Human Ecological Stupidity: Everglades Wetland Destruction

Wetlands make up a large part of the United States. In total there is about 105.5 million acres, thats roughly the size of California. The wetlands are an incredible place. Many of us have seen a great example of the wetlands in Florida, the Everglades. The Everglades are the largest wetland in the United States, it is also one of the largest in the world. Destruction of the wetlands causes many problems such as: increased flood damages, increased drought damages, and declining bird populations. Much of the destruction of wetlands is due to human activity. Some actions that are commonly seen are: drainage, tilling for crop production, mining, introduction of nonnative species, dredging, and stream channelization.
Drainage is a big cause of the destruction of the Everglades; in the 1940's a large portion of the Everglades was drained for development purposes. The effects of this were devastating. There was a 90% reduction of bird populations. Some animals were at risk of being completely lost in the area. Many native grasses were choked out by exotic species.
Tilling for crop production has also greatly effected the Everglades. The sugarcane industry is one of the biggest offenders. Whats worse is the farmers are protected by the federal government and even recieve benefits to keep the industry alive. Farmers will block water ways and redirect the water the way they see fit disturbing the natural waterflow and effecting the ecosystem in the surrounding areas. Fertilizers are also becoming more prevelant in the water of the Everglades. The soil of the Everglades are not ideal for growing sugarcane.  Phosphorus is a major component of many fertilizers. The effects are seen in algea blooms which leads to a depleted oxygen supply.
Of the original 3 million acres 1.7 acres have either been drained or turned into farm land. The rest of the Everglades have been turned into a national park but many argue that the destruction of the Everglades is still happening. Restoration efforts are happening but with such a large area destroyed it will take many years to return the Everglades to their original state. This is not just happening in the Everglades it is also happening to many other wetlands. We need to learn from our mistakes and stop this from continuing.
Heres a video from PBS discussing the destruction of the Everglades.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=video&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CEAQtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.pbs.org%2Fvideo%2F1098938463%2F&ei=x1lcUMLHB6nDyQG3uIHACw&usg=AFQjCNHGsqTXgi5bFRe2CDmNPgaan9IRoQ&sig2=0vtDPqwHY4HRAAhuY6I70Q

Sources:

http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0706f.asp
http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/vital_status.cfm
Live Long and Prosper!

Units

The subject I am most looking forward to this semester would have to be genetics. I find it all so fascinating. I really enjoyed it in Biology so I'm hoping going more in depth will be that much better. The subject I am least looking forward to would probably be evolution just because I have mixed feelings on the subject. I always do my best to keep an open mind (note I said I try my best not I always do) when it comes to such topics. Even still I am sure I will enjoy it all. Just a little side note anyone not participating in a fall sport and would like to be you should come row we need people badly. Alright well that's all for now.
Live long and prosper

Get to Know Me

I couldn't figure out how to open my blog so I asked my partner in crime Miss Barber and this is what she came up with : "LAUREN!!!!! Yeah that is ma name." Thank you Liz for your ever wonderful help (do you sense the sarcasm?). Yes, my name is Lauren but I am also known as Ren, VanderWall, and to a select few,Wally. If you don't already know me, just fair warning, I am kinda crazy. I can come across as quiet and withdrawn but really I am just plain nuts and really loud. I am half Dutch and half Italian and anyone of either of these decents know that this can lead to some pretty crazy loud people.
I am a band geek through and through. I play in pit percussion (mallets) during Marching Band and the bass clarinet during Wind Ensemble. This summer I will be traveling with fellow band students from all over the state as well as my grandma and Liz to Europe for a 17 day tour which includes seven performances. I am so excited! I actually have a countdown in my room. I also participate in crew with the Grand Rapids Rowing Association Junior Rowing team. I am on Varsity this season and can't wait to start competing. Last night we did a 10K in two 5K increments. My splits were the best of the girls and right with the boys. I love to talk crew so if you ever want to know something feel free to ask. Just make sure you have a plan in place to shut me up. Next fall I hope to attend Saginaw Valley State University and obtain my BSN (Bachelor's of Science and Nursing). I have an interview in November for the President's scholarship. After I get my degree I hope to work in the Peace Corps or for the Hope Boat. I have always wanted to work in humanitarian aid as well as the medical field and this is a great way for me to do so.I decided to take AP Biology in hopes that it would give me a better basis in this area. I feel this will greatly help me in college as Biology plays a large roll in the nursing field.
Well that's all for today until next time my friends.
Live long and prosper!