a day of fun and educational activities
Saturday, January 24, 1996
The day began at 10AM at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, where one of the ENP Park Rangers gave a lecture and tour of the local history, flora and fauna. The history of the park's demise has been thrust again into the national spotlight, as a result of the controversial proposed sugar tax. The ranger gave good insight into the unique Everglades environment, both before and after man's intervention.
Since statehood in 1845, over 65% of Florida's naturally occurring wetlands have been altered or destroyed, drained or filled, dredged or excavated, mowed down, burned up, plowed under, or paved over in the great Florida expansion. Locally, the construction of the Tamiami Trail marked the beginning of the disaster for the Everglades. Diverting water from marshlands to agriculture, after constructing canals and dykes, proved disastrous. Not only was areal water supply drastically reduced, but nutrient-rich run-off altered the natural vegetative constituency. Wildlife was reduced in many cases to near extinction by habitat reduction, over-hunting, flood and drought conditions resulting from altered hydrology, and over-sedimentation and algal blooms related to the run-off problems. The bird population alone was reduced by approximately 90% of its historical numbers due largely to plume hunting. During the early part of this century white heron feathers became so popular a hat ornament that they four times more valuable than gold!
Today, scientists and engineers are beginning to understand and to restore some balance to this fragile and critical ecosystem. Rangers at the ENP are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of the Everglades to man's existence. The ranger encouraged us to continue our work at FIU in calling attention to the Everglades and thanked us for showing our interest in the Park.
Marcia Levinson, the Chapter's Marshall, is also an engineer employed at the ENP Research Center. Marcia's area of specialization and research is in modeling natural systems. She gave a brief lecture and demonstrated the use of a flow-meter.
From here, we all headed over to the picnic area on Long Pine Key. Sandy's husband had the grills set-up and ready to go!! The FIU FWEA provided all of the hamburgers, buns, condiments and utensils, while everyone else contributed desserts and salads. Sandy did most of the cooking--no small task on this typical South Florida day--it was 85 degrees and the pinelands offer little comfort in the way of shade!! It was HOT.
All-in-all, it was a great day of learning and fun. The FIU FWEA plans to make the Everglades picnic and tour an annual event and, as always, anyone is welcome to attend.
Sandy Wiegand, Treasurer, for organizing the event. Sandy deserves a big round of applause!!! This was a monumental effort on her part and a tribute to her organizational and managerial skills. Thanks to her efforts, Park fees were waived for all in attendance and the club was able to provide an educational, as well as, an enjoyable day in the Everglades.
Sandy and her husband for such a great job setting up camp and doing all the cooking!
Rahul Shrotriya, President, who filmed the event with a Camcorder that Dr. Fuentes managed to borrow from the Media Center. The film will be used in future events to help attract new members to the club.
Debbie Bramwell, Vice President, for organizing the car-pooling from FIU campus to the Park.
Marcia Levinson, Treasurer, for her lecture and demonstration.
Oscar Ferreira, Secretary, who showed good boy scout skills in getting the ENP "back-up" grill going.
Lynn Ranen, Webmaster, was on-hand to take photos for use in the club's Photo Album, future promotional slide presentations and, of course, our Homepage.
Dr. Hector R. Fuentes, for his extraordinary support as our Faculty Advisor. Dr. Fuentes has NEVER missed a meeting or an event in the history of the Chapter. Thank you for your fine example and team spirit!!!
Schedule of events:
Directions: Take the Turnpike south to its end, approximately 25 miles south of FIU. Take the first right after you exit the turnpike, this will be State road 9336. Follow the signs to Everglades National Park. This will be a 10 mile, winding drive. When you enter the park, show this flyer at the gate for free admission into the park. Continue to follow the main park road approximately 3 miles to the Royal Palm Visitor Center (it will be on your left). Take this road to the end and park. This is where the ranger guided tour will begin.
