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Title: A PALEOGEOGRAPHY OF THE WEST EVERGLADES HIGH.
Creator: MANNE, BARRY LEE., Florida Atlantic University, Craig, Alan K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Florida Carbonate Platform has been a relatively stable area of carbonate and clastic sediment accumulation since the late Cretaceous. The development of a paleostrait across the northern extent of this platform inhibited transport of clastic sediments below this point. Southward, such features as reefs, banks, and islands developed which eventually trapped sediments that form southern Florida. A reef tract which underlies the topographic highs that surround the present day Everglades...
Show moreThe Florida Carbonate Platform has been a relatively stable area of carbonate and clastic sediment accumulation since the late Cretaceous. The development of a paleostrait across the northern extent of this platform inhibited transport of clastic sediments below this point. Southward, such features as reefs, banks, and islands developed which eventually trapped sediments that form southern Florida. A reef tract which underlies the topographic highs that surround the present day Everglades encircled an inner continental sea during Pliocene-Pleistocene time. The development of a bank reef within this sea is indicated by a diverse coral and molluscan fauna. Collections of this fauna were made by the writer in an area in the upper Everglades known as the West Everglades High. The development of this reef and perpetuation of its form through the overlying stratigraphy became an important structural feature in the development of the Everglades in the Recent.
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Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14384
Subject Headings: Paleogeography--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Water tables and drainage uniformity in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
Creator: Garcia, Raymond Michael., Florida Atlantic University, Scarlatos, Panagiotis (Pete) D.
Abstract/Description: Drainage waters leaving the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) have been implicated as having adverse effects on the receiving Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) and Everglades National Park (ENP). The objectives were to quantify and describe the rainfall and drainage events, characterize their effects on the water table system, and determine any relationships between the open channel drainage system and the field water tables on farms in the EAA. Water table rise in the soil profile from...
Show moreDrainage waters leaving the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) have been implicated as having adverse effects on the receiving Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) and Everglades National Park (ENP). The objectives were to quantify and describe the rainfall and drainage events, characterize their effects on the water table system, and determine any relationships between the open channel drainage system and the field water tables on farms in the EAA. Water table rise in the soil profile from rainfall averaged a ratio of 10.6:1. Traditional expectations of field drainage behavior to channel gradients were not apparent. Field observation well drainage rates showed no direct relationships to distances across the farm or to the main station pumping rate. Due to the similar field water table responses under varying drainage scenarios, the organic soil, open channels, and the underlying geology were determined to function as an integrated system with respect to the movement of water.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12680
Subject Headings: Water table--Florida--Everglades, Drainage--Florida--Everglades, Agriculture--Environmental aspects--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Genetic variation amongst different populations of Typha domingensis and Typha latifolia (cattails) in the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Tapia, Manuel N., Florida Atlantic University, Zhang, Xing-Hai
Abstract/Description: This thesis is intended to explore the genetic variation between cattail species (Typha spp.), within T. domingensis in different locations, anthropoegenic conditions, and possibly discover a hybrid in the Florida Everglades. Typha domingensis is the dominant cattail species in the Everglades, while Typha latifolia a less common species is also present. Five nuclear and chloroplast protein encoding genes from around 20 samples of cattail plants were collected randomly in the Water...
Show moreThis thesis is intended to explore the genetic variation between cattail species (Typha spp.), within T. domingensis in different locations, anthropoegenic conditions, and possibly discover a hybrid in the Florida Everglades. Typha domingensis is the dominant cattail species in the Everglades, while Typha latifolia a less common species is also present. Five nuclear and chloroplast protein encoding genes from around 20 samples of cattail plants were collected randomly in the Water Conservation Areas of the Everglades Protection Act, cloned and sequenced. The results of sequencing showed differences between the two species studied, using an insertion within an intron of the Type 2 Metallothionein-like protein gene as a marker to differentiate between the two species. A high degree of nucleotide polymorphisms interspecifically was revealed. Species identification based on morphology is not always reliable that is why our marker must be utilized to confirm the identity of a plant.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13415
Subject Headings: Everglades (Fla ), Typha--Florida--Everglades, Wetland plants--Florida--Everglades, Habitat (Ecology)--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determining vegetative complexity, biodiversity and species richness on tree islands of the northern Everglades.
