Gove students visit Everglades National Park

By Special to the Lake Okeechobee News

Posted 4/3/19

BELLE GLADE -- On Feb. 20, the fifth and sixth grade students that participate in the Art Club, Garden Club or Fuel Up Play 60 Club, had a memorable and educational field trip to …

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Gove students visit Everglades National Park

Posted Wednesday, April 3, 2019 12:08 pm

By Special to the Lake Okeechobee News

BELLE GLADE -- On Feb. 20, the fifth and sixth grade students that participate in the Art Club, Garden Club or Fuel Up Play 60 Club, had a memorable and educational field trip to Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. The students and their club sponsors enjoyed an extensive tour of the park. The students were able to observe the numerous animals in their natural habitats.

While riding on a shuttle tour, students saw baby alligators that were huddled near their mother and a variety of Everglades birds. One of the birds included a blue heron, which could be seen gulping a small snake. What an amazing sight! One of the trip’s highlights was the immense tower view, which allowed visitors to see the beautiful vast land. The students also participated in hands-on activities such as examining periphyton, which is the mixture of algae and other submerged substances. The students also saw hollow heron leg bones and alligator teeth. They learned about the aquifer, which provides a critical water source to our state. Each student gained important knowledge about the Everglades and learned why it is important for it to be preserved.

This trip was made possible by the generous donation of the Everglades Foundation. Kudos to the club sponsors, Jill Schmidt, (Art Club), Ellen Smith (Fuel Up Play 60) and Gayle and Florencio Zavala (Garden Club) for organizing and chaperoning the unforgettable experience.