Mike Owen, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park Biologist, taking detailed notes on plant species in the slough. Photo: NPS/Pringle

The Fakahatchee Strand

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a gem. Located just to the west of Big Cypress National Preserve, the park protects a 5 mile wide swamp forest that runs from North to South 20 miles in length. Mention it to South Florida naturalists and you’ll hear stories of dark, lush scenes. Park Biologist Mike Owen fills in a few more details – mostly superlatives. It’s the 3^rd largest unit in the Florida State Park system, the “Amazon of the North America” being the orchid and bromeliad capital of the continent and it’s the home to more royal palms than anywhere else in the country. The swamp forest is bordered by a number of other habitats and the Park provides refuge for a huge range of Florida plants and animals.

With all of these descriptions, the Fakahatchee builds up expectations. A visit to the park however, often exceeds them. There are several ways to experience the Fakahatchee Strand. On the Tamiami Trail / Highway 41, there is a popular boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend a few miles west of the the intersection of Highway41 and County Road 29. The long boardwalk that winds through stands of old-growth cypress and ends at a  gator hole is a must see if travelling in the area with a little extra time. The other popular way to experience the Fakahatchee Strand is by exploring Janes Memorial Scenic Drive, an 11 mile out-and-back unpaved road that spurs off of County Road 29 just north of Highway 41.

Dingy-flowered star orchid (Epidendrum anceps), an epiphytic orchid that grows on the trunks and branches of trees. A flower stalk produces small yellow flowers in the spring and summer. Photo: NPS/Pringle

The Dingy-flowered star orchid is a Florida State listed endangered species that is rare elsewhere, but commonly encountered in the sloughs of the Fakahatchee Strand. Photo: NPS/Pringle

Orchids, Orchids, Orchids

Walking the boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend and travelling along Janes Scenic Drive are great ways explore to the park, but to see what the Fakahatchee has become famous for, it’s 44 native orchids and 18 native bromeliads, you have to take a more intimate approach. In short, you have to get your feet wet – and most of your legs – in water that is often 2 or more feet deep even during the winter dry season. The sloughs of the Fakahatchee Strand carry this deeper water that acts as a buffer against cold temps and dry air. The warm and humid microclimate is maintained by the thick forest canopy and allows tropical epiphytes to survive cold weather events.

That is why we found ourselves tromping through the unusually cold water led by orchid enthusiast and Fakahatchee expert Russell Classman. Throughout the walk, which was organized by the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Russ and Mike Owen each provide a running commentary of our findings, all the while calling out loudly to each other through the hopeless maze of  trees. On the 2 hour slog, we encountered countless orchids and bromeliads and to the surprise of many in the group, found a few that are flowering.

Clamshell Orchid (Encyclia cochleata), another Florida State listed endangered species and a good example of a delicate tropical plant species that finds suitable growing conditions above the waters and below the canopy of the slough. Photo: NPS/Pringle

And That’s Not All

The orchids were the showiest species we encountered, but among the group of plant enthusiasts, there were other rare plants that generated a lot of excitement. In our next post, we’ll look at these species and more about how South Florida’s sloughs give us a unique window into the tropical world.

For now, check out Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and the Florida Native Plant Society.

A swallow-tailed kite photographed on March 1st, 2010. This migratory species moves north into Florida as a harbinger of spring and remains here through the warmer months. Photo: NPS/Pringle

We’re Back With More From the Everglades

After taking a short break, we’re back with new SEE! posts starting this week. We’ll regularly be bringing you images from the Everglades and letting you know about what’s happening in this amazing natural region. It’s the perfect time of the year to visit your South Florida parks and we hope to inspire you to do just that. We also hope educators will use our images and stories to share the Everglades with their students.

Fresh Florida apple snail eggs photographed on February 28, 2010. March is the normal month to begin seeing these slightly pink clusters just above the water line. Photo: NPS/Pringle

Seasonal Change is Always in the Air

The Everglades is a landscape of incredible seasonal dynamics. The appearance of migratory birds, the flowering of plants and the changing behaviors of animals all signal new beginnings. As the months pass, we look with anticipation for these phenological signs that indicate constant change. Stay tuned to the SEE! blog and we’ll take you along for the ride…

A Common Sight In and Out of the Water

When visiting Everglades National Park, it’s hard to miss the double-crested cormorants. For one, they are a distinctive diving bird with a uniquely hooked bill, but they are also one of the most common birds to find. Add to that, that they are gregarious and not easily spooked, and you can see why most visitors get a clear view of this Everglades inhabitant.

