Tom Smith's research deals with the density and size of mangrove trees on certain designated plots and how they are affected by changing environmental and water pressures, such as Hurricane Andrew. Here Steph and Christa take well samples at S5. This site is in the coastal marsh. This canal is a major canoe and boat route through the Everglades. Crocodiles, alligators, birds such as osprey, and even manatees can be found in canals like this.
Thunderstorms are a daily threat to Coot Bay in the summer.
At every site wooden planks were laid down so that the researchers could access their sites while limiting the damage to the plants and wildlife. Here I am in my bug gear. To go out in the mangroves I needed a bug jacket, a bug net, gloves, and lots of bugspray. Here is Steph sitting in the sawgrass at S5. She is collecting soil and water samples to test the salinity of the water at various sites.