Field trip # 3 Marine System

Today June 20th I did my Marine Field trip at Lovers Key Park. It was a fun trip but the sun was extremely hot which made it a bit uncomfortable. However, the beach was beautiful and I learnt some very interesting things. Lovers Key Park is 1616 acres with 2.5 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. There are many recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, swimming boating and cycling. The park is open from 8 am to sunset 365 days a year. There is a tram system available for convenient access to the beach. Some of the animals that can be seen here are Bald Eagles, Osprey, Snowy Egrets, Manatees, Dolphins, Alligators, Turtles, Pelicans, Sea Gulls, Herons and Ibis. During my trip I saw some sea Gulls and Pelicans. Some of the dominant plants in the park are poison ivy and sea grapes. For our safety the state prohibits us from feeding the animals. This area comprises of an estuary which is a semi-enclosed body of fresh water from inland wetlands that mixes with salt water from the Gulf of Mexico. The beach facilities are all solar powered and the park features the latest design of environmentally friendly restroom facilities. These are waterless toliets that utilize a composition system. After I left the beach I started walking the Black Island Trail however, this soon came to a quick ending as I was attacked by mosquitoes and bitten all over. At this point I decided to end the field trip. Overall, it was a fun day. Pictures of my trip are posted below.

Park Entrance

Inside the Park

On the bridge looking at birds catching fish in water

View of the area from the bridge

Walking along the bridge to the beach

The water at the park

More view inside park

Watching the birds in the water

Display of different shells found at lovers Key

Entrance to Black Island Trail

Me along trail before I was attacked by mosquitoes

End of field trip now I am leaving the park