MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM Sign - Mangrove ecosystems are some of the most productive systems in the world. As science advances our understanding, we are realizing how important these systems are. We continue to protect and preserve these ecosystems through establishing new laws; limiting development and restoring previously impacted areas.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d22.jpg", "Mangroves occupy the fringe of shallow bays & estuaries in areas determined by tidal water & concentration of salt & soil. Mangroves protect the shorelines from erosion, are the basis for building barrier islands, and are essential in the marine food chain.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d23.jpg", "Overhead canopy. The canopy is thick, holding moisture in the mangrove forest.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d24.jpg", "Overhead canopy.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d25.jpg", "Boardwalk splitting off. Forward right is example of White Mangrove Trees, located more to the landward side of the boardwalk. Their leaves are succulent and round located just opposite of each other on the stem.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d26.jpg", "Entering the Wading Birds seating area lagoon. In the top of the mangroves are several colonies of water birds that nest, including the little blue heron, snowy egret, white egret, white ibis, anhinga, and brown pelican. One of the more beautiful birds to spot is the pink plumed "roseate spoonbill". Take time to sit and watch these birds wading through the waters spotting food.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d27.jpg", "Wading Birds
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d28.jpg", "We have five seating areas where small groups can enjoy the serenity of the mangrove forest, studying the many aspects of the eco-system. Each seating area overlooks five specific features of the mangrove forest.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d29.jpg", "As the boardwalk winds and turns, you will see here a great example of the Red Mangrove root system. Red mangrove trees are in the more water -ward areas of the forest. The prop root systems anchor the trees in the mud creating an intricate net that reduces tidal currents, traps sediments and provides numerous surfaces for the attachment of marine organisms.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d210.jpg", "Red mangrove prop root system.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d211.jpg", "White Mangrove sign. Taking a leaf from the White Mangrove you can touch your tongue to the leaf taking a taste, which will be very salty as the salt is excreted through the leaves.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d212.jpg", "Cross over one of our three bridges overlooking our Canoe Trail.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d213.jpg", "Boardwalk winding deeper into the mangrove forest.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d12.jpg", "North Entrance of Boardwalk to the Mangrove Forest. There are over 300 types of mangrove trees in the world. Here in Southwest Florida we have three - (1) Red Mangrove (2) White Mangrove (3) Black Mangrove. The Mangroves are an important aspect of the Eco System Food Chain.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d13.jpg", "Tidal Currents coming in from the Gulf of Mexico feed the Mangrove System with water, salt, many species of marine life.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d14.jpg", "Winding the Boardwalk through the Mangrove Forest we were able to preserve existing mature trees and minimize any disturbance. The Boardwalk was completely built by hand. No heavy equipment was used.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d15.jpg", "Scenery from deep within the Mangrove Forest.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d16.jpg", "Examples of the Mangrove Root system
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d17.jpg", "Black Mangrove Trees receive tidal water only on very high tides. These areas tend to have flooded waters for long periods of time, and have a high concentration of salt. It is a taller tree with an open understory and almost black bark. It's pencil-like projections called pneumatophores, which is the tree's "breathing tube", (exchanging gas). The leaves are dark green on top.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d18.jpg", "Note the many different directions that the boardwalk leads you.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d19.jpg", "Bridge over water.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d110.jpg", "Seating area where many species of fish can be identified. Lurking in the shadows of the mangroves are the larger fish including snook, redfish, sheepshead, crevalle jack, mullet, and tarpon. Southern stingrays also have been spotted.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d111.jpg", "Southern most overlook. Cycle of Life can be seen in this area. When the leaves and other plant material fall from the Mangrove Trees they will decay into detritus, and are then flushed into the bay areas through the tidal system, becoming the food essential to the survival of nearly all the fish, shellfish, crabs and other animals of both the near shore and offshore marine environment.
") pArray[PicVar++] = new Fix("images/naturetrail/d112.jpg", "Sign and seating area, which explains the Cycle of Life! These leaves are the food for crabs, shrimp and a variety of microorganisms. These small creatures in turn become food for the larger animals of the marine environment, which in turn are eaten by larger predators! Hence- the "Cycle of Life".
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