For all of your nature lovers, dolphin fanatics, little fishers, or young ecologists the day excursions are for you! The Dolphin Island Sea Lab is a research facility run by Auburn University. This lab also hosts the Estuarium which is a hands on, up close experience for visitors to our area.
Salt Marsh Field Excursion
Salt marshes may not be as beautiful as a beach to some, but they are a fascinating coastal wetland and a critical part of the estuarine ecosystem. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll travel by bus from the Estuarium to the Dauphin Island salt marsh to explore the salt marsh ecosystem.
Dates: June 21, June 27, July 5, July 9,
Salt marshes may not be as beautiful as a beach to some, but they are a fascinating coastal wetland and a critical part of the estuarine ecosystem. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll travel by bus from the Estuarium to the Dauphin Island salt marsh to explore the salt marsh ecosystem.July 16, and August 1, 2013
Time: 9:45 am to 12:15 pm
You’ll learn about nature’s needle, oysters and oyster drill, the unusual chemistry of marsh muds, the role marshes play in producing seafood for us to enjoy and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to use seine nets, yabby pumps and sieve boxes just like a marine scientist! (Please no collecting as we want our marsh to stay healthy.)
Because of the danger posed by sharp oyster shells, participants need to wear closed-toe shoes that tie or strap on, such as old tennis shoes. Please no flip-flops, Crocs or rubber boots as they get ‘eaten’ by the marsh mud. Showers and changing facilities will be available after the marsh trip. We also recommend sunscreen, a hat, water to drink camera (if you like), binoculars (if you like), extra dry clothes to change into afterwards, a towel, and a plastic bag for muddy items. Due to sharp shells, pointy plants, and other potential dangers, we do not recommend this trip for pre-school children.
Recommended items: sunscreen, hat, dry clothes, towel, plastic bag for muddy shoes/clothes, water
Suggested items: camera, binoculars
Beach, Dune and Forest Excursion
Dates: June 20, June 25, July 2, July 11,
July 17, and July 30, 2013
Time: 9:45 am to 12:15 pm
It’s not just sand and water – the beach is a thriving habitat with a dynamic dune system and fascinating plants and animals. After meeting outside the Estuarium, we’ll walk through the Audubon Bird Sanctuary’s maritime forest, then on to the dunes and beach
| You will learn about worms that live in the beach sand, clams that burrow using water jets, plants that Indians used for medicines, the benefits of an intact dune system and more. We’ll bring hand lenses, critter containers and hand nets, so we can get up close and personal with the flora and fauna.We’ll walk about a mile and a half, and feet may get wet, so participants should wear comfortable walking shoes they don’t mind getting wet. We also recommend sunscreen, a hat, camera (if you like), binoculars (if you like), bug spray and water to drink. |
Recommended items: sunscreen, hat, bug spray, water
Suggested items: camera, binoculars
