landmarks in the historic downtown
• •        Describe the environmental context and how the urban and natural environments interface
• •        Describe changes to the city and the river over time
• •        Define changes in the social and economic role of the Downtown area over time
• •        Define sustainability within the context of an urban environment

While I was getting ready to take a tour of New Bern for the third time, I printed out the “Churches and Cemeteries Self-Guided Tour”.  I also learned that New Bern was established in 1710 where the Neuse and Trent Rivers meet, and is the second oldest town in North Carolina and the birth place of Pepsi-Cola!

Along with being known for its historic side, New Bern also has a wild collection of life sized bears sponsored by different stores and departments of town. Below is my favorite, the Bearer of Justice! LAW BEAR!

While walking through the town I fell in love with the appearance of a particular church (please see journal pictures are included there). The thing I love most about this church is grounds. There is an outdoor alter and seating areas for mass to take place, there is a play area, a working bell tower, and historic markers and burials on the grounds. All and all it is a beautiful and special place that adds so much character to New Bern’s Historic Downtown area.

Episcopal Church in town center of New Bern

The outdoors area attached to the church (I took this photo earlier in the year but I love the look of everything covered in snow)

The beautiful snow covered outdoor alter.

This is a tombstone within the grounds of the church. It starts off “Here lyes the body of….” He was 22 years old and died in 1759.

Along with this one church there were many other historic and beautiful churches along the walk.

Historic Catholic Church within New Bern once again with my lovely snow... I learned that during spring too many people walk through your pictures so it worked out better to use ones from winter with no tourists walking through them!!

One weird quirk that I personally have is that I love cemeteries. This love stems from a genuine interest in history and a love for historic markers. I think there is nothing more interesting than seeing the different burial markers and even the wording on those markers. The cemetery I visited in New Bern is called Cedar Grove Cemetery. This cemetery is a beautiful tribute to those who have passed. One thing is evident; when this cemetery was planned it is easy to see the city planners were concerned with keeping nature in the area.

Entry way into Cedar Grove Cemetery.

 Throughout the town it is also evident that there is concern for the natural parts of the historic area. There are river walk areas, small relaxing parks included within the town even if it is just a pass through, the town is beautiful.

Another picture covered in snow from February, I love snow.  This is a small walk through between streets.

Another beautiful building that I did not personally visit because I did not feel like spending the money where there was so much to see outside. Tryon Palace was completed in 1770 and was the former home of British governor William Tryon. It then became the original state capitol building of newly-independent North Carolina and remained so until the 1790s. After this use of the Tyron Palace the building burnt to the ground and today an exact replica stands in place. A replica, built from the original plans and on the original foundation, and is now maintained as a historic site and tourist attraction

Honestly it’s hard to know how the river has changed overtime but one thing is for sure, the town cares about the appearance. Since New Bern was established because of its ideal location where to rivers meet it is easy to understand that part of New Bern’s history and importance is surrounded by the history of these two particular rivers.  New Bern has experienced many changes since its establishment. It is no longer a center for state responsibilities, which has been moved to Raleigh.  Today it is mostly a tourist attraction area and home to a great writer, Nicolas Sparks. Also, parts of the movie, A Walk to Remember with Mandy Moore were filmed there. There is another self-guided tour called “A Walk to Remember Tour” which while walking you can point out certain features from the movie.

READING #16 - The Land Ethic

There was a lot of material in this reading, some of it which was hard for me to tie together. Land ethics is all about protecting out world and finding ways to make our resources last. We learned we were came from and we can see where we are going if nothing changes. There are many people out there making many small efforts to help out land, although these small efforts are great without the backing of a majority of our population they are making little impact. The most important thing we can do is learn about our lands, learn everything we can, take the knowledge we gain, and use it to benefit our futures. I feel that although each time we destroy habitats and they grow back in a lessor status we cannot blame ours community. For example, it is our fault when reckless individuals destroy habitats by disconcern, but when farmers destroy local water sources or pollute our water tables I do not feel they are to blame because our government has not given the aid or resources to be able to use and afford cleaner methods to care for crops. It is important to understand that we must take care of our planet because without our resources we will no longer exist. Our resources include our rivers, soils, plants, and animals; if any one of these resources became fully tainted we would be in a situation of urgency, if not facing a loss of future.  It is sad how many plants and animals we have already lost because of loss of habitat, I wish it were easier to prevent it, but without the world’s money supporting the cause it will be a slow and small effort. 

READING #14 - Reason to Hope.

Well first of all I wanted to point out something about Sturgeon. This is an amazing prehistoric fish raising awareness in many places. Where I came from in Florida the Yellow River was a clean habitat where they still live. There were signs all up and down the sides of the river saying "Beware of jumping Sturgeon." Now where I live in North Carolina there is something called "Riverworks at Sturgeon City" which is a clean up effort to restore the habitat of the Wilson Bay to get rid of the sludge keeping the bottom-feeding sturgeon from eating and returning to breed.
Back to the question. . .
This question boggles me a bit. I do feel that there is always a reason for children to hope and enjoy their youth, while still respecting and learning about our history and our habitat. I feel it is very important for children to know what we share our habitat with and how their lives are just as important as our own. Although I am disappointed with our preservation attempts there is always a reason to hope.

