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| A Field Trip at Cockroach Bay - IFS Program Biologist Pete Rossi |
About ESC's
ESC at Cockroach Bay
Site of the original Environmental Studies Center (ESC), Cockroach Bay is one of the few remaining healthy mangrove estuaries in Tampa Bay. Located on the southeastern shore of Tampa Bay, just south of Ruskin, FL this Center features a 1,000 foot boardwalk, nature trails, field, and lab equipment, several boats and canoes for marine exploration, and two buildings for lectures, labs, and workshops. Seine nets and benthic sieves are used in the collection of marine organisms for study. Field trips utilizing the ESC boats include use of the above mentioned equipment and the use of an otter trawl. Optional equipment includes dip nets, plankton nets, water chemistry, etc.
Cockroach Bay is located at 4241 Lavender Rd. in Ruskin, FL 33570.
ESC at English Creek
English Creek is located on 400 acres in eastern Hillsborough County, just east of Plant City, FL. Four distinct plant communities co-exist and can be visited at the English Creek ESC: Open grasslands, mesic flatwoods, upland mixed forest, and bottomland forest. The creek for which this Environmental Center is named meanders through the property, offering opportunities for activities ranging from water sampling to aquatic organism collecting. A small spring and pond are also available for activities at the Center. Elevated boardwalks offer visitors panoramic view of the communities found here. Foot paths are an option for those wanting a closer, more detailed, look at the inhabitants of the English Creek ESC.
English Creek is located at 2950 E State Road 60 in Plant City, FL 33567.
ESC at Upper Tampa Bay
Situated on the northern shore of Tampa Bay, this Center is located just west of the Town and Country area. This 600 acre Hillsborough County Park is a natural area containing six distinct plant communities: flatwoods, wet prairies, salt barrens, seagrass beds, mangrove forest, and salt marshes. A classroom/lab building allows for on-site study as does the interpretive building with its exhibits and displays. The presence of extensive marine wetlands lends itself to seining, sieving and a host of other marine activities.
To reserve a trip for your group, please contact us.
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