Governor’s School Group III-- Coastal Ecology
Gov School teacher Mike Miglori’s theme of Coastal Ecology was in perfect sync with Sedge Island. The first day out on the island the group got to do a few short paddles through the mosquito ditches to view zonation and later on in the day to the Bahamas to dig clams, and to escape the scorching heat and humidity, not to mention the green head flies! The group was great and had their pad and pen ready at a moments notice to take notes on zonation, ecology and other interesting things around Sedge.
On the second day we rose early and packed a lunch and paddled off into the sedges. Along the way we stopped to dig soft clams, and search out creatures of the marsh and mud flats. Although the soft clams were few and far between we did stumble upon a great clam bed with clams ranging in size from 10mm to 3 inches.
We found 2 juvenile horseshoe crabs probably within the age range of 1-3 years old, and also happened upon a lugworm, watch out they bite! Once at the US Army Corps of Engineers Dike, we had a great conversation about the effects of the Dike on Water quality, habitat loss/gain for specific species and the general environmental impact on the area. The group then walked down to the beach doing a transect of the primary and secondary dunes and got to see the transition from ocean to bay. On the way back to the sedge house, many osprey chicks were visible stretching their wings on the verge of fledging from their nests.
Back at the house we discussed our clam catch and opened a few and some got to eat the clams right off the half shell. Although Mike was apprehensive and had to be goaded into eating a raw clam, he said it was good. We learned that Mike’s birthday was Thursday and with a little help from Jacky (caretaker on the island) we were able to throw together some brownies for Mike.
This group was great and although sometimes teamwork was lacking, the group had a wonderful team moment. While writing in journals on the front porch the wind shifted and sent gusts of over 25-30 mph over Sedge. Immediately jobs were delegated to people, windows needed to be shut, shoes and garments needed to be gathered from outside, and most importantly kayaks had to be put away and secured. The group instantly flew into action working together like a well-oiled machine and got everything done in about 5 minutes.
Every year it is a pleasure to have students from Gov School out on the marsh. Their wonderful educators always bring a unique level of thinking to their students.
On Behalf of Sedge Island NREC, we wish all Gov School students luck with all of your endeavors and for Mike, have a great time out in Micronesia, we look forward to hearing about your teaching adventures next year!
***To comment on this post, click on the "Comments" link below and choose "anonymous" as your identity (easiest way to post) don’t forget to sign your name on your comment***
On the second day we rose early and packed a lunch and paddled off into the sedges. Along the way we stopped to dig soft clams, and search out creatures of the marsh and mud flats. Although the soft clams were few and far between we did stumble upon a great clam bed with clams ranging in size from 10mm to 3 inches.
We found 2 juvenile horseshoe crabs probably within the age range of 1-3 years old, and also happened upon a lugworm, watch out they bite! Once at the US Army Corps of Engineers Dike, we had a great conversation about the effects of the Dike on Water quality, habitat loss/gain for specific species and the general environmental impact on the area. The group then walked down to the beach doing a transect of the primary and secondary dunes and got to see the transition from ocean to bay. On the way back to the sedge house, many osprey chicks were visible stretching their wings on the verge of fledging from their nests.
Back at the house we discussed our clam catch and opened a few and some got to eat the clams right off the half shell. Although Mike was apprehensive and had to be goaded into eating a raw clam, he said it was good. We learned that Mike’s birthday was Thursday and with a little help from Jacky (caretaker on the island) we were able to throw together some brownies for Mike.
This group was great and although sometimes teamwork was lacking, the group had a wonderful team moment. While writing in journals on the front porch the wind shifted and sent gusts of over 25-30 mph over Sedge. Immediately jobs were delegated to people, windows needed to be shut, shoes and garments needed to be gathered from outside, and most importantly kayaks had to be put away and secured. The group instantly flew into action working together like a well-oiled machine and got everything done in about 5 minutes.
Every year it is a pleasure to have students from Gov School out on the marsh. Their wonderful educators always bring a unique level of thinking to their students.
On Behalf of Sedge Island NREC, we wish all Gov School students luck with all of your endeavors and for Mike, have a great time out in Micronesia, we look forward to hearing about your teaching adventures next year!
***To comment on this post, click on the "Comments" link below and choose "anonymous" as your identity (easiest way to post) don’t forget to sign your name on your comment***
posted by Sedge Island at 11:33 AM
1 Comments:
Sedge Island was a wonderful experience. Jim was awesome and the kayaking was great.
I would recommend the trip to anyone..
All the best
Joseph Yewaisis
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