Cormorants are widespread around the world, with 30 species in the cormorant family. The Everglades is home to the double-crested cormorant, which happens to be the most common of the 6 species found in North America. Double-crested cormorants can also be found on the Pacific coast, but the more common species to find in the West is the Brandt’s cormorant. Double-crested cormorants get their name from rarely seen white plumes that they can develop on their head during breeding seasons. Generally, males and females are not outwardly distinguishable.

Like anhingas, cormorants will bask in the sun with wings spread after coming out of the water. This allows them to dry off and regulate their body temperature. Up close, it is easy to distinguish the two species looking at the bill, which is hooked on the cormorant and straight coming to a point on the anhinga. If you’re trying to tell them apart from far away, look for cormorants to have a shorter tail and slightly heavier body. In flight, look for the shorter tails and wings of the cormorant and try to identify the quick flapping of their flight.

Up Close and Personal

Cormorants can be spotted throughout the park and are common in borrow pits, canals, lakes and bays. They are a diving bird known for their skillful ability to snag fish underwater. Cormorants were traditionally trained to catch and retrieve fish in parts of Asia, and where their range includes rocky ocean coastline, they are observed diving deep below the surface.

In the shallow waters of the Everglades and Florida Bay, it’s easy to observe cormorants fishing as they dive under the water and pop back up a short time later. With large webbed feet, they propel themselves after fish in short bursts. They focus on small to medium sized fish and use their distinctively hooked bill to grab their prey. They will often bring the fish up out of the water as they try to swallow it whole. Sometimes, they even stand fully out of the water as they wrestle with their slippery meal. Anyone who has visited Royal Palm and walked the Anhinga  Trail a few times will have likely seen the fun sight of a cormorant successfully catching a nonnative walking catfish!

One of the most intimate ways to experience the Everglades is by canoe or kayak. Photo NPS/Pringle

Spend a Day on the Water

If paddling is one of the most intimate ways to experience natural South Florida, then the canoe trails near Flamingo are one of the best ways to explore Everglades National Park. Right now, it’s a good time of the year to hit the water. The weather is agreeable and there is still plenty of water in the trails, which can become too shallow later in the dry season.

Three canoe trails leave from the main park road about 10 miles from the road’s end at Flamingo. The Hells Bay canoe trail accesses raised wooden platforms, or chickees, for overnight camping. Hells Bay is also the longest trail in the area at 11 miles round trip if you make it all the way to Hells Bay chickee. The Nine-Mile Pond canoe trail, despite its name, is a 5.2 mile round trip. Nine-Mile Pond is a great trail for all skill levels and meanders through both open sections of water and tight mangrove paths. Today, we’ll explore the Noble Hammock canoe trail, the shortest of the three at only 2 miles round trip.

A tunnel of red mangrove trees near the entrance to the trail. Photo NPS/Pringle

A Short and Twisted Adventure

The Noble Hammock Canoe Trail is short in length, but twists so tightly through the mangroves that it makes for a true excursion. The narrow path and the sharp turns will test your steering skills, but the advantage to this trail is that it’s well protected from wind even on blustery days. The entrance to the trail is well marked and roadside parking is available.

On this and other canoe trails, navigation is made simple by a series of orange and white markers that guide you along. The markers keep you from getting lost in the maze of mangroves and come into view just as you’re wondering which way to turn. Also handy are small docks at the entrance and exit of the trail that ease getting into and out of your boat.

Powdery strap airplant (Catopsis berteroniana). Photo NPS/Pringle

Float Through a Diverse Collection of Rarities

One of the nicest features of the Noble Hammock trail is its wide array of plant species. The trail winds through small to medium sized mangroves that are covered in epiphytic bromeliads and orchids. A few of these airplants are locally abundant along the trail, but rare elsewhere in South Florida. The powdery strap airplant, Catopsis bertoniana, can be seen throughout the trail, yet is a State listed endangered species. If careful, you can even spot wormvine orchid, Vanilla barbellata, with thick brown and green roots snaking around a host tree.

