Lesson 2 Water - Everglades Foundation

Transcription

Dear Teacher:
Welcome to Exploring the Everglades! This set of lesson plans for high school students will
help raise awareness about America’s most important wetland ecosystem.
The Everglades are a national treasure. The ecosystem is home to hundreds of species of
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It is home to 67 threatened and endangered species, provides fresh water to 7 million
south Floridians, and is an international destination.
However, Florida’s Everglades are on life support. More than 100 years of ditching and
draining have reduced the wetlands to half their original size; its wading bird population
is diminished by 90 percent; and pollution and other impacts have harmed much of the
remaining ecosystem.
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Everglades. The state of Florida has initiated other essential legislation and programs.
These lesson plans will introduce high school students to key aspects of the Everglades
ecosystem including water, land and people, and the restoration of the Kissimmee River.
Exploring the Everglades is presented by the Everglades Foundation. The Everglades
Foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural
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on the ecosystem and provide policymakers and the public with an honest and
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organization and funds to support this and other programs are donated. For more
information about this curriculum and the Everglades Foundation, please contact us:
evergladesfoundation.org
The Everglades Foundation
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www.evergladesfoundation.org
Table of Contents
Lesson Plans for High School
Environmental Education Teacher’s Lesson Plan
2
LESSON 1 | HISTORY
18
LESSON 2 | WATER
24
LESSON 3 | GEOGRAPHY
26
LESSON 4 | GEOLOGY
31
LESSON 5 | ECOLOGY
36
LESSON 6 | ECONOMICS
41
LESSON 7 | RESTORATION
48
LESSON 8 | FIELD EXPEDITIONS
50
LESSON 9 | VOCABULARY
Exploring the Everglades Lesson Plans for High School
www.evergladesfoundation.org
Lesson 1
History
Sources: Pam Kraus and Matthew Zealy, South Plantation High
School, Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration
Magnet Program; Deering Estate at Cutler Environmental
Education Program
SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS
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OVERVIEW
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is today half the size it was a century ago. This “River of Grass” is a mosaic of sawgrass
marshes, freshwater ponds, prairies and forested uplands that supports a rich plant and wildlife
community. The mix of salt and fresh water makes it the only place on Earth where alligators
and crocodiles exist side by side.
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comprising the southern half of a large watershed. The system begins near Orlando with the
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of the state.
www.evergladesfoundation.org | 2
Lesson 1
History
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“River of Grass” to describe the sawgrass marshes, part of a complex system of interdependent
ecosystems that include cypress swamps, the estuarine mangrove forests of the Ten Thousand
Islands, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine rockland, and the marine environment of Florida
Bay.
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assimilated other peoples into their own, made their living in the Everglades region after being
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substantially at this time and Everglades water was diverted to cities. Portions of the Everglades
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percent of the original Everglades has been turned into agricultural or urban areas. When the
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Everglades then became a priority.
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global importance. Restoration began in the 1980s with the removal of a canal that straightened
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years have compromised the plan.
Lesson 1
History
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borders of the sea coast, and the mouths of rivers”.
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hay-okee, meaning “Grassy Water”, and the region was labeled “Pa-hai-okee” on an American
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War.
NATIVE AMERICANS
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to Florida probably following large game that included giant sloths, saber-toothed cats, and
spectacled bears. They found an arid landscape that supported plants and animals adapted
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large animals became extinct in Florida, and the Paleo- Indians slowly adapted and became
the Archaic peoples. They conformed to the environmental changes, and created many tools
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in population and cultural activity. Florida Indians developed into three distinct but similar
cultures that were named for the bodies of water near where they were located: Okeechobee,
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CALUSA AND TEQUESTA
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Most of their tools were made of bone or teeth, although sharpened reeds were also effective for
Lesson 1
History
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7,000. The society declined in power and population; by 1697 their number was estimated to be
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relocated again to the Florida Keys.
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they were greatly feared by sailors who suspected them of torturing and killing survivors of
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were under assault from a neighboring tribe. When only 30 members were left, they were
removed to Havana. A British surveyor in 1770 described multiple deserted villages in the
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SEMINOLE
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Okeechobee. They soon ranged farther south where they numbered approximately 300 in the
Everglades region. They made a living by hunting and trading with white settlers, and raised
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large, due to the limited size of the hammocks.
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Lesson 1
History
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altered their ways of life. They began to work in local farms, ranches, and souvenir stands. As
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with the Everglades, simultaneously seeking privacy and serving as a tourist attraction, wrestling
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Florida featuring casino gaming that support the tribe.
EXPLORATION
The military penetration of southern Florida offered the opportunity to map a poorly understood
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intended as a retreat for the rascally Indian, from which the white man would never seek to
drive them”.
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paradise for Indians, alligators, serpents, frogs, and every other kind of loathsome reptile.” In
1897, explorer Hugh Willoughby spent eight days canoeing with a party from the mouth of
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Democrat. Willoughby described the water as healthy and wholesome, with numerous springs,
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pointed out that much of the rest of the country had been explored and mapped except for
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seventy miles wide that is as much unknown to the white man as the heart of Africa”.
Lesson 1
History
DRAINAGE
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the 19th century, which stimulated interest in draining the Everglades for agricultural use.
According to historians, “From the middle of the nineteenth century to the middle of the
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not questioned. Indeed, it was considered the proper thing to do.” Draining the Everglades
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be responsible for funding the attempts at developing wetlands into farmlands. Florida quickly
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Reconstruction halted progress until after 1877.
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whose purpose was to improve the state’s roads, canals, and rail lines. The IIF found a
Pennsylvania real estate developer named Hamilton Disston interested in implementing plans
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Though Disston’s canals did not drain well, his purchase primed the economy of Florida. It
made news and attracted tourists and land buyers. Within four years property values doubled,
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opportunity to improve transportation presented itself when oil tycoon Henry Flagler began
purchasing land and building rail lines along the east coast of Florida, as far south as Palm Beach
in 1893. Along the way he built resort hotels, transforming territorial outposts into tourist
destinations, and the land bordering the rail lines into citrus farms. By 1896 the rail line had
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Miami voted to incorporate the town. Miami became a prime destination for extremely wealthy
people after the Royal Palm Hotel was opened.
Lesson 1
History
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promise to “drain that abominable pestilence-ridden swamp”, and pushed the Florida legislature
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established the Everglades Drainage District and began to study how to build the most effective
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to build railway stations at towns as soon as the populations warranted them.
GROWTH OF URBAN AREAS
With the construction of canals, newly reclaimed Everglades land was promoted throughout
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promised within eight weeks of arrival, a farmer could be making a living, although for many it
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wilted and died seemingly without reason.
The increasing population in towns near the Everglades provided hunting opportunities.
Raccoons and otters were the most widely hunted for their skins. Hunting often went
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birds were a particular target. Their feathers were used in women’s hats in the late 19th century
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shot usually in the spring, when their feathers were colored for mating and nesting. The plumes,
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to lay in watch of nests of egrets and many colored birds during the nesting season, shoot the
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plumes from a hundred birds on a good day.
