Merrit Island and NASA-February 27th.

Merrit Island

Temperature: 19 degrees, mainly sunny with some clouds.

At the start of the day we visited Merrit island which specialized in managing species and maintaining habitats around the area. Simply by traveling there is was a clear how much wildlife Florida had to offer with Sandhill cranes, (Grus canadensis), reddish egrets (Egretta rufescans), great egrets (Ardea alba), a 9 banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) (know leprosy vector) and a wood stork (Mycteria americana) all being spotted during travel. A ranger working here gave us detailed information (during a talk) on the island and its co-operation with NASA (NASA owned). Migratory birds are the main benefactors of the work that is done here. Prescribed fire is considered to be one of the most important methods in order to maintain habitats. Other methods used by the rangers are impoundments (can control mosquitoes). Impoundment salinity and level can be impacted by the current wet/dry season. Knat catchers can also be used to manage the increasing mosquito population.




NASA facts:

• 
  VAB (vehicle assembly building) is the 6th largest building in the world.

• April 12, 1981 was the first shuttle mission Hubble space scope.

• There was a low population here before Merritt island was purchased by NASA. 

• Merrit island was selected because it was close to the sea and more isolated from large settlements and cities (lower risk of falling debris causing damage).

Although much work is done to help conserve the species who live in close proximity to NASA some animals can be harmed by the rocket launches e.g. woodpeckers nesting in the shuttles/turkey vultures flying into buildings etc.. 

The Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a major issue as it creates a dome-like effect which disables any plant life under it from growing.The seeds of the Brazilian pepper are fire resistant and are usually hand-pulled or through use of herbicides.

A poster on Brazilian pepper tree and how it became so successful yet problematic.






Merrit Island's funding is primarily based off government funding/grants and donations. During the talk, the ranger mentioned some of the major problems in the surrounding area such as the (above) Brazilian pepper tree and lightning strikes (fire suppression problems can be caused by droughts and passing cold fronts). 

The Scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica -endemic to Florida) was also discussed and observed and I found them to be one of the highlights of my trip. Using prescribed fire proved to be the most efficient way to help maintain their habitat.

The inquisitive scrub jay roosting was very curious toward us and was a joy to watch.