Strong winds and water can dislocate individuals and even small populations. Dolphins and manatees have been washed or blown ashore during strong storms, but it is perhaps birds that take the biggest hit. Strong winds can separate flocks and isolate individuals, but can also blow large groups of birds completely off course, leaving them hundreds of miles from their homes.

Strong winds and water can destroy habitats. Both the unwelcome erosion caused by storm surges and the loss of trees, and even entire forests, from fast moving winds can have detrimental affects on the local wildlife. Not only do many species lose their homes and shelter during these times, but because high winds can also strip trees of their nuts and fruits, many lose important food sources as well.

Saltwater and freshwater areas can mix and be thrown off balance. Species are typically heavily adapted and accustomed to the delicate balance of salinity in their usual environments. During storm surges, large amounts of saltwater are pushed inland into freshwater rivers and lakes while heavy rains can overwhelm river basins and cause freshwater to flood the oceans, putting a great deal of pressure on species to survive in their drastically changed environments.

Rainfall and run-off can pollute oceans and streams. The mixing of freshwater and saltwater is not the only thing that can harm the oceans and its wildlife during and after a hurricane. Heavy rain and its run-off through populated areas back into oceans and streams can pollute marine environments and coastal areas that had previously been healthy and vibrant.

Strong weather can cause direct injury to wildlife. Fast winds and rough waves can cause direct harm to local wildlife, though marine life is arguably the worst to suffer. During the violent conditions produced by category 5 hurricane Andrew in 1992, it was estimated that more than 180 million fish were killed in the Everglades and close to another 10 million in the oceans offshore.

The next time a hurricane or tropical storm is making its way to Florida, take a moment to think about Florida’s native creatures and how resilient these species are to have survived through millions of years of stormy weather in Florida. And, you can always enjoy the local wildlife in good weather by taking an airboat tour through the Everglades with Captain Mitch and his crew. Everglades airboat rides are not just educational, but fun for the whole family too!

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While flamingoes might be the most notable creature that gets coloring from its diet, certain fish, like salmon and koi, are also affected. What causes this phenomenon in certain animals is the presence of something called carotenoids, which are pigments found in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. When certain birds and fish eat plants and algae that contain these carotenoids, although the plant matter itself is blue-green, it is broken down into orange and pink pigments inside of the animal’s liver, thus giving the animal a bold and pink hue as the more carotenoids it consumes.

Along with the carotenoids, animals tend to absorb the coloring of whatever foods are consumed along with the algae – flamingoes turn such a vibrant pink because they eat shrimp and other crustaceans, for example. This can actually occur in humans as well. You may have seen people who develop a slight orange tint to their skin after consuming large amounts of carrots and sweet potatoes for long periods of time – this is especially common in newborns and young babies as their skin is lighter and thinner. Some people even swear that eating certain foods can, over time, change their eye color or make their current eye color stand out more brightly.

Unlike plants, animals do not photosynthesize and do not produce carotenoids and must instead obtain them strictly from their diets. Because vibrantly colored animals and food products are more appealing to consumers, some animals, such as koi fish on display or flamingoes kept in zoos, are actually given carotenoid supplements in order to enhance their coloring. You’ll find the same processes performed with farm-raised salmon, in order to get the fish colorful and pink so that they can compete with their wild-caught counterparts in the seafood markets.

Can you imagine a flamingo that was perfectly white instead of a beautiful pink? It’s difficult to picture, but this would be the case if flamingoes simply had different diets or lived in different habitats that had limited access to food high in carotenoids. One thing is for sure – the Florida Everglades would certainly be a different place without all the beautiful and colorful creatures that live there.

To experience the beauty of an Everglades swamp tour for yourself, take an airboat ride through the mangroves with the original airboat tour family. You’ll see animals and plants that you’ll never forget and in every color of the rainbow!

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The official definition of restoration ecology as defined by the Society for Ecological Restoration is the “intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity and sustainability.” While this definition might seem somewhat vague or ambiguous, it’s much easier to understand when you consider specific examples of restoration ecology: erosion control, reforestation, removal of invasive species, reintroduction of native species, revegetation of damaged areas, and habitat restoration for endangered species. Essentially, restoration ecology is any action taken with the intention of restoring an ecological system to its original and most adequate form, providing the best possible environment for native species that is possible given the current circumstances.

The practice of restoration ecology has actually been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, practiced by laypeople who had no specialization or expertise in the field, but who simply loved the land around them and believed they were doing the right thing in trying to preserve it. The term “restoration ecology” was officially coined in the 1980′s by two professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, John Aber and William Jordan, who also organized and held the first official meetings on the topic at the same University. Restoration ecology has greatly expanded as a field in the few decades since, becoming its own scientific discipline and inspiring one renowned biologist, E.O. Wells, to make a bold statement explaining that he feels the next century will “be the era of restoration in ecology.”