Lesson 1
History
Rum-runners used the Everglades as a hiding spot during Prohibition; it was so vast there were
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that adding trace elements like copper was the remedy for crops sprouting and dying quickly,
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6XJDUFDQHEHFDPHWKHSULPDU\FURSJURZQLQ6RXWK)ORULGD0LDPLH[SHULHQFHGDVHFRQGUHDO
estate boom. Waterfront property was the most highly valued. Mangrove trees were cut down
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FOHDUHG6RPHRIWKHSLQHZDVIRUOXPEHUEXWPRVWRIWKHSLQHIRUHVWVLQ'DGH&RXQW\ZHUH
cleared for development.
FLOOD CONTROL
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+XUULFDQHRUGHUHGWKH$UP\&RUSVRI(QJLQHHUVWRDVVLVWWKHFRPPXQLWLHVVXUURXQGLQJWKH
lake. Between 1930 and 1937 a dike 66 miles long was built around the southern edge of the
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World War II.
Immediately the effects of the Hoover Dike were seen. An extended drought occurred in the
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intruded into Miami’s wells; when the city brought in an expert to explain why, he discovered
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,QDPLOOLRQDFUHVRI(YHUJODGHVEXUQHGDQGWKHEODFNFORXGVRISHDWDQGVDZJUDVVÀUHV
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that the organic composition of peat and muck in the Everglades make it prone to soil
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Lesson 1
History
with the process of decomposition under water, which is generally very slow, partially due to
the low levels of dissolved oxygen. When water levels became so low that peat and muck were
at the surface, the bacteria interacted with much higher levels of oxygen in the air, rapidly
breaking down the soil. In some places, homes had to be moved to stilts and 8 feet of soil was
lost.
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
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editor from The Miami Herald DQGIUHHODQFHZULWHUQDPHG0DUMRU\6WRQHPDQ'RXJODVUHOHDVHG
KHUÀUVWERRNWLWOHGThe Everglades: River of Grass$IWHUUHVHDUFKLQJWKHUHJLRQIRUÀYH\HDUV
VKHGHVFULEHGWKHKLVWRU\DQGHFRORJ\RIWKH6RXWK)ORULGDLQJUHDWGHWDLO6KHFKDUDFWHUL]HGWKH
Everglades as a river instead of a stagnant swamp. The last chapter was titled, “The Eleventh
Hour” and warned that the Everglades were dying, although it could be reversed.
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN FLORIDA FLOOD CONTROL
PROJECT
The same year the park was dedicated, two hurricanes and the wet season caused 100 inches
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QRUWKHUQ(YHUJODGHVZHUH:DWHU&RQVHUYDWLRQ$UHDV:&$VDQGWKH(YHUJODGHV$JULFXOWXUDO
$UHD($$ERUGHULQJWRWKHVRXWKRI/DNH2NHHFKREHH,QWKHVRXWKHUQ(YHUJODGHVZDV
(YHUJODGHV1DWLRQDO3DUN/HYHHVDQGSXPSLQJVWDWLRQVERUGHUHGHDFK:&$DQGUHOHDVHG
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miles of canals, and hundreds of pumping stations and levees within three decades. During the
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Much of the water reclaimed from the Everglades was sent to newly developed areas.
Lesson 1
History
EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA
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for vegetables. The primary cash crop in the EAA is sugarcane, though sod, beans, lettuce,
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two sides, that are connected to larger canals where water is pumped in or out depending on the
needs of the crops. The fertilizers used on vegetables, along with high concentrations of nitrogen
and phosphorus that are the byproduct of decayed soil necessary for sugarcane production, were
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characteristics of natural Everglades ecology is its ability to support itself in a nutrient-poor
environment, and the introduction of fertilizers began to alter the plant life in the region.
JETPORT PROPOSITION
A turning point came for development in the Everglades at the proposition of an expanded
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Program.
Lesson 1
History
RESTORATION – Kissimmee River
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straightening the Kissimmee River, a meandering 90-mile long river that was drained to make
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future consequences, costing billions of dollars with no end in sight. After Governor Bob
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WATER QUALITY
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drained, the phosphorus entered the water in the marshes, changing the nutrient levels. It kept
periphyton from forming marl, one of two soils in the Everglades. The arrival of phosphorus
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alligators to nest in. It also dissolved oxygen in the peat, promoted algae, and prohibited growth
of native invertebrates on the bottom of the food chain.
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were expelling mercury into the atmosphere, and it fell as rain or dust during droughts. The
naturally occurring bacteria that reduce sulfur in the Everglades ecosystem were transforming
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emissions standards helped lower mercury coming from power plants and incinerators, which in
turn lowered mercury levels found in animals, though they continue to be a concern. (Warnings
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Lesson 1
History
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rock and layers of peat and calcareous periphyton. Testing has shown this method to be more
effective than previously anticipated, bringing levels from 80 ppb to 10 ppb.
INVASIVE SPECIES
The Everglades also face an ongoing threat from the melaleuca tree because they take water in
greater amounts than other trees. Melaleucas grow taller and more densely in the Everglades
than in their native Australia, making them unsuitable as nesting areas for birds with wide
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Brazilian pepper, or Florida holly, has also wreaked havoc on the Everglades, exhibiting
a tendency to spread rapidly and to crowd out native species of plants as well as to create
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readily propagated by birds, which eat its small red berries. The Brazilian Pepper problem is not
exclusive to the Everglades; neither is the water hyacinth, which is a widespread problem in
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The Old World climbing fern may be causing the most harm to restoration as it blankets areas
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ladders”, allowing parts of the trees to burn that would otherwise remain unharmed.
Many pets have escaped or been released into the Everglades from the surrounding urban areas.
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blue tilapias cause damage to shallow waterways by creating large nests and consuming aquatic
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Lesson 1
History
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square mile. In such close numbers in historic migratory areas, they have devastating effects on
migratory bird populations.
COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN
Though scientists made headway in decreasing mercury and phosphorus levels in water, the
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ecosystems to the lower quality of life in urban areas. The report noted past environmental
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water level changes, hypersalinity, and dramatic changes in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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cities would have annual water restrictions.
Lesson 1
History
The Restudy came with a plan to stop the declining environmental quality, and this proposal
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UHWLUHG$FFRUGLQJWRDVWRU\LQ7KH1HZ<RUN7LPHVVWDWHRIÀFLDOVVD\WKHUHVWRUDWLRQLVORVWLQ
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DVWKHSURMHFWVVODWHGIRU$FFHOHUHQYLURQPHQWDODFWLYLVWVQRWHDUHWKRVHWKDWEHQHÀWXUEDQ
areas, and regions in the Everglades in desperate need of water are still being neglected,
suggesting that water is being diverted to make room for more people in an already overtaxed
environment.