The tight nature of the trail requires paddlers to take it slow and this tempered pace makes it the perfect trail for a botanical foray in a unique landscape.

A sign marks Noble Hammock near the end of the trail. Photo NPS/Pringle

Stop for a Look and a Listen at Noble Hammock

Just when you are beginning to wonder if you passed the hammock without notice, a sign and path beckon your attention. You can glide up to the edge of the hardwood forest and note the sudden change in sights and sounds. The tree island, rumored to be a hideaway for moonshiners in days past, is now a quiet refuge of dry land amongst a sea of mangroves.

Not feeling quite so adventurous? Don’t have your own gear? No problem! Ranger guided canoe tours, with provided boats, paddles and safety equipment are offered everyday until April 4, 2010. Departure times, duration and location vary, and reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, contact the Flamingo Visitor Center at 239-695-2945.

South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach

Sunday, January 31 is the final day of the South Florida Fair. This year’s theme is the National Parks, with an exposition showcasing South Florida’s National Parks alongside familiar others. Visit the expo and perhaps you’ll even see staff from your local national park.

In addition to the parks, check out Clyde Butcher’s exhibit and take in the large format photography of one of South Florida’s best nature photographers.

Visit The South Florida Fair For more information.

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea on PBS

If you missed it the first time around, PBS is again airing the new film series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. Check your local PBS listings to catch all 6 episodes in this amazing exploration of the national park idea. Visit the PBS site below for local schedules.

Watch the Episodes and More Online

As each episode airs on PBS, it also becomes available for a week-long period on the film’s accompanying  website. In addition to the episodes, the site is home to a lot of other great media. In fact, one of the videos in the Untold Stories series features the education program at Biscayne National Park. Also, be sure to check out the For Educators section for a ton of materials, including lesson plans, activities and more.

Visit The National Parks: America’s Best Idea for more information.

Teachers enjoy a splash during a demonstration on South Florida's wet season. NPS/Pringle

A Day of Fun in the Sun

Thank you to all of the teachers who joined us for our Royal Palm and Shark Valley teacher workshops last Friday. In total, over 70 classroom educators spent the day learning about ways to share the Everglades with their students. The day combined good weather, great wildlife and adventurous teachers. The result was a lot of fun.

The workshops are offered 2 times per year at each location. The Shark Valley Teacher Workshop is intended to prepare 4th grade teachers for the Shark Valley Day Program and the Royal Palm Teacher Workshop preps 5th & 6th grade teachers for their visit on the Royal Palm Day Program. Discussions during the workshop focus on preparing and organizing for a meaningful visit when the teachers return with their students for a ranger led program.

Teachers, representing different water user groups, take turns squeezing an Everglades shaped sponge. NPS/Pringle

Engaging an Army of Teachers

The Environmental Education program at Everglades National Park has harnessed the power of local classroom educators for decades. The contributions of teachers allow the program to have a huge impact through classroom activities and curriculum that bring the National Park into schools across South Florida. The workshops provide sample activities and the rangers share their knowledge of the Everglades.

Educators leave the workshop ready to teach about habitats, wildlife and critical issues in the Everglades. They connect classroom curriculum to tangible examples from the environment and prepare their students for the trip. Thanks to the hard work of their teachers, we are constantly amazed at the knowledge and enthusiasm of students who attend our programs.

The observation tower at Shark Valley offers an expansive view. NPS/Pringle

An Experience to Draw On

The simple act of spending a day immersed in the Everglades may be the best aspect of the workshop. Teachers get to explore the area without their students; they identify birds, marvel at alligators and chat with other like-minded educators. Hopefully, they leave the day with a better idea of why this place is so special.

Young anhingas, with pale downy feathers, impatiently wait for food in a pond apple tree. A female, with a brown neck can be seen in the foreground and males, with black necks, take turns sitting on additional nests. Click on the image for a larger view. NPS/Pringle

It’s That Time of the Year at the Anhinga Trail

Young anhingas are on display at Royal Palm in Everglades National Park. The namesake of the Anhinga Trail can be seen nesting in the pond apple trees along the boardwalk. It’s a great time of year to see wildlife concentrated by the seasonal dry-down and this phenomenon taking place in plain sight can make a visit even more special.

