6th Observation-Lake Osceola

This weekend I visited the University of Miami and went to learn about the lake that resides on campus, Lake Osceola. Although this lake is in the middle of a college setting, many creatures depend on it for shelter. Alligators have been seen sun bathing on the shores and swimming through on any given day. Some fish species found in the lake are Largemouth Bass, Cat fish, and Flying fish. Since April 22 is Earth Day, the university has a special day celebrating Lake Osceola called Hug the Lake. Students gather around the lake and hold hands in honor of Earth Day. I enjoyed visiting this site because the lake was beautiful and serene. I also liked the fact that the school embraced the importance of the lake and all it's inhabitants and are appreciative of Lake Osceola.

5th Observation-Gumbo Limbo

Earlier today I visited the park Gumbo Limbo, located in Boca Raton. This park was very interactive and had a lot of various activities one could partake in. There were games and displays inside with plants and labels all around the outside deck. In the front of the main building there were large replicas of different species of sea turtles such as the Loggerhead, the Green, and the Leather Back. There was also a butterfly garden on the south side of the area with many picnic areas right next to the sea. Some trees and plants in the park were the Papaya Tree, the Lamb's Ear, Spanish Stopper (which has a skunk like smell), the Pigeon Plum, Lance Wood, Wild Lime, and Iron Wood. Gumbo Limbo was the most abundant tree and it is also known as the "Tourist Tree" because it has a "skin" that is red and peels off the tree. This is the same as when tourists come to visit Florida their skin burns and peels. Another fun factor of the park was that there were open salt water tanks with sea life. There were Nurse Sharks, Remora, Bonnet-head Sharks, Turtles, and other various types of fish. Overall the park was very beautiful and very kid friendly. I enjoyed walking through and seeing all the different types of wildlife in this up close setting.