FUTURE OF THE EVERGLADES
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the plant. The area, which includes 187,000 acres of land, would then be rehabilitated and
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UHYLVHGWRRIIHUELOOLRQDOORZLQJVXJDUPLOOVLQ&OHZLVWRQWRUHPDLQLQSURGXFWLRQ
Lesson 1
History
&ULWLFVRIWKHUHYLVHGSODQVD\WKDWLWHQVXUHVVXJDUFDQHZLOOEHJURZQLQWKH(YHUJODGHVIRUDW
least another decade. Further research is being done to address the continuing production of
sugarcane in the Everglades to minimize phosphorus runoff.
(YHUJODGHVUHVWRUDWLRQUHFHLYHGPLOOLRQRIWKH$PHULFDQ5HFRYHU\DQG5HLQYHVWPHQW$FW
RI$VDUHVXOWRIWKHVWLPXOXVSDFNDJHDPLOHORQJEULGJHWRUHSODFHWKH7DPLDPL7UDLOD
URDGWKDWERUGHUV(YHUJODGHV1DWLRQDO3DUNWRWKHQRUWKDQGKDVEORFNHGZDWHUIURPUHDFKLQJ
WKHVRXWKHUQ(YHUJODGHVZDVEHJXQE\WKH$UP\&RUSVRI(QJLQHHUVLQ'HFHPEHU7KH
QH[WPRQWKZRUNEHJDQWRUHFRQVWUXFWWKH&FDQDOHDVWRIWKHSDUNWKDWKLVWRULFDOO\
GLYHUWHGZDWHULQWR)ORULGD%D\*RYHUQRU&KDUOLH&ULVWDQQRXQFHGWKHVDPHPRQWKWKDW
PLOOLRQRIVWDWHIXQGVZRXOGEHHDUPDUNHGIRU(YHUJODGHVUHVWRUDWLRQ,Q0D\PLOHVRI
bridges were proposed to be added to the Tamiami Trail.
REFERENCE I
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Lesson 1
History
REFERENCE II
(IIHFWVRIWKH&HQWUDO6RXWK)ORULGD3URMHFW
Effects
Lesson 2
Water
TOPICS COVERED
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OVERVIEW
Water is the vital essence of the Everglades…the life blood. Water is the key to a healthy habitat
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water in the system, must be altered to balance out human and environmental needs.
7KHFRQVLVWHQW(YHUJODGHVÁRRGLQJLVIHGE\WKHH[WHQVLYH.LVVLPPHH&DORRVDKDWFKHH0\DNND
DQG3HDFH5LYHUVLQFHQWUDO)ORULGD7KH.LVVLPPHH5LYHULVDEURDGÁRRGSODLQWKDWHPSWLHV
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IHHWPLVDYDVWEXWVKDOORZODNH6RLOGHSRVLWVLQWKH(YHUJODGHVEDVLQLQGLFDWHWKDWSHDW
LVGHSRVLWHGZKHUHWKHODQGLVÁRRGHGFRQVLVWHQWO\WKURXJKRXWWKH\HDU&DOFLXPGHSRVLWVDUHOHIW
EHKLQGZKHQÁRRGLQJLVVKRUWHU7KHGHSRVLWVRFFXULQDUHDVZKHUHZDWHUULVHVDQGIDOOVGHSHQGLQJ
RQUDLQIDOODVRSSRVHGWRZDWHUEHLQJVWRUHGLQWKHURFNIURPRQH\HDUWRWKHQH[W&DOFLXP
deposits are present where more limestone is exposed.
The area from Orlando to the tip of the Florida peninsula was at one point a single drainage unit.
:KHQUDLQIDOOH[FHHGHGWKHFDSDFLW\RI/DNH2NHHFKREHHDQGWKH.LVVLPPHH5LYHUÁRRGSODLQLW
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Lesson 2
Water
Prior to urban and agricultural development in Florida, the Everglades began at the southern
HGJHRI/DNH2NHHFKREHHDQGÁRZHGIRUDSSUR[LPDWHO\PLOHVNPHPSW\LQJLQWRWKH
Gulf of Mexico. The limestone shelf is wide and slightly angled instead of having a narrow, deep
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%D\LVDERXWLQFKHVFPSHUPLOHFUHDWLQJDQDOPRVWPLOHNPZLGHH[SDQVHRI
ULYHUWKDWWUDYHOVDERXWKDOIDPLOHNPDGD\7KLVVORZPRYHPHQWRIDEURDGVKDOORZULYHU
LVNQRZQDVVKHHWÁRZDQGJLYHVWKH(YHUJODGHVLWVQLFNQDPH5LYHURI*UDVV
:DWHUOHDYLQJ/DNH2NHHFKREHHPD\UHTXLUHPRQWKVRU\HDUVWRUHDFKLWVÀQDOGHVWLQDWLRQ
)ORULGD%D\7KHVKHHWÁRZWUDYHOVVRVORZO\WKDWZDWHULVW\SLFDOO\VWRUHGIURPRQHZHWVHDVRQWR
WKHQH[WLQWKHSRURXVOLPHVWRQHVXEVWUDWH7KHHEEDQGÁRZRIZDWHUKDVVKDSHGWKHODQGDQG
HYHU\HFRV\VWHPLQ6RXWK)ORULGDWKURXJKRXWWKH(YHUJODGHV·HVWLPDWHG\HDUVRIH[LVWHQFH
7KHPRWLRQRIZDWHUGHÀQHVSODQWFRPPXQLWLHVDQGKRZDQLPDOVDGDSWWRWKHLUKDELWDWVDQG
food sources.
Water is the most dominant force and substance in the Everglades, and it shapes the land,
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levels rose. This submerged portions of the Florida peninsula and caused the water table to rise.
Fresh water saturated the limestone that underlies the Everglades, eroding some of it away, and
created springs and sinkholes. The abundance of fresh water allowed new vegetation to take
root, and formed convective thunderstorms over the land through evaporation.
As rain continued to fall, the slightly acidic rainwater dissolved the limestone. As limestone
wore away, the groundwater came into contact with the land surface and created a massive
ZHWODQGHFRV\VWHP$OWKRXJKWKHUHJLRQDSSHDUVÁDWZHDWKHULQJRIWKHOLPHVWRQHFUHDWHGVOLJKW
valleys and plateaus in some areas. These plateaus rise and fall only a few inches, but on the
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types of vegetation that can take hold.
ACTIVITY II
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Lesson 2
Water
REFERENCE I
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Lesson 2
Water
Lesson 2
Water
REFERENCE II
7KH(YHUJODGHV,W·VWKH:DWHU<RX'ULQN
THE EVERGLADES …
...IT’S THE WATER YOU DRINK
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There is no substitute. Only those without it understand its true value; it is truly priceless. Here
is how water from the Everglades is used by Florida residents on a daily basis:
DRINKING WATER
<RXUERG\LV
water, and without it,
\RXZLOOGLH&OHDQ
safe water is available
IRUMXVWSHQQLHVD
gallon, thanks to the
Everglades.
WATERING
RECREATION
GOLF COURSES
What is more
Our sunny warm winter
Half of the water used in
refreshing than
attracts visitors and residents
our homes goes to water
a quick dip in a
to Florida, and sports like
our lawns and gardens.
