Mangroves are one of Florida's true natives. They thrive in salty environments because they are able to obtain fresh water from saltwater. Some secrete excess salt through their leaves, others block absorption of salt at their roots.
Florida's estimated 469,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall health of the state's southern coastal zone. This ecosystem traps and cycles various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients. Mangrove roots act not only as physical traps but provide attachment surfaces for various marine organisms. Many of these attached organisms filter water through their bodies and, in turn, trap and cycle nutrients.
Our friends, Karen and Erik (Dr. Noonburg Professor at Florida Atlantic University)and Karen's friend, Julie invited us to kayak a local mangrove area. It was a beautiful Southern Florida day - Susan and I loaded the kayaks on the jeep and drove down to Ft. Lauderdale and met our friends. The mangroves are not far from Erik's place - There are some in site as we look north up the intercoastal. Actually, they are everywhere in Southern Florida. It was an interesting kayak trip, as we have not been so immersed in the tropical fauna. Thanks you guys! good day on the water.
5 comments:
That's so cool! It must have been so much fun! With the Biologist expert with you as a tour guide, can't beat that. Glad you had fun kayaking this wee-end!
Luv,
~ Vickie ~
I love the informative, biological stuff (I miss you Pete!!!) along with the casual, relaxing, outdoor stuff. (We learned so much from our Bud while on excursions.)
Thanks for the mangrove information.
Cool as all get out!!! Great pics. Makes me jealous. I went to the river this weekend and the river water is still too cold and high right now to Yak around comfortably! You guys got to get over to Clearwater Forida and paddle that section of the Withalacoochee(sp?) I did it for a week when I was younger with dad. We loved it! Manitee and spring fed clear water for miles! Maybe we can go when I come down????? I don't know how close it is to you guys?
Clearwater's clear across the state, Nate! But we've got lots of great places to paddle and many we need to explore, so come on down! ~S.
yeah, Nate, - we are discovering more and more litte places to put in. We are just having a hard time with storage. Karen is letting us put them in her back yard in Lake Worth about 8 miles away.
Vickie great photos on FOY website!
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