A Separate Peace: Wakodahatchee Wetlands

This wetland was a very interesting place thriving with various plant life and numerous bird species. From the very moment we walked onto boardwalk, we were greeted with a native alligator that surfaced his head from the water. I rarely get to see alligator in its natural setting, so this was a treat for me to see. While watching the alligator, I began thinking how much young students would get excited to see an alligator up close like this. Of course it is important to inform them about the dangers of alligators in the wild, yet still provide them with appropriate and interesting information about them that allows them to appreciate their role in the environment. In the middle area of the wetlands there was a specific area, which appeared to take the appearance of a giant bird’s nest for birds. I learned that this was called a rookery and that it is a tree that host more than one nest for birds. It was interesting to see all the different kinds of birds that nested in this rookery.

During this field trip, our professor had us read a children’s book called “Marsh Morning”. This was about how all the different animals woke up in the marsh and had great use of onomatopoeia, which is always engaging for young children to participate in. As we read the sounds that the various animals make, we were able to hear the sound of the birds around us and identify a few birds in the wetlands. We also did an activity where we discussed how the wetlands act as a water tower, playground, barrier, and protective garden to the living species that dwell in its environment. These are things that children can relate to and they can feel as though they are connected to the environment with similarities in our own lives.

During this field trip I captured many amazing photos of long paths framed by shades of green tree life. I found these images beautiful and tranquil. They displayed the natural symmetry and dimension in nature.

List of Flora Species:

Spatterdock (similar to the water lily)

Great Leather Fern

Firebush

Pickerelweed

Pond Apple

Duckweed

Wax Myrtle

Bulrush

Fire Flag

List of Fauna Species:

Anhinga (Snakebird)