Planting Florida-friendly backyard swimming golf are a big draw. They use
pool on a hot summer RIRXUWRWDOZDWHUDQG
landscaping, which
requires less water, helps GD\"-XVWDQRWKHUJLIW employ more than 70,000
from the Everglades.
people statewide.
the Everglades.
FARMING
BUSINESSES
CLEANING
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LQ6RXWK)ORULGDLVDJULFXOWXUDO
irrigation. Without a reliable
supply from the Everglades, much
RIWKHELOOLRQDJULFXOWXUDO
sector could not exist.
A reliable water supply underlies
the entire economy of Florida.
Plant nurseries, which export
PRUHWKDQPLOOLRQZRUWKRI
tropical plants around the world,
rely on clean, fresh water.
The average family can use
JDOORQVHYHU\GD\LQWKHLU
home. Modern conveniences like
dishwashers, washing machines,
and hot showers are all supported
by water from the Everglades.
Lesson 2
Water
SAVING THE EVERGLADES =
PROTECTING OUR WATER SUPPLY
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for their water supply. The future of our state, our businesses and our homes depends on
maintaining and protecting our source of clean, fresh water.
1.
When rain falls on the
cities of Florida, much
of it has to be drained
away to protect our
homes, businesses and
farms. But in
the Everglades, the
UDLQVÀOOXSWKH
grassy waters.
2.
3.
4.
The wetlands of the
When the rains stop
Florida cities tap this
Everglades act like an
and the dry season
underground supply with
enormous sponge, storing
sets in, water seeps
wells, and then distribute
up the rain that falls during through a very porous
it through a network of
the rainy season. The water aquifer, acting like an
pipes directly to homes
stored in the Everglades
underground river,
and businesses. Each
gives life to a myriad of
recharging the water
person in Florida uses
plants and animals found
supplies of the nearby
an average 180 gallons
nowhere else on earth.
cities, towns, and farms.
every day.
To learn more on how to protect our water supply,
YLVLWRXU:HEVLWHZZZHYHUJODGHVIRXQGDWLRQRUJRUFDOOXVWRGD\DW
Lesson 3
Geography
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OVERVIEW
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Okeechobee Everglades watershed
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Knowing basic geology and rock types helps us understand the land we live on. By
understanding Florida’s geology, we better understand the importance of the Everglades.
Geologic processes occur over thousands and millions of years, and dramatically affect the
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Lesson 3
Geography
have many pores which allow for water move through them in the ground. This groundwater
supply is known as our aquifers. The way surface water seeps through the limestone below and
moves through the rocks is called hydrogeology. Our constant use of water and land use has
FDXVHGPDMRULVVXHVZLWKRXUZDWHUVXSSO\6DOWZDWHULQWUXVLRQLVRFFXUULQJEHFDXVHZHGUDZXS
more freshwater than is naturally replaced by rain or groundwater.
ACTIVITY I
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locate your neighborhood and compare the images. How are they different?
Lesson 4
Geology
TOPICS COVERED
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limestone create water-bearing rock and soil that affect the climate, weather, and hydrology
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geologic events of the past. The crust underneath Florida was at one point part of the African
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eastern side of Florida covered the prevalent sedimentary rock with igneous rock. When Florida
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Platform became a shallow marine environment in which sedimentary rocks were deposited.
The peninsula has been covered by seawater at least seven times since the bedrock formed.
7KHURFNVEHQHDWKWKH%LJ&\SUHVV6ZDPSDUHDPRQJWKHROGHVWLQ6RXWK)ORULGD6L[PLOOLRQ
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deposited on the bottom of this sea gradually cemented into limestone. Today this rock is called
the Tamiami Formation.
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Lesson 4
Geology
highly productive mangrove estuary. The resulting nutrient-rich soup supports a marine nursery
for pink shrimp, snook, and snapper.
Other rocks beneath the Everglades were formed during the time of the Great Ice Age.
Although no glaciers developed in Florida, their effects were felt here. As glaciers in other areas
RIWKHZRUOGH[SDQGHGPXFKRIWKHHDUWK·VZDWHUVXSSO\ZDVWUDSSHGLQWKHLFH6HDOHYHOVLQ
6RXWK)ORULGDORZHUHGDVPXFKDVIHHWEHORZSUHVHQWOHYHOV
The Great Ice Age was actually four shorter ice ages with periods of warming in between.
During these warmer interglacial stages, the ice melted and returned to the sea. The last
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100 feet above present levels.
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settling out of the water coated tiny bits of shell or sand in layer upon layer. The resulting
VSKHULFDOJUDLQVRIOLPHVWRQHDUHFDOOHGRRLGV7KH$WODQWLF&RDVWDO5LGJHZKLFKUXQVIURP
Mahogany Hammock northeast to Miami was formed as longshore currents pushed the ooids up
into a long ridge. The ooids later cemented into rock known as Miami Oolite. Miami Oolite also
FRYHUVPRVWRIWKHDUHDHDVWRI(YHUJODGHV1DWLRQDO3DUNDQGPRVWRI)ORULGD%D\
In quieter waters covering the central portions of the park, tiny moss animals called bryozoans
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As in most areas of south Florida, subtle changes in elevation result in dramatic changes in
YHJHWDWLRQFRPPXQLWLHV3LQHIRUHVWVDUHSUHVHQWRQWKHKLJKHUJURXQGRIWKH$WODQWLF&RDVWDO
5LGJH:KHUHÀUHKDVEHHQH[FOXGHGSLQHVJLYHZD\WRKDUGZRRGKDPPRFNV,QZHWWHUDUHDV
QHDUWKHHQGRIWKHULGJHGZDUISRQGF\SUHVVJURZ6RXWKRIWKHULGJHVDZJUDVVSUDLULHVWDNH
over again. A narrow band of mangroves fringes the southeast coast, and the shallow waters of
Florida Bay today provide an abundant food supply for great numbers of wading birds.