If Wells is right, then it means big things for many of the ecosystems around the world that are currently suffering, including the Florida Everglades. However, even amongst supporters of restoration ecology, there are generally two types. There are those people who have the belief that humans have a responsibility to all other living things, both plants and animals, and that we have an obligation to protect all species and their habitats independent of the effects that it has on us as a species. On the other hand, there are those who support restoration ecology but look at it from the viewpoint of what benefits are offered to us – such people look at healthy ecosystems instead as the food, fuel, water, and lumber they provide to humans. However one chooses to look at it, it’s clear that restoration ecology is a field that looks upon improving the environments that it studies, which could hardly be considered a bad thing in anyone’s book.

To truly understand why the field of restoration ecology is so important, it’s vital to visit places like South Florida and experience an Everglades tour firsthand. From an airboat tour, you’ll observe areas of the Everglades that not every average Florida tourist gets to see, and who knows – after a trip through the Florida Everglades, you may just be inspired to dive into the field of restoration ecology yourself.

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While these cypress knees are fascinating to both scientists and tourists to the area, the definitive reason for their existence is still unknown. There are, however, two generally accepted theories in the scientific community.

Theory 1: Cypress Knees are Pneumatophores
A pneumatophore is an exterior structure that aids in helping a tree to absorb oxygen from the air, much like a snorkel helps a swimmer to obtain oxygen while still remaining underwater. Since water levels often fluctuate so frequently in areas where cypress trees are found, this theory revolves around the idea that cypress trees need these structures in order to get their oxygen during times of flooding or unusually high water levels. Since this is what mangroves use their knees for, and because cypress trees and mangroves are often found in the same habitats, it would seem a likely assumption. However, doubts have been raised after recent studies have shown cypress knees to be quite ineffective at actually absorbing oxygen from the surrounding air.

Theory 2: Cypress Knees Provide Structural Strength
Many species of cypress trees are found in swamps and wetlands, areas where the soil can be moist, soggy, and relatively unstable, especially in areas that are prone to hurricanes and flooding, such as the Florida Everglades. Because some types of cypress trees grow very high and thin, this unstable soil could potentially cause them to fall over and die as their root system weakens. However, this doesn’t happen, and most cypress trees will remain standing tall and straight even when they appear to be hanging on by mere threads at their bases. This theory certainly seems like the more appropriate of the two, especially considering that the first theory has recently been somewhat disproved, but more research is necessary before any final conclusions can be drawn.

While the answer to the question, “Why do bald cypresses have knees?” is still a mystery, scientists are getting closer to reaching a conclusion. To observe a few species of cypress trees right within their native swamps, take an airboat ride through the Everglades this summer. After viewing a plethora of Florida’s native plants and animals in the wild while on an airboat tour, not only will you have a greater appreciation of the bald cypress, but you may even be left with a few theories for yourself about those mysterious knees.

The post Why Do Cypress Trees Have Knees? appeared first on Homestead Miami Airboat Tours & Rides.

While you might not initially expect a tree to be able to hurt you, the more familiar plant species of poison ivy has certainly proved otherwise. And while poisonwoods are much less common than poison ivy, and typically limited to certain locations, they do need to be avoided. Poisonwoods are prevalent throughout Southern Florida, most notably in the Florida Keys and in Everglades National Park, though their range does extend to The Bahamas and much of the Caribbean islands.

Poisonwoods are a flowering tree from the cashew or sumac family, which from a distance, are not especially unique or easily identifiable. Up close, they can be identified by their teardrop-shaped leaves, which tend to droop from their branches and are outlined in yellow. Poisonwoods can grow to heights of more than 60 feet, occasionally producing flowers that are small and yellow.

Like with poison ivy, a too-close encounter with a poisonwood can leave you with an extremely unpleasant and itchy rash, though unfortunately, poisonwoods are actually ten times more toxic than poison ivy. The poisonwood’s toxins are in its black sap, which can be found oozing from its peeling bark and should be avoided at all costs, though people can be infected by touching the tree anywhere, not just on its exposed sap. People should always avoid walking under poisonwood trees, especially during or shortly after rainfall, when the sap can fall down onto unsuspecting heads through water run-off.

The sap of poisonwoods cannot be washed off with water, and must be treated with oil-dissolving soaps or hand sanitizers. Once a rash forms, it can result in blisters, inflammation, itching, and reddish bumps. If untreated, these rashes can last for days and will quickly spread to other parts of the body past the point of initial contact. Fortunately, rashes detected at the very first signs of discomfort are easily treatable, though more severe cases may require medical attention.

Poisonwoods are abundant in the Florida Everglades, and can easily be viewed while skimming across the water on an airboat ride. Since getting up close and personal with poisonwoods is to be strongly avoided, Everglades airboat tours are the perfect way to enjoy these plants from a safe distance away.