Personal Reflection on Ecological Footprint and other things

So,I took the quiz, and my Ecological Footprint is = 4.46 earths... but I feel like mine is inaccurate. I think I also answered a question wrong, but I think mine is lower because during the summer I grow almost 85% of my vegetables I constantly cook, during the winter I leave the heater set to 60 degrees and during the winter I keep the house at 78 degrees....
Well I do not think mine is bad compared to the rest of America.

Well.... that is that.

Field Trip - Forest - Eglin AFB Reservation

Freshwater and Forest Environment: Eglin Air Force Base Reservation

• •        Discuss  the  historical  trends  leading  to  preservation  of  habitat  and  species  at this site.
• •        Describe  the  value  of  wetlands  in  protecting  water  quality,  maintaining  biodiversity  and preserving  the  watershed.
• •        Describe  the  role  and  value  of  fire,  water,  elevation  and  other  climatic  events  and  how they  impact  the  habitats  at this site.
• •        Identify the main species from each habitat on site.
• •        Identify  sustainable  and  environmental  initiatives  at this site

The Eglin AFB Reservation was at one time and still is an active testing area for the military base. Most of the testing they do takes place at night or if during the day parts of the reservation will be closed. Every year a new map is printed and will be given to you at the time of your reservation pass renewal. The reason behind this pass is so that everyone is educated on endangered species found within the reservation as well as what to do if you come across military paraphernalia including dangerous live ordinance.

Testing Area and restricted “red” zone for pass holders.

Although the military uses this area for testing they are at large protecting many endangered species within this property.  One of Eglin AFB’s largest research project and ecological win is the red-cockaded woodpecker, please see attached article below. Some of the endangered plant and animal species found there are:  The Darter which 95% of the world’s population is located within Eglin AFB property, the red-cockaded woodpecker, the bald eagle, the gopher turtles, and MANY MORE. I was trying to find a complete list but I was unable for some reason, I thought it would be easier, but no luck so far.

Other than endangered species Eglin AFB reservation is home to a large variety of wildlife. These animals include black bears, bobcats, alligators, turtles including the box turtle, gopher turtle, and soft-shell turtle, diamond back rattlesnakes, white - tailed deer, and many freshwater fish species.

A local deer

Armadillo

A local hunter standing on the roof his truck, better to see I suppose…

Eglin AFB maintains this natural reservation by using controlled burns to keep the brush under control and to prevent over growth and non-usability of the land for military purposes.

Here is a photo I took during a controlled burn

During Hurricane season in Florida Eglin works hard to maintain the usability of all dirt roads through the reservation. This is important because at least 90% of the roads throughout are all dirt roads. Some roles of maintaining this is to keep downed trees cleaned up, therefore protected the ecosystem and road system.

Eglin is a sustainable environment because of conservation attempts by the local wildlife management teams.  Eglin has so many different types of habitats including freshwater, saltwater, and wooded areas.  The area is protected from people driving unless they have a pass obtained through the Jackson Guard. Also, no one is allowed within the property before sunrise or after sunset and this is strictly enforced by reservation park managers and military police.  I grew up swimming in these creeks, running through the woods, fishing in the waters here. Nothing makes me happier than to know that this area is protected and will always be enjoyed by many generations to come. This is especially important with all the building happening to encourage tourists in my hometown.

Freshwater Habitats found within the reservation

All of the roads throughout Eglin’s Reservation are numbered similar to highways. These markers help you to find your way through using the yearly updated map.

Here is a great write up about the achievements of Eglin AFB in the area of wildlife preservation:

One of the installations achieving program victories in 2010 was Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Measures taken by program officials there have resulted in population increases for both the Okaloosa darter and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

The darter relies on clear water streams, and approximately 95 percent of the total remaining population of the tiny endangered fish resides on the base. Base officials' efforts to abate erosion at stream crossings and improve crossing structures in critical habitat areas have resulted in a population increase and a determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to down-list the species from "endangered" to "threatened" status.

The proposed rule is currently under review and will likely be published as a final rule in the federal register in the near future, according to base officials.

"It was up to the Air Force to make it or break it for this species," said Bruce Hagedorn, a supervisory biologist at Eglin AFB. "This was a monumental victory. It is the first vertebrate species down-listed solely by actions on a military installation."

The victory is the result of hard work and the implementation of innovative measures, such as creating and installing a sky-lighted culvert on Eglin AFB's golf course. The well-lit culvert encourages fish to travel through it while still allowing golfers to traverse the course.