LIMESTONE AND AQUIFERS
Fluctuating sea levels compressed numerous layers of calcium carbonate, sand, and shells. The
UHVXOWLQJSHUPHDEOHOLPHVWRQHIRUPDWLRQVWKDWGHYHORSHGEHWZHHQPLOOLRQDQGPLOOLRQ
years ago created the Floridan Aquifer, which serves as the main source of fresh water for the
Lesson 4
Geology
northern portion of Florida. However, this aquifer lies beneath thousands of feet of impermeable
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and underlies the southern portion of the Everglades. Between the Tamiami Formation and
/DNH2NHHFKREHHLVWKH&DORRVDKDWFKHH)RUPDWLRQQDPHGIRUWKHULYHURYHULW0XFKOHVV
permeable, this formation is highly calcitic and is composed of sandy shell marl, clay, and
VDQG:DWHUXQGHUQHDWKWKH&DORRVDKDWFKHH)RUPDWLRQLVW\SLFDOO\YHU\PLQHUDOL]HG%RWKWKH
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formations in South Florida6RXUFH86*HRORJLFDO6XUYH\
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of dense, hard limestone, shells, and sand. Rainwater is less likely to erode the limestone to
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In this formation the beds are generally impermeable. Underneath the metropolitan areas
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and sand representing a former mangrove or salt marsh. The Anastasia Formation is much
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/LPHVWRQHDQGWKH)RUW7KRPSVRQ)RUPDWLRQ7KH0LDPL/LPHVWRQHIRUPVWKHÁRRURIWKH
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is made up of ooids: tiny formations of egg-shaped concentric shells and calcium carbonate,
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Oolite, which comprises facies of ooids and fossilized bryozoan organisms. The unique structure
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composition of this sedimentary formation affects the hydrology, plant life, and wildlife above
it: the rock is especially porous and stores water during the dry season in the Everglades, and its
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Lesson 4
Geology
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formed as waves compressed ooids into a single formation. Along the western border of the
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slight rise in elevation on both sides of the Everglades creates a basin, and forces water that
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metropolitan area’s fresh water source, called the Biscayne Aquifer. Rainfall and stored water in
the Everglades replenish the Biscayne Aquifer directly.
With the rise of sea levels that occurred during the Pleistocene approximately 17,000 years ago,
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PRISHDWLQWKHDUHD7KHSUHVHQFHRIVXFKSHDWGHSRVLWVGDWHGWRDERXW\HDUVDJRLV
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The underlying bedrock or limestone of the Everglades basin affects the hydroperiod, or how
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possible in areas that were submerged beneath seawater for longer periods of time, while the
geology of Florida was forming. More water is held within the porous ooids and limestone than
older types of rock that spent more time above sea level. A hydroperiod of ten months or more
fosters growth of sawgrass, whereas a shorter hydroperiod of six months or less promotes beds
of periphyton, a growth of algae and other microscopic organisms. There are only two types
of soil in the Everglades, peat and marl. Where there are longer hydroperiods, peat builds up
over hundreds or thousands of years due to many generations of decaying plant matter. Where
periphyton grows, the soil develops into marl, which is more calcitic in composition.
,QLWLDODWWHPSWVDWGHYHORSLQJDJULFXOWXUHQHDU/DNH2NHHFKREHHZHUHVXFFHVVIXOEXWWKH
nutrients in the peat were rapidly removed. In a process called soil subsidence, oxidation of peat
causes loss of volume. Bacteria decompose dead sawgrass slowly underwater without oxygen.
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UHDFWLRQRFFXUUHG0LFURRUJDQLVPVGHJUDGHGWKHSHDWLQWRFDUERQGLR[LGHDQGZDWHU6RPH
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farms had to have their foundations moved to stilts as the peat deteriorated; other areas lost
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Lesson 4
Geology
SUMMARY
Knowing basic geology and rock types helps us understand the land we live on. By
understanding Florida’s geology, we better understand the importance of the Everglades.
Geologic time is long and slow. Processes occur over thousands and millions of years, and
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formations occur in Florida like karsts, sinkholes, wetlands, and uplands due to limestone’s
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in the ground. This groundwater supply is known as our aquifers. The way surface water
seeps through the limestone below and moves through the rocks is called hydrogeology. Our
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intrusion is occurring because we draw up more freshwater than is naturally replaced by rain or
groundwater.
Lesson 5
Ecology
TOPICS COVERED
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OVERVIEW
Ecology is an essential part of Everglades restoration. Each animal and plant has a unique role
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the altered Everglades ecosystem. Exotic species now endanger the balance that once was
and habitats have been altered. The relationship of each habitat within the Everglades not
only shows that humans have changed the ecology of the historic Everglades, but also shows
the connection of all parts of the KOE watershed. Everglades restoration is possible when we
correctly understand and address the abiotic and biotic factors that cause the ecosystem to fail.
$QHFRV\VWHPLVDFRPPXQLW\RISODQWVDQGDQLPDOVWKDWOLYHWRJHWKHU6RXWK)ORULGDLVKRPHWR
many different ecosystems including coral reefs, dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood hammocks,
mangroves, pinelands and scrubs.
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CORAL REEFS
Over 30 different kinds of corals are found in Florida waters. Individual corals are interconnected
Lesson 5
Ecology
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colonies can form branching corals or massive head corals depending on species. As the colonies
compete for space, and as dead colonies are replaced, they grow on top of each other and build
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animals.
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WLVVXH7KH]RR[DQWKHOODHKHOSSURYLGHR[\JHQDQGIRRGIRUWKHSRO\SV&RUDOVWKDWOLYHLQGHHS
water, where there is no sunlight, do not have zooxanthellae.
DUNES
Dunes are created by wind, but are held in place by grasses that trap sand grains as they are
being moved across the beach. Dunes stabilized by grasses protect the coast against winds and
pounding waves. The vegetation found within Florida’s dunes varies and is dependent upon
many factors, including storm waves, windblown sand, salt spray, soil type, and climate.
Florida beaches are important nesting sites for sea turtles and shorebirds. A loss of beach habitat
to real estate development, erosion, and rising sea level has caused a decline in the nesting
shorebird and sea turtle populations.
FRESHWATER MARSHES
Freshwater marshes are generally wetlands with an open expanse of grasses and other grasslike plants. Freshwater marshes generally contain few, if any, trees and shrubs. Marshes have
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snakes, alligators, white-tailed deer, the Florida panther, and other mammals. Many waterbirds
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FRESHWATER SWAMPS
Freshwater swamps are generally wet, wooded areas where standing water occurs for at least part
of the year. Although the freshwater swamp seen in this picture is dominated by cypress trees,
Lesson 5
Ecology
other freshwater swamps found in Florida can be dominated by bay trees (i.e. sweetbay, sweet
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Many animals spend part of their lives in the swamp, moving as water levels rise and fall. Wood
storks, herons, many other birds, otters, black bear, and the Florida panther are only a few of the
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HARDWOOD HAMMOCKS
Hardwood hammocks are localized, thick stands of hardwood trees that can grow on natural
ULVHVRIRQO\DIHZLQFKHVRIODQG,Q6RXWK)ORULGDKDPPRFNVRFFXULQPDUVKHVSLQHODQGVDQG
mangrove swamps.
Hammocks may contain many different species of trees such as the sabal palm, live oak, red
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can be found here as well.
Wildlife in hammocks can include tree snails, raccoons, opossums, birds, snakes, lizards, tree
frogs, and large animals such as the Florida panther, bobcat, and deer.
MANGROVES
Three species of mangroves are found in Florida: the red mangrove, black mangrove, and white
mangrove. Typically, red mangroves grow along the water’s edge, black mangroves grow on
slightly higher elevations than the red mangrove, and white mangroves grow upland from the
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Mangroves provide protected habitat, breeding grounds, and nursery areas to many land and
marine animals. Mangroves also provide shoreline protection from wind, waves, and erosion.
