Journal 6: Lovers Key Beach

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

1. The Biodiversity of Lovers Key?

    Lovers Key is an ecotone, meaning it is a transition area between two habitat types. It sits between the inland and coastal habitats; areas of shrub forest lead to mangrove swamps. The sea oats hold the beach in place on one side, while the mangroves do the same job on the opposite side. This also for a wide range of biodiversity in plants and animals. There are sea turtles on the beach side and red, black and white mangroves on the other. Although we did not see one, alligators commonly hang out in the mangroves.

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

2. How does this connect with your learning from Shiva (Team 2's presentation)?

    I can make the connection between Lovers Key and Shiva in the development of Lovers Key as we know it today. In the 60s and 70s, we thought we were doing ourselves a favor a creating a canal for drainage through Black Island for development purposes. However, this caused great damage to the mangroves and therefore to the island. By doing so, we hurt the biodiversity for a seemingly easy, humanly financial gain. Shiva advocates for those that cannot speak up for themselves--namely biodiversity itself--and while we probably made money from it, the damage that was caused to the environment is priceless (and not in a good way). Whether we realize it or not, we are inherently connected to the environment and if we continue to destroy it, what are we left with in the end?

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

3. The interconnectedness of different species found in Lovers Key Beach - Include both marine and land species.

    The most interesting factoid I heard was that the mangroves have a natural defense system in the form of sugar glands. The sugar glands attract ants which therefore deter other pests and ensure the survival of the essential mangroves. Without the ants, the mangroves would become infested and without the mangroves, the ants would obviously not be there and the beach would cease to exist. Furthermore, our part as humans in the life cycle of sea turtles is obvious: if we continue to pollute the night sky with our lights, the hatching turtles will never make their way into the ocean and die. The obvious cause and effect here is startling, but also helpful because with a few changes and restrictions, we can fix the problem.

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

    The other interesting tidbit of information was a picture I happened to snap regarding the 'beach wrack'. The wrack is anything cast ashore by the sea, consisting of things that once grew in the ocean, such as algae, seaweeds and seagrasses. For example, algae floats in the ocean doing its whole photosynthesis routine and the like and its important job there. Then, it is pushed onshore by tides, winds and waves. Beetles, beach hoppers, ghost crabs and other small animals feed on the fungi growing in the wrack. These smaller animals then provide food for shorebirds--for example, the nearly extinct Piping Plovers--on their long migration journeys. Clumps of old wrack begin to collect and plant seeds on the upper beach.  Due to nutrients in the wrack, plants grow quickly through their vulnerable period. Some wrack clumps then grow into low dunes on the upper beach, providing a natural defense system against erosion and improving beach habitat.

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

4. The three colloquium concepts as they are applied in Lovers Key Beach.

    "Provide a sense of place": My sense of place is definitely at the beach. Ironically, I was driving to school Monday morning with all the windows down thinking about skipping classes to go to the beach because it was such a beautiful day and I was stressed out and looking for a break. This field trip was perfect timing because the free time on the beach gave me a chance to walk in the water and be relaxed for some time. It was very much appreciated.

    "Develop an ecological perspective": It's easy to go to the beach and think 'wow this is pretty', but it's different when you go with a scientific mindset and look at how us as humans are interacting with our environment. I think especially with the occurrence of Hurricane Irma, this field trip called a lot of people to question, "Should we really be building out here in this fragile environment?"

    "Ecological literacy": I think this goes hand in hand with 'ecological perspective'. An extension of becoming aware of issues that arise in the environment, ecological literacy is a general environmental education. This field trip brought upon a wealth of information in the knowledge about our surroundings--a place so special and right in our backyard!

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)

5. Anything else?

    At first, I was disappointed to see that so many people wanted the free time on the beach to be cut short, and was irritated that we would drive so far just to turn around. But with Brenda's insistence, I think that everyone grew to appreciate our surroundings for a little while and took a minute to destress and relax at such a beautiful place as Lovers Key.

(Photo: Lauren Lukasik)