Eglin AFB officials also made strides in protecting another endangered species on base: the red-cockaded woodpecker. Old-growth longleaf pine trees on the installation are the preferred habitat for the bird, and Eglin AFB's forest represents the largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in the world.

Wildlife biologists at Eglin AFB have mapped, monitored and protected existing woodpecker clusters and created new nest sites for population expansion by drilling tree cavities. 

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123245391

Reading #13 - Rachel Carson

One thing is for sure, for her time and for ours Rachel Carson is an amazing woman and still leads the way for many in these fields of research. She loved what she did and it showed. I really enjoyed the first video and all of this historic photos within it. I love history and when it is tied with photography it is that much better!
I know that in my community today pesticides are a large part of the lifestyle. I live in a farming area and I can be sure they are used to help the crops along with fertilizers and who knows what else, even my neighbors use them to control the pests or bugs in their yard. Although I have been trying not to I have found the organic bug products just do not work as well. I sprayed a group of aphids several days in a row and guess what, the little buggers are still there. I feel we would have opportunity not to use them if we had better alternatives.

Reading #12 - The Nature of the Everglades

I think the Everglades are an invaluable resource of Florida. Although I think we need to do a lot of work to preserve the natural species and remove the invasive ones, I think it is 100% worth preserving, like Marjory Douglas said, Florida is home to the ONLY Everglades in the world, why would we not want to protect and preserve this ecological marvel. Plus with so many species disappearing like the Florida panthers why would we not want to protect their home?
Everyone deserves a chance to see what we have had the pleasure and respect to learn about and admire.

Reading #11 - Endgame, Michael Grunwald

There are statements I agree with and statements I disagree with as with any topic. One statement I am glad he brought up is that without saving the natural environment of the birds, large cats, and other wildlife it is impossible to protect and save them. For example, natural environment for polar bears continues to break apart and shrink we are not going to save the species of polar bears. We may be able to save a few and keep the species in existence but it will never thrive without its natural environment, the same goes for Florida’s wildlife. Today we are building everywhere to compensate for the large volumes of people we are trying to attract and gain interest from. This is good in a financial and economical perspective for Florida, but this is not so good in an ecological view.  We have to ask people to turn off their condo lights at night so we do not confuse baby turtles when we should not have condos to close to turtles’ nests and the beach to begin with. We are being forced to look into remedies for issues we have caused; this is not how it should be.  Although I do not care about conserving and protecting all Florida wildlife (Alligators are not on my protection list, lol) I have reasons behind my views, I do care about preserving some of Florida’s nature. Washington state would be nothing if it were not for its sequoia forests and Florida is nothing without its springs, creeks, beaches, and wildlife. 

Reading #10 - Reflection on Vandana Shiva.

There is a point where I completely agree with Vandana Shiva. I think it is fantastic that she is so true to her culture and roots, I commend her. I could not do it today, but I was not raise to view life and leisure the same way she has. My views on clothing differ greatly, but as do most women's views.
Anyways where I feel we are similar.... I agree on her views to keep the natural species growing in their natural environment and where it is better to use natural varieties rather than bio-engineered varieties. For example, I know their are engineering soybeans to create a larger harvest in a shorter time, but I feel creating all these "designer" plant genes are only setting us up for failure. It would be like creating a human who never got sick, its just weird!
Also about the non-native species, we are already have issues with non-native species haven't we learned its just not a good idea, LOL. For example, kudzo that stuff takes over like crazy, snake fish they are a tremendous problem in many water ways, non native snakes in the everglades, and teague in south Florida, ALL invasive accidently introduced non-native species....

Reading #9 - Tale of Two Farms - Personal Reflection

The main issue I had with these videos was Jared Diamond’s voice. I am sure that does not sound good, but instead of watching the videos I came agree a transcript from a college where he was discussing his theories on these subject matters.

I believe Mr. Diamond made some great points some of which were prior knowledge to me but I thought it was fascinating how he pointed out certain things. For example, over the years there have been many cultures and societies that have failed and typically those are the ones we focus on and learn about in classes, but I had never thought of Japan as a long term successful society until today.  

Consider Japan. In the 1600's, the country faced its own crisis of deforestation, paradoxically brought on by the peace and prosperity following the Tokugawa shoguns' military triumph that ended 150 years of civil war. The subsequent explosion of Japan's population and economy set off rampant logging for construction of palaces and cities, and for fuel and fertilizer.

http://peakoil.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3815

Japan is responsible for deforestation of their own lands but while they did so it is important to recognize their efforts to regrow their native lands with the creation of their self-planted plantations.

I never thought about the fact that America without its 50 states would never survive. We have grown so tightly together that each area brings its own something to the table to complete what we are. Although that sounds great, I believe without the aid and resources of many of our foreign allies we would not be where we are today.

We should not solely learn about the societal failures in school, it should be made clear that with these failures many cultures were able to thrive and become great powers today like Japan and Iceland. Today Iceland has the sixth-highest per-capita income in the world and that is definitely due to a societal failure we learned about in school.