PINELANDS
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DUHIRXQGRQQHDUO\OHYHOODQGRURQSRURXVOLPHVWRQH/RQJOHDISLQHDQGVODVKSLQHVDUHWKH
GRPLQDQWWUHHVLQSLQHODQGV8QGHUVWRU\SODQWVFRPPRQO\LQFOXGHVDZSDOPHWWRVZLOGÁRZHUV
and ferns.
Lesson 5
Ecology
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E\ÀUH)LUHVDUHEHQHÀFLDOWRWKHSLQHVEHFDXVH\RXQJSLQHVHHGOLQJVUHTXLUHORWVRIVXQOLJKWWR
VXUYLYHDQGWKHÀUHVGHVWUR\KDUGZRRGFRPSHWLWRUV:KHQÀUHVRFFXUKDUGZRRGVHHGOLQJVDQG
RWKHUXQGHUVWRU\SODQWVDUHDIIHFWHGEXWWKHWKLFNEDUNRIWKHSLQHUHVLVWVÀUHGDPDJH:LWKRXW
ÀUHVKDUGZRRGVZRXOGHYHQWXDOO\RYHUVKDGRZWKHSLQHVDQGDKDUGZRRGKDPPRFNZRXOG
emerge.
Wildlife commonly found in pinelands includes deer, squirrels, bobcats, skunks, opossums,
raccoons, birds, snakes, and tortoises.
SCRUBS
Generally, scrubs are communities that are mostly pinewoods with a thick understory of oaks
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here have adapted to dry conditions. Fires play an important role in scrub ecosystems; in the
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Animals that live in the scrub are adapted to hot, desert-like conditions. Gopher tortoises, scrub
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ACTIVITY I
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LQLPSDFWHGDUHDLHFDWWDLOVQRWHWKHSK\VLFDOGLIIHUHQFHVLQZHLJKWDQGEXONGHQVLW\PHDVXUHV
ACTIVITY II
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DGDSWDWLRQVWRVXUYLYHZKHUHWKH\OLYH3ODQWVGHWHUPLQHIDXQD²ZDGLQJELUGVÀVKQHHGVFHUWDLQ
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of wildlife?
Lesson 5
Ecology
RESOURCES
US Geological Survey
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
KWWSP\IZFFRP University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
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Everglades National Park
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US Geological Survey, South Florida Information Access
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Lesson 6
Economics
TOPICS COVERED
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OVERVIEW
Florida’s economy is a non-stop moving machine that is powered by my many factors – including
water. In order to preserve Floridians’ way of life, an understanding of how Florida’s natural
resources drive our economy is a must. Much has changed since agriculture was the main
force of Florida’s economy. The population has increased dramatically and the environment
is struggling to keep up. Many demands are placed upon the water supply and the Everglades
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Florida changes its perspective on economics, uses Everglades restoration in the process, and
utilizes water saving techniques then Florida may have a shot of becoming the center and leader
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REFERENCE I
(YHUJODGHV5HVWRUDWLRQ0DNHV(FRQRPLF6HQVH
EVERGLADES RESTORATION:
A 4-TO-1 RETURN ON INVESTMENT
BACKGROUND
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LQYHVWPHQWLQ(YHUJODGHVHFRV\VWHPUHVWRUDWLRQ&RQGXFWHGE\0DWKHU(FRQRPLFVWKH
Lesson 6
Economics
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LQJDLQVWR)ORULGD·VHFRQRP\DQGFUHDWHPRUHWKDQMREVRYHUWKHQH[W\HDUV)RU
HYHU\GROODULQYHVWHGLQ(YHUJODGHVUHVWRUDWLRQDUHJHQHUDWHGLQHFRQRPLFEHQHÀWV
ECONOMIC GAINS BY SECTOR
Water Quality: 28%
Real Estate: 35%
Enhanced availability of freshwater will
Property values are expected to increase
protect the region’s drinking water supply
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Florida Water Management District,
such as desalination facilities.
due to increased quality of drinking and
recreational water.
Fishing: 5%
Recreational and
Open Space: 2%
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Availability of trees and open space
industries will see
will help to offset impacts of sea level
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rise and global climate change.
the protection of territory
and enhanced water quality.
Park Visitation: 3%
Restoration of the Everglades
Habitat and Hunting: 27%
ecosystem will increase wildlife
Restoring the Everglades will provide
populations and allow for more recreational
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opportunities during park visitation for
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residents and tourists.
increased availability of hunting opportunities.
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economic impacts on basic services provided by this massive and complex ecosystem. However,
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YDOXHRIDUHVWRUHG(YHUJODGHVHFRV\VWHP7KHDELOLW\WRMXVWLI\WKHHFRQRPLFEHQHÀWVRIRQJRLQJ
wetland ecosystem restoration efforts is critical to the effort to secure additional support for
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Lesson 6
Economics
AMONG THE BENEFITS OF EVERGLADES RESTORATION,
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT:
Protection of Water Supply: Enhanced availability of freshwater, decreased costs of
alternative water supplies.
Restoring America’s Everglades is expected to result in at least the energy cost savings from
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desalinated before most uses.
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seawater seeping into the aquifer from below.
Enhanced Value of Real Estate: Increased property values due to the quality of water
in waterways and groundwater.
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Florida Water Management District. Water plays an important role in the determination of
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are among the water attributes that are valued by real estate buyers. For example, lakeside or
seaside properties sell at a premium to properties located away from bodies of water. A home on
a clear stream trades at a premium compared to a similar home on a polluted stream.
Park Visitation and Tourism: A restored ecosystem and improved wildlife
population allows for additional recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
7KH(YHUJODGHVLVRQHRI6RXWK)ORULGD·VPDLQWRXULVWDQGUHFUHDWLRQDODWWUDFWLRQV7KHHVWXDULHV
rivers, lakes and wetlands unique to the Everglades ecosystem invite sightseeing, photography,
bird watching, manatee watching, camping, cycling, boat tours, sailing, airboat tours, canoeing,
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that Everglades’ restoration would increase the quality of these activities and, consequently, the
number of resident and non-resident visitors to the Everglades. This increase in recreational and
tourist activity translates to an economic value that can be estimated.
Lesson 6
Economics
Improved Wildlife Populations and Hunting Opportunities:
Restoring habitat allows for increases in wildlife populations.
Hunting and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes in the Everglades and there are two
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drained wetlands of the Everglades, and ducks have left. Restoration will reverse these recent
trends by producing a net gain in duck hunting opportunities.
SUMMARY OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
VALUATION OF EVERGLADES RESTORATION
SERVICE BENEFITS
NET PRESENT VALUE OF RESTORATION BENEFITS
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IMPACT ON JOBS
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DGGLWLRQDOZRUNHUVRYHU\HDUV,QDGGLWLRQWKH86$UP\&RUSVRI(QJLQHHUVHVWLPDWHVWKHUH
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Throughout this analysis, a very conservative approach to estimation was taken. Accordingly,
best estimates almost surely understate the return on investment of Everglades restoration.
