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.

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Brackish water is a cross between freshwater and saltwater – it has a higher salinity level than freshwater but not as high as seawater. Typically, water is considered brackish if it contains between 0.5 and 30 grams of salt per liter, however the salinity of any given body of water considered to be brackish can heavily fluctuate over time.

Brackish water can be naturally occurring, as well as the result of human construction projects and waste run-off. When brackish water occurs naturally, it is generally around an estuary where a river connects to the ocean, and the freshwater from the river blends with the saltwater from the ocean.

Though many underwater creatures are usually comfortable in either one or the other, freshwater or saltwater, there are some who thrive in brackish water and can flow quite easily between the two environments. Some species commonly found in brackish waters are bull sharks, sturgeon, tilapia, and trout, as well as various species of crab and shrimp.

An Everglades airboat tour with Miami Airboat Tours is the perfect opportunity to view some of these unique and interesting animals in their brackish habitat. Much of Southwest Florida is considered brackish water, especially around the coastlines on both the east and west sides of the states, and much of this water feeds into the world-famous River of Grass, also known as the Florida Everglades. Take an airboat ride with us today and experience the beauty that is the Everglades with the guides who know the area best – we are Florida’s original Airboat family!

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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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