Emerson Point Preserve - Spud-Busting & Nature Search
Includes
hands-on exotic plant removal (air potato) and Nature Search hike at Emerson
Point Park
Spud-Busting: This activity is set up as a competition where students work in teams to collect the most air potatoes by weight, the biggest, and the smallest. It starts with an introduction of native vs. exotic plants, including field examples, and an explanation of what an air potato is and why we are removing them. Procedures and boundaries are determined, and then teams of 2-3students (for teamwork and safety) collect air potatoes.
Emerson Point Nature Search: This activity leads students along the “Restoration Trail” where native and exotic plants will be pointed out and noted on observation forms. Students will be given time at the small pond for drawing at least three observations, (plant, animal, habitat element) and then continue their walk observing and classifying various plants and animals, and the Manatee River as it flows into Tampa Bay.
Arrive Emerson
Point Preserve on Snead Island by
9:30
Complete activities by 12:00
May remain to picnic on the Temple Mound