There are also excellent gradients relative to heavily impacted, partially restored and essentially pristine ecosystems. Lunch will be in coolers on Keewaydin Island an undeveloped beautiful barrier island. We will also visit some Oyster Reefs and do some invertebrate collection and identification work. We will also visit some Oyster Reefs and do some invertebrate collection and identification work. Overview and Introduction to flora and fauna of Big Cypress Basin and Everglades National Park.
Area is freshwater cypress slough.
Large cypress, red maples, pond apples, royal and cabbage palms, bromeliads, and native orchids, abound. Freshwater marsh and slough indicator species are abundant. Sightings of bald eagles, barred owls, and alligators is routine. Tedesco has personally seen the endangered Florida Black Bear at the site. Travel day to Naples.