Lesson 6
Economics
SUMMARY OF JOBS RESULTS
SECTOR
INCREMENTAL JOBS
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6,798
Recreational Fishing
36,868
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Agriculture
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TOTAL
442,664
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THE TEAM
In addition to Mather Economics, the study involved input from many individuals known
by Everglades Foundation staff and its board of directors. This study could not have been
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)ORULGD:DWHU0DQDJHPHQW'LVWULFW)ORULGD)RUHYHU)ORULGD(DUWK)RXQGDWLRQ1DWLRQDO
Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and others.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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(YDOXDWLRQRI(FRV\VWHP6HUYLFHV$IÀOLDWHGZLWKWKH:RUOG·V/DUJHVW(FRV\VWHPµLVDYDLODEOHLQ
its entirety at www.evergladesfoundation.org.
Lesson 7
Restoration
KISSIMMEE RIVER
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straightening the Kissimmee River, a meandering 90-mile long river that was drained to make
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future consequences, costing billions of dollars with no end in sight. After Governor Bob
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canal.
WATER QUALITY
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drained, the phosphorus entered the water in the marshes, changing the nutrient levels. It kept
periphyton from forming marl, one of two soils in the Everglades. The arrival of phosphorus
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alligators to nest in. It also dissolved oxygen in the peat, promoted algae, and prohibited growth
of native invertebrates on the bottom of the food chain.
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were expelling mercury into the atmosphere, and it fell as rain or dust during droughts. The
naturally occurring bacteria that reduce sulfur in the Everglades ecosystem were transforming
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emissions standards helped lower mercury coming from power plants and incinerators, which in
turn lowered mercury levels found in animals, though they continue to be a concern. (Warnings
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Lesson 7
Restoration
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WROHJLVODWHWKHORZHULQJRISKRVSKRUXVLQ(YHUJODGHVZDWHUZD\V7KHDFWSXWWKH6RXWK)ORULGD
:DWHU0DQDJHPHQW'LVWULFW6):0'DQGWKH)ORULGD'HSDUWPHQWRI(QYLURQPHQWDO
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67$VQHDUVXJDUFDQHÀHOGVZKHUHZDWHUOHDYLQJWKH($$ÁRZVLQWRSRQGVOLQHGZLWKOLPH
rock and layers of peat and calcareous periphyton. Testing has shown this method to be more
effective than previously anticipated, bringing levels from 80 ppb to 10 ppb.
INVASIVE SPECIES
The Everglades also face an ongoing threat from the melaleuca tree because they take water in
greater amounts than other trees. Melaleucas grow taller and more densely in the Everglades
than in their native Australia, making them unsuitable as nesting areas for birds with wide
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Brazilian pepper, or Florida holly, has also wreaked havoc on the Everglades, exhibiting
a tendency to spread rapidly and to crowd out native species of plants as well as to create
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readily propagated by birds, which eat its small red berries. The Brazilian Pepper problem is not
exclusive to the Everglades; neither is the water hyacinth, which is a widespread problem in
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The Old World climbing fern may be causing the most harm to restoration as it blankets areas
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ladders”, allowing parts of the trees to burn that would otherwise remain unharmed.
Many pets have escaped or been released into the Everglades from the surrounding urban areas.
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blue tilapias cause damage to shallow waterways by creating large nests and consuming aquatic
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Lesson 7
Restoration
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DORQHDJHQWVUHPRYHGPRUHWKDQ%XUPHVHS\WKRQIURPWKHSDUNDVRI
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square mile. In such close numbers in historic migratory areas, they have devastating effects on
migratory bird populations.
COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN
Though scientists made headway in decreasing mercury and phosphorus levels in water, the
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ecosystems to the lower quality of life in urban areas. The report noted past environmental
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6RXWK)ORULGDHFRV\VWHPWKHUHSRUWSUHGLFWHGZRXOGLQHYLWDEO\FDXVHIXUWKHUDQGLQWROHUDEOH
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FRPPHUFLDOÀVKLQJE\MREVDQGPLOOLRQDQQXDOO\8UEDQDUHDVKDGJURZQEH\RQGWKHLU
FDSDFLWLHVWRVXVWDLQWKHPVHOYHV&URZGHGFLWLHVZHUHIDFLQJSUREOHPVVXFKDVKLJKFULPHUDWHV
WUDIÀFMDPVVHYHUHO\RYHUFURZGHGVFKRROVDQGRYHUWD[HGSXEOLFVHUYLFHVWKHUHSRUWQRWHGWKDW
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,QDQHYDOXDWLRQRIWKH&6)ZDVVXEPLWWHGWR&RQJUHVVDVSDUWRIWKH:DWHU
'HYHORSPHQW$FWRI7KHVHYHQ\HDUUHSRUWFDOOHGWKH´5HVWXG\µFLWHGLQGLFDWRUVRIKDUP
WRWKHHFRV\VWHPDSHUFHQWUHGXFWLRQLQWKHRULJLQDO(YHUJODGHVGLPLQLVKHGZDWHUVWRUDJH
KDUPIXOWLPLQJRIZDWHUUHOHDVHVIURPFDQDOVDQGSXPSLQJVWDWLRQVDQWRSHUFHQWGHFUHDVH
LQZDGLQJELUGSRSXODWLRQVRYHUWKHSDVW\HDUVDQGWKHGHFOLQHRIRXWSXWIURPFRPPHUFLDO
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water level changes, hypersalinity, and dramatic changes in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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cities would have annual water restrictions.
Lesson 7
Restoration
The Restudy came with a plan to stop the declining environmental quality, and this proposal
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VL[RIHLJKWODUJHFRQVWUXFWLRQSURMHFWVLQFOXGLQJWKDWRIWKUHHODUJHUHVHUYRLUV+RZHYHUIHGHUDO
IXQGVKDYHQRWEHHQIRUWKFRPLQJ&(53ZDVVLJQHGZKHQWKH86JRYHUQPHQWKDGDEXGJHW
VXUSOXVEXWVLQFHWKHQWKH:DULQ,UDTEHJDQDQGWZRRI&(53·VPDMRUVXSSRUWHUVLQ&RQJUHVV
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areas, and regions in the Everglades in desperate need of water are still being neglected,
suggesting that water is being diverted to make room for more people in an already overtaxed
environment.
FUTURE OF THE EVERGLADES
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the plant. The area, which includes 187,000 acres of land, would then be rehabilitated and
Lesson 7
Restoration
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least another decade. Further research is being done to address the continuing production of
sugarcane in the Everglades to minimize phosphorus runoff.
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bridges were proposed to be added to the Tamiami Trail.
ACTIVITY I: AS THE EVERGLADES TURNS
Examine the changes that have occurred in the Everglades over the past 50-60 years.
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MATERIALS
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Everglades, the K-O-E watershed, and the Everglades Restoration Plan
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PROCEDURE
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that people make to the environment.
Ask students to brainstorm some of the factors that have affected the Everglades environment.
Lesson 7
Restoration
Allow some time for students to research, through internet, books and articles, about the history
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Have students revisit their brainstorm list from earlier, adding any new information that was
learned from their research. Assign students the following task (they can work individually or in
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Environment. The citizens want to see a map of the Everglades showing the changes to be made
and the consequences these actions will have on the Everglades ecosystem.
