10 likes | 175 Views
Welcome to Natural Area Park and NATL and Its Nature Trails. N atural A rea T eaching L aboratory NATL (pronounced “NA-tal”) was founded in 1994 to provide an on-campus site for teaching students and the public about ecology and biological diversity.
E N D
Welcome to Natural Area Park andNATL and Its Nature Trails Natural Area Teaching Laboratory NATL (pronounced “NA-tal”) was founded in 1994 to provide an on-campus site for teaching students and the public about ecology and biological diversity. NATL has three ecosystems characteristic of uplands in north peninsular Florida: hammock, upland pine, and old-field succession. It also has a large retention basin (SEEP) and several other wetlands. A large panel (on the other side of this kiosk) and a pamphlet (available below) give additional information about NATL. Natural Area Park NATL’s Nature Trails Natural Area Park is a part of NATL developed in cooperation with the Florida Museum of Natural History. Except when K-12 groups visiting the nearby museums are picnicking here , it provides a quiet, natural setting where visitors to the Cultural Plaza can take the weight off their feet or learn about trees native to this part of Florida . (Signs identify 24 species and tell something of their economic and cultural importance.) NATL: A Living Lab for Education • Walking the Nature Trails • As shown by the map above, NATL has four nature trails. One goes across and around the SEEP wetland and the other three are through NATL’s principal upland ecosystems. • Take the SEEP trail from here: The SEEP Trail starts at the kiosk next to the four-board fence, crosses the wetland on a boardwalk, and returns here on a path around the deep-water part of SEEP—a distance of about 0.7 miles. • Accessing the other three trails: Each of the other trails is about one-quarter mile long and can be reached by crossing SEEP on its boardwalk or from the pathway leading south from the Florida Museum of Natural History. • Please Remember: • You are welcome to walk any trail in NATL's public area. • Take care not to disturb the subjects or the stakes at the points of interest along the nature trails. • Your chances of viewing wildlife will improve if you remain quiet. • Please do not disturb any markers or equipment you encounter. • Take only pictures, leave only footprints. • Please return trail guides when you are finished with them. • Enjoy! • Development of NATL’s nature trails was funded by a grant from student-generated CITF funds. Students use NATL’s natural diversity for a variety of classes and studies. Two ecology students make measurements in SEEP’s pool. An entomology class takes a field trip to capture insects.