The pond apple trees surrounded by water are an ideal place for nesting. Adult males and females can easily forage for fish and the surrounding water helps to protect the nests from predation by raccoons and other animals. The young anhingas, with pale downy feathers, will fledge for weeks before flying and swimming themselves. During this period, they will remain perched above alligator infested waters calling to adults for more food. Head to Royal Palm and listen for yourself!

A pileated woodpecker catches the day's last sunlight while perched in a slash pine. Photo: NPS/Pringle

Don’t Forget to Look Up

It’s amazing how many different species of birds are commonly found in the Everglades. This time of the year, we focus on the incoming wading birds that take center stage during the seasonal dry-down.

It’s sometimes easy to forget that there are many other species that make for great birding in South Florida. Warblers, owls and woodpeckers are just a few of the types of birds who frequent the pine and hardwood forests of the region. Hardwood hammocks and pine rocklands are great habitats to look for birds, especially in the morning and evening hours.

Here, a Pileated woodpecker visits a slash pine for a brief moment of evening sun before continuing on out of view. Pileated woodpeckers are large and conspicuous, making them easy to spot if nearby. They are known for their bounding flight pattern and deep wing beats.

Like other woodpeckers, they create cavities in trees for nesting. The very large holes left behind by pileated woodpeckers are often rectangular, rather than round in shape. The abandoned woodpecker holes serve as welcome homes for a number of other birds and animals.

Interestingly, pileated woodpeckers have a relatively large tongue that wraps around the back of their skull. This is partly an adaptation that helps to soften the repeated blows to the head as the nest is excavated. The tongue can also extend out beyond the beak, ending in a sharp point that is used to spear food.

And yes, the pileated served as the inspiration behind many people’s favorite woodpecker – Woody.

A seemingly alert baby alligator rests on vegetation near its mother. Born only 8 inches long, young alligators are vulnerable to a host of predators. Photo: NPS/Pringle

Recent Additions to the Everglade’s Family

It’s a exciting time of year to be looking for new life in the Everglades. With a careful eye, some visitors are treated to a glimpse of young alligators born not long ago. Hatching normally begins in August, but can happen as late as November or even December. The mother will generally keep her young well hidden, but as the year progresses and she lets her guard down, the group of young, known as a pod, often become visible.

Mating season for mature adult alligators begins in April and May with the end of the dry season. Fertilized females build mounds out of soil and vegetative debris to serve as their nest and keep the 20-40 eggs above the wet season’s high water line. A fun fact is that the temperature at which the eggs develop determines the sex of the hatchling. Conditions of 86 °F or below generally result in females, while temperatures above 90 °F generally result in males. Temperatures between these points will result in mixed sexes.

With their small size and ability to lay still, young alligators are difficult to spot. Yellow bands that blur with their surroundings further help them to remain elusive. Photo: NPS/Pringle

Future Kings and Queens

These young alligators, averaging around 8 inches long at birth, will only put on an additional few inches in their first year. They are particularly prone to predators during this period of vulnerability. Wading birds, snakes and even raccoons will attempt to defy the adult female and snatch the young reptiles.

The adult female works to keep the young alligators well hidden and their yellow stripes act as camouflage against the backdrop of marsh vegetation. They will normally stay near this female, or in some cases a surrogate female, for more than a year. In future years, with adequate food, they will grow as much as a foot per year. At around 6 feet in length, they will reach maturity and take their place as Everglades royalty. Some may even grow to be the 8-9 foot queens and 10-12 foot kings of the Glades.

For the first year or more of their life, these young alligators will stay close to their mother. She will provide protection as they inch ever closer to maturity. Photo: NPS/Pringle

An Everglade's sunset paints clouds pink over pine rockland habitat. A large version of any photo featured on the SEE! blog can be viewed by clicking on the image. You can download the larger image by right-clicking and choosing "save image as". Photo: NPS/Pringle

A New Online Resource for Teachers
Seasons in the Everglades Ecosystem, or SEE!, is a online photographic journal of life in the Everglades. Updated once or twice each week, the new blog will give insight into the dynamic character of this treasured region.

Everglades National Park hosts over 10,000 students every year on ranger led field trips. We hope SEE! will inspire educators to share the Everglades and bring its lessons into their classrooms. Although intended for teachers, this site can be enjoyed by any fan of South Florida looking for stories and updates from the Everglades.