Introduction to Restoration Ecology

My name is Sharilyn Taylor. I am a senior at the University of North Florida. I will be graduating this December with my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (major) and Environmental Studies (minor). My current undergraduate research is focused on the effects of hive insulation on honey bee colony development and productivity. My plan is to continue studying honey bees by applying to the Entomology and Ecology graduate program at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. 

I was excited to find out that the University of North Florida was offering a Transformational Learning Opportunity (TLO) in Restoration Ecology. This course is fulfilling my degree requirement for Botany. Over the duration of this course, I will be working with Brian and Jesse on a project studying vegetation near the oyster restoration site at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. 

September 7, 2013 - Introduction of coastal habitats and the GTMNERR

   Riding in the "Mule" 

On our first visit, Dr. Smith showed us the different ecosystems located at the GTMNERR. We used vehicles called "Mules" to ride around GTMNERR. We drove pass Guana Lake and Estuarine, 
which is separated by a dam. We then drove down a trail through 
the maritime forest on our way to the oyster restoration site. We passed by an ancient burial mound, which is currently inhabited by gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). 

At the oyster restoration site, we observed the different types of vegetation and how their abundance changed depending on elevation. The plants that live in this harsh environment have adaptations that help them to survive and reproduce. For instance, Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) have two adaptations that allow them to tolerate the high salinity and daily tidal oscillations of salt marshes.
Black mangroves are referred to as salt excreters because they can discharge large amounts of salt through sap on the underside of their leaves. They also have pneumatophores (aerial root), which allow the black mangroves to breathe when its root system is submerged under water.

Distribution of vegetation

We also observed how the distribution of vegetation changes with elevation. Vegetation that are well adapted to changes in moisture and salinity live at the river's edge and along the riverbank, while vegetation that are not adapted to these changing conditions tend to grow further inland at higher elevations. Behind the oyster restoration site for example, the maritime forest is approximately 25 to 30 meters from the river's edge, while the salt marsh extends between 15 to 25 meters from the river's edge.  

Rough periwinkles (Littorina saxatilis) were found throughout the salt marsh attached to smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). They were also found on other types of marsh grass. Periwinkles make incisions in the marsh grass with their radula and feed on the 
   fungi that infects the damaged plant tissue.

Rough periwinkle

Atlantic mud fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax) filled the ground beneath the marsh grass. I tried to be careful and watch my step as I walked through the salt marsh so that I did not trample them. Fiddler crabs have noticeable sexual dimorphism (physical difference between males and females of the same species). Male fiddler crabs have one enlarged claw, while females have two claws that are the same size. Males use their enlarged claw for communication and attracting females. However, female fiddler crabs have an advantage when it comes to feeding because their claws are both the same size. The enlarged claw on males can become quite clumsy during feedings. 

Male fiddler crab

Female fiddler crab

I learned a lot on the first day at GTMNERR and I cannot wait to see what I will learn in the weeks to come.