A HISTORY  OF THE PRESERVE
The Environmental Preser've and Education Area at Florida
International University was established in 1978 on an area of
dried-out wet prairie on the 'west side of the University Park
Campus. It was founded through the efforts of Jack Parker,
Director of the Environmental Studies Program, other faculty, and
staff from Physical Plant. Financial support was received from
the FAU/FIU Joint Center and the Student Government Association.
Trees and shrubs were donated by Frank Smathers and Joyce Gann.
Improvements to the Preserve have gradually occurred over the
years. A chickee was constructed in the interior of the
Preserve, and a water line installed to provide drinking water .
In 1989 a nature trail was designed by Mabel Miller and
completed by faculty and students. Student volunteers frequently
work in the Preserve to remove exotics, and several projects have
extended the planted areas of native hardwoods on the southern,
and pines on eastern, edges. We are presently trying to raise
funds for the further development of the Preserve.

NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS IN THE PRESERVE
The present (and planned) Preserve contains elements of
three ecosystems of South Florida.
The Tropical Hardwood Hammock area extends in the south of
the Preserve, and is best developed in the southeast corner.
Hardwood hammocks established at slightly raised elevations where
there is rarely any standing water. The trees of hardwood
hammocks are primarily tropical species with distributions in the
Caribbean region. Most of them are evergreens, capable of growth
throughout the year. These, include the common species Caribbean
Mahogany (Sweitenia mahoganii), Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba),
and False Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliqua). One temperate tree
whose southernmost distribution is in South Florida is the Live
Oak (Quercus virginiana) .
The Pine Rocklands ecosystem is represented by the Dade
County Pine (Pinus elliotii var. densa) that has been planted in
the northeast sector of the Preserve. Pinelands establish at
higher elevations, on the limestone "ridges", and are maintained
by occasional fires. Otherwise the pines would be crowded out by
the hammock trees. Other plants establish in the light shade of
the pinelands.  These include the Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), Saw Pametto (Serenoa repens), and the Coontie (Zamia pumila).

The Sawgrass Praire was the original ecosytem of the FIU campus before the Tamiami Canal began to drain the excess water from the area.  Relicts of this wetlands habitat, underwater for at least six months of theyear, are seen int eh many plants of Sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) that are found int eh interior of the Preserve.  We plan an expansion of wetlands habitats in hte Preserve.  Your instructor will introduce you to all of the above native plants and will teach you how to identify them.
 

BIOLOGICAL POLLUTERS
All of the above plants have co-evolved with many animals that eat various parts.  The pressure of these herbivores helps supply the checks and balances that make them a balanced part of the natural ecosystem.  When plants and animals arrive from other parts of the world (exotics) these chacks and balances are absent and the exotic organisms may take over the natural ecosystems.  These organisms frequently have rapid means of reproduction, allowing their populations to expand rapidly.  The damage of natural ecosystems by exotic (non-native) organisms is frequently called biological pollution.

Two of the three most damaging exotic plants in South Florida are problems in the Preserve.  Australian Pine (Casaurina equisetifolia) is native to coastal areas of Australia and Southeast Asia.  It is not a true pine, but rather mimics a pine tree.  It grows aggressively on poor sandy soils because it can collect it's own nitrogen.  It is pollinated by wind and produces small winged fruits that are blown by the wind.  It's roots spread rapidly and produce new shoots at a distance fromt eh original tree.  Thus a small forest me be produced by a single tree.  The small branches form a thick mat that prevents other plants from growing.

The Florida Holly or Brazilian Pepper (Schinus
terebinthifolius) was brought from South America as an attractive
ornamental tree. Its red berries are consumed by birds and
spread everywhere in bird droppings. The seedlings grow
aggressively, particularly in places that have been disturbed--as
old farmlands. This plant crops up in an amazing variety of
places and is the most aggressive exotic plant in the Preserve.
Learn to identify this plant. If you are allergic to mangoes,.
don't touch the leaves. It is related to the mango, and its
leaves have a peppery smell.

The third most harmful exotic the paperbark or melaleuca tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is native to Australia and was introduced to South Florida by dropping it's seeds from airplanes---as an aid in draining the Everglades.  It has expanded dramatically, particularly into our wetlands.  Paradoxically, it grows in the wetlands and yet responds to damage from fire by dispersing it's tiny and prolific seeds.  This plant is no longer  growing on our campus.
 

Four other plants are biological polluters in the Preserve.
Marlberry (Ardisia elliptica) is a fairly recent arrival from
Southeast Asia. It is closely related to a native marlberry
which is not aggressive. Its dark and fleshy berries are
consumed by birds, and the seeds are dispersed widely. It is a
problem because the seedlings grow up in the shade of native
hammocks.
Silk Reed (Nevraudia neyraudiana) is a large cane
grass from Southeast Asia. It expands from the prostrate root-
like stems that spread out and produce new shoots. Once it
establishes it forms a dense tangle of cane grass in which no
other plants can grow. It is common in certain areas around the
perimeter of the Preserve.
Oyster Plant (Rhoeo spathacea) is a
shade tolerant and incredibly persistant herbaceous plant growing
under trees in various parts of the preserve. It spreads by a
horizontal stem that spreads out from the parent plant, plus it
reproduces copiously by seeds.
The Castor bean (Ricinus communis), native to Asia, eventually grows into a small tree and
produces poisonous and persistant seeds all through the year.
Your Instructor may point out other invasive plants during your
visit.
Learn to identify each of the plants in this exercise, and remember the characteristics of the exotic plants that make them such harmful polluters.