Thanks to Master Naturalist Cindy Hersh (Class of 2016) for leading a marvelous walk on the morning of Sunday, 2/11/24 from dune to lagoon at the Barrier Island Sanctuary and Education Center located just north of Sebastian Inlet State Park on Highway A1A in Brevard County.
Cindy began the walk on the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where two pods of dolphins entertained us in the distance. She spoke about the adaptations of dune plants and pointed out that the seagrapes (Coccoloba uvifera) would soon recover form the ravages of salty winds and cool temperatures that had colored their round leaves …
We crossed Highway A1A to stroll through the spectacular maritime hammock, and Cindy pointed out a variety of hammock plants, some of which grow at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area and some that do not, including massive gumbo limbos (Bursera simarouba), which are sometimes called tourist trees due to their reddish, peeling bark …
Huge strangler figs (Ficus aurea) also were present, some with unripe fruits …
When we reached the mosquito control impoundment dike, Cindy reviewed the three mangroves – red., black and white. After enjoying a scenic view of the Indian River Lagoon, we returned to the parking lot of the Education Center, where a gopher tortoise was munching …
What a wonderful to way to end (and begin) an educational and inspirational walk!
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 