Entry #4

Estero Bay Preserve State Park

To the right is me getting ready to do some kayaking in the preserve :)

1. History:

The land was acquired to buffer the Estero Bay from encroaching development in the watershed. The preservation and protection of Estero Bay's water quality is a primary focus in managing the preserve.

2. Value of the wetlands

Wetlands play a very important part in protecting water quality, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving watershed. Wetlands store water, transform nutrients, aid in the growth of living matter, and promote the diversity of wetland plants. Not all wetlands function the same; size and location are a huge factor. Many factors also determine how well a wetland will perform its functions. These factors include climatic conditions, quantity and quality of water entering the wetland, and disturbances or alterations within the wetland or ecosystem. All in all, wetlands are very important assets to our environment.

3. Value of fire, water, elevation, and climatic events

Fire, water and elevation are valuable when it comes to wetlands. Controlled burns are performed to maintain many of Florida's natural areas. Pine flatwoods burn frequently which is a natural process that opens the habitat and allows plants to seed. Burning helps to rid the habitat of dead plants and debris that would otherwise become thick and smother the living species. Water and sunlight obviously help the plants and trees to grow and be healthy and a benefical addition to the surrounding ecosystem.

4. Wildlife

Estero Bay Preserve is a wetland habitat with different species such as:

gopher tortoises

fiddler crabs

bald eagles

snook

pelicans

slash pines

saw palmettos

live oaks