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A CANOE EXPEDITION THROUGH THE MANGROVES
OF
THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Conducted by
The Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach, Florida
May 25, 2002
The canoe trip into the mangroves started at 7:00
a.m. with a lecture at the ELC. After the lecture we boarded canoes
and went through the mangrove channels. The group heard a lecture
about the wetlands environment and the importance of the mangroves,
pointing out wildlife, fish, seagrasses, etc.
 An
intrepid group of adventurers from as far away as California and
Ecuador, gathered at the Environmental Learning Center on May 25,
2002 at 7:00 a.m. After a brief, but warm welcome from the ELC
guides (all volunteers), the group was escorted through the mangrove
walkways of the ELC's facilities to their canoe dock, located on
the fringe of the Indian River Lagoon (a.k.a. The Intracoastal
Waterway (ICW) or Inland Waterway).
 As
the group progressed on the walkways, winding through the wetlands,
the ELC guides pointed out the three species of mangroves, which
make up the wetlands eco-system. These mangroves (Red, Black and
White) are an integral part of the life cycle of the Indian River
Lagoon, providing habitat for marine life and other indigenous
wildlife. The group witnessed wading birds feeding in tidal waters,
oysters clinging to the mangrove prop roots in clusters too numerous
to count, crabs scurrying in their sideways fashion, to and fro
on land, boardwalks and in the water, fish swimming in schools
- sized from "fry" to adult - were prolific. The waters
and mangrove forests of the wetlands were teeming with life - demonstrating
that the mangrove eco-system is not only a refuge to wildlife;
it is the nursery of the sea.
Embarking on an unforgettable journey, participants and guides
board canoes.
 Entry
into the cool canopy of the Red mangrove forest is like entering
another world - a world in which one can explore and learn about
a little known but precious and critically endangered environmental
resource. The canoe journey through these pristine, narrow and
twisting wetland waterways, is awe-inspiring. Led by the guides
from the ELC you are a participant in an unforgettable experience
- you are seeing and learning, first-hand, why mangrove fringes/forests
and their eco-systems are essential to the health of marine life
in the Indian River Lagoon and the ocean beyond.
 The
narrow canals allow for up close contact and examination of the
mangroves and the habitat their roots provide for crustaceans,
fish and other indigenous wildlife. Water in these wetlands is
brackish, i.e. a mixture of salt water and fresh water, and is
supplied by tidal flow from the Indian River Lagoon. Tidal flow
from the Atlantic Ocean provides salt water to the lagoon which
mixes with the freshwater run off from the land along its shoreline
and from man-made canals. The Indian River Lagoon, the largest
estuary in the North America, is 156 miles in length and supports
over 4,000 different species of fauna and marine life.
 Note
in this photo the ability of the Red Mangrove to drop roots from
branches into the brackish water below, making them appear as though
they are truly "walking" across the water, hence their
nickname as "Walking Mangroves."
 Wildlife
abounds in the mangrove forests, and comes in many forms - note
the horned spider in its intricate web, strung between branches
that edged the waterways.
 An
osprey flies overhead in search of its morning meal - a fish from
the Indian River Lagoon.
 Success!
This white heron enjoys his catch of the day.
 Children
and adults, exploring together create lasting memories - but even
more important than memories, they are learning about the importance
of protecting a precious part of the world's environment thanks
to the efforts of The Environmental Learning Center, its staff
and volunteers.
Tranquil and beautiful isn't it? Visit the Environmental Learning
Center located on Route 510 in Vero Beach, Florida to learn more
about this important estuary and take with you the knowledge that
you can make a difference, that you too can help to educate and
preserve one of our world's most precious resources.
The wetlands
of the Indian River Lagoon and the wetlands of other tropical and
sub-tropic areas around the globe are under attack,
exploited by shrimp fisheries in "developing" countries,
and dredged and filled in the name of progress by "developed" countries.
Where mangroves are destroyed, the fishing industry diminishes,
and in some cases, has all but disappeared. The message is very
clear - the mangrove forests of Florida and of the world are in
need of immediate protection from further destruction, they are
disappearing at an alarming rate and are essential to the health
of our world's oceans. When we recognize that the mangrove forests
and wetlands are the nurseries for our bountiful oceans we take
the first step in working to preserve and restore that which future
generations will need - a continued source of protein, provided
by the sea.
Contact the Environmental Learning
Center today. Sign
up for a canoe trip and enter a world you've never seen before!
Enroll in
an environmental course and share your newfound knowledge with
others! Help save our precious wetlands!
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