Florida is a giant sand bar. You need not dig very deep before hitting water. This presents problems with construction as roads and buildings make surfaces impervious to rain, causing a flooding hazard from runoff. Retention ponds are dug to mitigate flooding from development. While natural lakes in Florida are shallow, retention ponds are deep, penetrating the ground 40 or 50 feet. But, because of the high water table, these ponds need to be pumped while under construction. In the woods to the left of the image is a temporary holding pond. Click on the image for a larger view.
Tag Archives: Black & White
Mangroves
Mangroves on Black Point in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Click on the image for a larger view.
Black Point
Black Point on Merritt Island Florida. Click on the image for a larger view.
Sabal Palmetto
This is a native Florida palm and one of the most common. These trees can grow to a height of 65 ft or 20 m. The trunk can be smooth or have bootjacks, the lower part of the palm branch remaining on trunk. This palm is an abandoned field that is occasionally used as a cow pasture. Click on the image for a larger view.
Invasive
The Pacara earpod tree gets its name from its distinctive and prolific seed pods. A native of Costa Rica, this shade tree has made its home in Florida. The large crop of seed pods allows it to colonize the landscape in groves. Birds also carry the seeds, making single specimens sprout. Click on the image for a larger view.
Moon over the Atlantic
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Merritt Island, Part 5
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is known for its large and diverse bird population, both native and migratory. Click on the image for a larger view.
Merritt Island, Part 4
One of the government facilities on Merritt Island. The dome is pointing toward the Kennedy Space Center. The building does not seem to used: the gates and fencing are neglected. Click on the image for a larger view.
Merritt Island, Part 3
The dunes of Merritt Island off the Atlantic Ocean. Click on the image for a larger view.
Merritt Island, Part 2
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