Fieldwork

Florida Habitat Identification

Tampa, Florida, is home to diverse wetland habitats that play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, including marshes, swamps, and mangroves. Identifying these habitats involves studying their unique characteristics, such as water levels, soil composition, and plant species like cattails, sawgrass, and red mangroves. Wetlands in Tampa are critical for filtering water, mitigating floods, and providing habitats for wildlife like wading birds and alligators. Educational programs and conservation initiatives in the region aim to train individuals in recognizing and preserving these vital ecosystems. By understanding wetland habitats, Tampa's community contributes to the protection of Florida's natural beauty and ecological balance. Here on this webpage, I go through a few of my fieldwork experiences. Recently, my fieldwork has taken me to the Sustainable Living Project, Jay B, Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County, the University of South Florida's Botanical Gardens, and Lettuce Lake Park from Hillsborough County. 

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in Pasco County offers an unparalleled opportunity for plant identification and ecological discovery within its diverse landscapes. Spanning pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, wetlands, and sandhills, the park is home to an incredible variety of native plant species that thrive in Florida's subtropical conditions. Visitors can identify iconic plants like live oaks draped in Spanish moss, gallberry bushes, swamp ferns, and vibrant seasonal wildflowers. I observed slash pines, wiregrass, saw palmetto, and a range of wildflowers.  The park's ecosystem also supports endangered or rare plants, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants found in wetland areas. Interpretive trails and educational signage throughout the park provide helpful information about the flora, making it an ideal destination for botany enthusiasts or casual explorers. 

University of South Florida Botanical Gardens

The USF Botanical Gardens in Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant hub for exploring biodiversity and engaging in hands-on learning experiences. The Entomology Society at USF regularly organizes hikes through the gardens, offering members the opportunity to identify a variety of insects in their natural habitats. Among the insect species frequently encountered at the gardens are monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), black swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes), honeybees (Apis mellifera), and eastern lubber grasshoppers (Romalea microptera). In addition to insects, the regular visits include plant identification, with members studying native and ornamental species showcased throughout the gardens. The Botanical Gardens' diverse collection of ecosystems serves as an open classroom, blending entomology with botany for a comprehensive understanding of local biodiversity. 

The Sustainable Living Project

The Sustainable Living Project in Tampa, Florida, is an urban farm and education center dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness. The site is home to thriving gardens, which attract a variety of beneficial insects that support its ecosystem. Commonly observed insects include pollinators like honeybees (Apis mellifera) and native Florida bees, as well as monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and ladybugs (Coccinellidae) that help control pests naturally. The project serves as a living model for sustainability, where visitors can learn about eco-friendly farming techniques while appreciating the important role insects play in maintaining a healthy environment.

Lettuce Lake Park

Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida, is a picturesque natural area known for its wetlands, hardwood forests, and diverse wildlife. The Entomology Society at USF frequently visits the park to explore its rich biodiversity, particularly focusing on insect identification and ecology. Insects commonly found in the park include dragonflies (Anisoptera), damselflies (Zygoptera), eastern lubber grasshoppers (Romalea microptera), and various species of butterflies like swallowtails (Papilionidae). These visits offer hands-on learning experiences, allowing society members to deepen their understanding of insects’ roles within the park’s thriving ecosystems while contributing to citizen science projects.