For our last field trip we went to the beautiful Six Mile Cypress Slough in Fort Myers. During our time there I learned that the preserve was started by a group of students that were studying ecology known as the Monday Group. Their goal was to be able to preserve 20% of all Lee county for conservation. Today that goal has been reached. I also learned that that a slough, which is a shallow,slow movement of water in one direction;which is what Six Mile Cypress is. I also learned that our bedrock here in Florida is made out of limestone. Limestone is make out of the carcass of really old shellfish. CaCO3 is it's chemical composition.

                                                              Photo Credit: Danielle Saenz

Throughout our walk through Six Mile Cypress, I was able to see that the water levels in the preserve vary and fluctuate, especially in the Hardwood Transition Community. Many of the native plants located in this area have adapted to this way of life, this is why they flourish in this transitional area because they get both wet and dry periods. Like the trees below:

                                                            Photo Credit: Danielle Saenz

During our trip we were also able to see more Cypress tress and their Cypress knees, just like on campus. Pond Cypress is among the oldest living organisms in the slough. Our trip throughout Six Miles Cypress I learned just how important it is to preserve our environment even if it is just pieces of it. Six Mile Cypress is like a transitional highway for animals. It allows them to cross from Fort Myers down to Estero.