Each team’s hand-drawn map should also include:
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presentations.
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debate.
Lesson 7
Restoration
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Everglades have been affected by changes.
REFERENCES
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Lesson 8
Field Expeditions
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range of Florida’s Sunshine State Standards. During the course
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While slogging through the “River of Grass” participants will study:
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An outdoor laboratory class provides an opportunity to analyze the following:
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During the airboat investigation of the Everglades marsh wildlife biologists will study:
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Lesson 8
Field Expeditions
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alligator sightings and snail eggs all help contribute to a fuller picture of the health of the
ecosystem. This puts them in a better position to make wise decisions concerning policies for
preservation and conservation.
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comparisons can be made. Equipped with the experiences of the day in the Everglades, wildlife
biologists will better understand and realize the responsibilities we all must assume for our own
“River of Grass”.
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ORIGINAL
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Lesson 9
Vocabulary
AQUIFER: An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated
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water well.
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Earth’s surface.
CANAL: $QDUWLÀFLDOZDWHUZD\RUDUWLÀFLDOO\LPSURYHGULYHUXVHGIRUWUDYHOVKLSSLQJGUDLQDJH
or irrigation.
COMPETITION: Active demand by two or more organisms or kinds of organisms for some
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DECOMPOSITION: Is the process by which tissues of a dead organism break down into
simpler forms of matter.
DISTURBED AREA:$QDUHDZKHUHYHJHWDWLRQVRLODQGRUK\GURORJ\KDYHEHHQVLJQLÀFDQWO\
DOWHUHGWKHUHE\PDNLQJDZHWODQGGHWHUPLQDWLRQGLIÀFXOW
ECOSYSTEM:7KHLQWHUDFWLRQRIWKHELRORJLFDOFRPPXQLW\DOOOLYLQJWKLQJVDQGWKHSK\VLFDO
HQYLURQPHQW:DWHU$LU0LQHUDOV
ENDANGERED SPECIES: $VSHFLHVRISODQWRUDQLPDOWKDWWKURXJKRXWDVLJQLÀFDQWSRUWLRQ
of its range is in danger of extinction. There are fourteen endangered species in Everglades
1DWLRQDO3DUN
EXOTIC: 1RWQDWLYHRUVRPHWKLQJWKDWGLGQRWJURZLQWKLVDUHDEHIRUHKXPDQVEURXJKWLW
from another location.
EXTINCT: A species that has vanished from existence.
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RFFDVLRQDORUSHULRGLFÁRRGLQJ
HABITAT: The place where a plant or animal lives; an organism’s home. It takes up as much
DVDQRUJDQLVPQHHGVWRÀQGLWVIRRGZDWHUVKHOWHUDQGVSDFHLQWKHSURSHUDUUDQJHPHQW
Lesson 9
Vocabulary
HERBICIDE: A chemical that destroys plants or stops their growth.
INDIGENOUS: A species that is found in the place where it originated.
INVASIVE:6SUHDGLQJDJJUHVVLYHO\LQWRDQDUHD
LIMESTONE: $ZKLWHWRJUD\ÀQHJUDLQHGVHGLPHQWDU\URFNFRPSRVHGODUJHO\RIWKHPLQHUDO
calcite. Formed from the remains of ancient seas; it is made mostly of calcite precipitated from
living organisms. It forms the surface bedrock of the lower Everglades.
MARL: A calcium carbonate or lime-rich mud that settles on the limestone. The marl allows
slow seepage of the water but not drainage.
NATIVE: A species that belongs in the area that it is found; species that grew naturally in an
area before humans.
NATURAL ENEMY: /LYLQJRUJDQLVPVIRXQGLQQDWXUHWKDWNLOOZHDNHQRUUHGXFHWKH
reproductive potential of other organisms.
NON-NATIVE: 6SHFLHVWKDWKDVEHHQLQWURGXFHGWRDQDUHDE\KXPDQVGRHVQRWRFFXU
naturally in the area that it is found.
PALEO-INDIAN: 7HUPJLYHQWRWKHÀUVWSHRSOHVZKRHQWHUHGDQGVXEVHTXHQWO\LQKDELWHG
WKH$PHULFDQFRQWLQHQWGXULQJWKHÀQDOJODFLDOHSLVRGHVRIWKHODWH3OHLVWRFHQHSHULRG
PEAT: A type of soil that is composed of incompletely decomposed plant material that waterlogged and low in oxygen.
PRESCRIBED BURN:,VDÀUHPDQDJHPHQWWHFKQLTXHRISXUSRVHIXOEXUQLQJWRUHGXFH
EXLOGXSRIÁDPPDEOHSURGXFWV
RIVER: $ODUJHQDWXUDOVWUHDPRIZDWHUODUJHUWKDQDFUHHN
SAWGRASS: A sedge that gets its name from the tiny sharp saw-like teeth attached to the
long, tough leaf blade.
Lesson 9
Vocabulary
SEDIMENTARY ROCK: Rock that has formed from sediment, like sand, mud, small pieces of
URFNV2YHUORQJSHULRGVRIWLPHWKHVHVPDOOSLHFHVRIGHEULVDUHFRPSUHVVHGVTXHH]HGDVWKH\
are buried under more and more layers of sediment that piles up on top of it. Eventually, they
are compressed into sedimentary rock.
SINKHOLE: 6LQNKROHVIRUPZKHQZDWHUÁRZLQJXQGHUJURXQGXQGHUFXWVWKHEHGURFNDQG
causes it to collapse suddenly.
SLOUGHS:)UHHÁRZLQJFKDQQHOVRIZDWHUZKLFKGHYHORSLQEHWZHHQVDZJUDVVSUDLULHV
SOLUTION HOLE: Deep pits where the limestone has worn away, formed over a period
of thousands of years through a very gradual process of erosion from the top down. When
UDLQZDWHUIDOOVLQWRWKHOHDIOLWWHUWKDWFDUSHWVWKHKDPPRFNÁRRULWEHFRPHVDPLOGVROXWLRQRI
WDQQLFDFLG,IWKHUHLVDULIWRUFUDFNLQWKHOLPHVWRQHVRWKDWZDWHUÁRZVGRZQLQWRWKHEHGURFN
that rock will erode more quickly than the surrounding area and over the course of millennia
form a solution hole.
SPRINGS:$Q\QDWXUDORFFXUUHQFHZKHUHZDWHUÁRZVWRWKHVXUIDFHRIWKHHDUWKIURPEHORZ
the surface.
SUCCESSION: The gradual change in an ecosystem brought about by replacement of one
community by another until a stable climax is established.
THREATENED:/LNHO\LQWKHQHDUIXWXUHWREHFRPHHQGDQJHUHG
WETLANDS: An area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or
seasonally.
Notes on
Exploring the Everglades
Notes on
Notes on
Notes on
Notes on
Photo credit: Brian Call and Terry C. Long

Lesson 2 Water - Everglades Foundation

Transcription

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