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Blooming between June and late August, the ghost orchid is characterized by its white flowers which are roughly 3-4cm wide and 7-9cm long, with roots that blend in so well with the surrounding trees that the flowers sometimes almost appear to be floating in midair, hence their name of “ghost orchid.” A typical ghost orchid will sprout 1-10 flowers for each bloom, flowers which are known to give off a fruity, apple-like scent. What distinguishes the ghost orchid from other white orchids is the two long tendrils that extend from the bottom petal, resembling legs and earning the ghost orchid the nickname of “white frog orchid.”

Although the ghost orchid was first spotted in Cuba, it is now believed to be extinct everywhere except for Florida. Current estimates state that there are between 1,000 and 2,000 still living in the wild, and of those, only 5-10% actually bloom each year. Of those small percentage which bloom, approximately less than 10% are actually pollinated by the only insect capable of pollinating them, the giant sphinx moth, so it’s easy to see why this beautiful plant struggles so hard to survive.

Previous to the 1980′s, the ghost orchid was not quite so rare and not nearly as much of a mystery as it is today. While severe freezes, the logging industry, and construction of certain canal systems in South Florida are largely responsible for the heavy decrease in numbers for the ghost orchid, it is actually poaching from humans that has caused the most damage. Today, the ghost orchid is considered a protected species, and its destruction or removal is highly illegal.

Members of the public are very rarely given the opportunity to see a ghost orchid in bloom, and of those who are, even fewer consider a trek through waist-deep, alligator-infested waters to be worth it. In addition, the locations of most ghost orchids are kept top secret, and when visitors are taken to see a ghost orchid in bloom, they are often blind-folded during the journey so that they won’t be able to return later on their own.

While it is highly unlikely that you would spot a ghost orchid without a guide, an airboat tour through the Everglades would be an excellent opportunity to try, without having to get in the water and chance an encounter with an alligator or two. Many of the Everglade’s unique and interesting creatures and plants can be viewed safely from the comfort of an airboat ride, providing once in a lifetime thrills that the entire family can enjoy.

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Red Mangroves
Perhaps the most common and well known type of mangrove found in Florida, red mangroves have often been called “walking trees” because their “prop-roots” give them the appearance of standing right on the surface of the water. This species of mangrove grows close to the water’s edge and is distinguishable by its raised, reddish, tangled roots.

Black Mangroves
Black mangroves are less typical mangroves, because they prefer environments that are slightly raised up from water level. Black mangroves have finger-like projections called pneumatophores that appear around the trunk of the mangrove, making them easily identifiable in nature.

White Mangroves
White mangroves are difficult to identify because they look more like traditional rooted trees than the water lining greenery people are accustomed to when thinking of mangroves. White mangroves prefer even higher elevations than black mangroves, and unlike both red and black mangroves, white mangroves have no visible root system. White mangroves can be best identified by their leaves, which are elliptical, light yellow-green, and have two distinguishing glands around the base of each leaf.

Mangroves are extremely essential to all natural life in the Florida Everglades and throughout the rest of Florida. Mangroves provide food and shelter to many species in the Everglades, as well as provide protected areas for new mothers to raise their young. Mangrove branches also serve as nesting grounds for many of Florida’s important bird species, while their roots provide important attachment surfaces for many marine creatures as well. Without mangroves in the Everglades, many other plant and animal species who rely on them for various reasons would not be able to survive in this environment.

An airboat tour through the Everglades allows tourists and residents alike to experience the lush mangrove forests of Southern Florida up close. Visit Captain Mitch today of Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours and see for yourself why an airboat ride is truly the only way to experience the River of Grass to its fullest.

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There are four major types of wetlands:

Swamps

Swamps are wetlands that are forested. The water found in swamps can be freshwater, saltwater, or a mixture of the two called “brackish.” Swamps are usually found around large rivers, but can also occur along the shores of large lakes.

Marshes

Marshes are distinguishable from other types of wetlands in that the plant matter found in marshes is of a herbaceous nature rather than a woody nature. While swamps are dominated by trees, marshes are filled with grass, reeds, and other low-growing shrubs.

Bogs

A bog, also known as a mire, quagmire, or muskeg, is an area of wetland that accumulates peat. Peat is dead plant material and most often consists of mosses. Bogs occur in areas of high acidity and low nutrients and can cover large landscapes many meters deep.

Fens

Fens, like bogs, are also a type of mire, but are different in that they are fed by mineral-rich surface water or groundwater. They usually occur along large lakes or rivers where water levels change seasonally and there are few woody plants or trees.

Everglades airboat rides are an excellent opportunity to witness the different wetland types up close in the Florida Everglades. Airboat tours are educational and fun and will leave your family with lasting memories.

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