Creator: Day, Irving M., IV., Florida Atlantic University, Gallagher, Jacqueline
Abstract/Description: Loss of species richness and vegetative biodiversity in the Greater Everglades Area is in large part due to human encroachment and compartmentalization causing altered hydroperiods, water levels and surface sheet flow. This study quantifies vegetative complexity, biodiversity and species richness on four tree islands within a near pristine area of the historical northern Everglades ecosystem. A Complexity Index (CI) was formulated by assessing multiple variables; high CI and low herbaceous...
Show moreLoss of species richness and vegetative biodiversity in the Greater Everglades Area is in large part due to human encroachment and compartmentalization causing altered hydroperiods, water levels and surface sheet flow. This study quantifies vegetative complexity, biodiversity and species richness on four tree islands within a near pristine area of the historical northern Everglades ecosystem. A Complexity Index (CI) was formulated by assessing multiple variables; high CI and low herbaceous species richness values are attributed to mature, late successional stage forests. There are structural and population differences on each of the tree islands studied with the more mature tree islands located in the south of the study area, the more disturbed, low CI valued sites to the north. Data from this study is to be used as a baseline study for the area, and will be used to test and track the effects of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13332
Subject Headings: Swamp ecology--Florida--Everglades, Tree islands--Florida--Everglades, Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades, Tree island ecology--Florida--Everglades, Plant ecology--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of canopy shading on relative primary productivity of periphyton in Water Conservation Area 2-A, Everglades.
Creator: Brandenburg, Mark Eric., Florida Atlantic University, Marsh, G. Alex
Abstract/Description: Differences in relative primary productivity of periphyton were determined for three light regimes: open slough (control), sawgrass canopy, and cattail canopy. The center of Water Conservation Area 2-A, Everglades was chosen as the study site because it is relatively unaffected by nutrient runoff. Periphyton productivity was determined by the light and dark bottle method, and biomass was recorded as ash-free dry weight. Statistically significant correlations were found between periphyton...
Show moreDifferences in relative primary productivity of periphyton were determined for three light regimes: open slough (control), sawgrass canopy, and cattail canopy. The center of Water Conservation Area 2-A, Everglades was chosen as the study site because it is relatively unaffected by nutrient runoff. Periphyton productivity was determined by the light and dark bottle method, and biomass was recorded as ash-free dry weight. Statistically significant correlations were found between periphyton biomass and water temperature and between organic content and water temperature. Mean photosynthetically active radiation reaching the surface of the water under sawgrass and cattail canopy was 45% $\pm$ 3% and 11% $\pm$ 1% respectively. Relative primary productivity of periphyton was lower under cattail canopy than under sawgrass canopy due to increased shading of cattail. This reduction of periphyton biomass and primary productivity can be considered an indirect effect of nutrient enrichment from the Everglades Agricultural Area.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15240
Subject Headings: Freshwater algae--Florida--Everglades, Periphyton--Florida--Everglades, Stream ecology--Florida--Everglades, Primary productivity (Biology)--Florida--Everglades, Plant communities--Florida--Everglades, Everglades (Fla )
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Factors Affecting Wading Bird Prey Concentrations in the Everglades During the Dry Season.
Creator: P. Brian Garrett, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: One factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation...
Show moreOne factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation suggests that those locations within the marsh with higher levels of microtopographic relief concentrate prey earlier during the dry-down period and potentially to greater densities overall. In addition, a model selection analysis was performed on field data to determine which set of factors displayed the greatest effects upon prey concentrations during drydown events. When examining the best selected a priori model it appears that the amount of available aquatic habitat, water depth, and macrophyte density have the strongest affects upon concentrations of prey during a seasonal drying event.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000769
Subject Headings: Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Climatic factors--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effect of diet differences and non-native prey consumption on the productivity of small herons.
Creator: Jackson, Ashley Elizabeth, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons that nest in the Everglades have declined sharply over the past decade, due in part to food resource limitations. Here, I examined the diet of small herons to determine how prey characteristics affected the fitness of small herons in the highly modified Florida Everglades. Analysis of these diet differences showed birds nesting in 2017, a hydrologically dryer-than average year, and a more taxonomically varied diet were associated with...
Show moreLittle Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons that nest in the Everglades have declined sharply over the past decade, due in part to food resource limitations. Here, I examined the diet of small herons to determine how prey characteristics affected the fitness of small herons in the highly modified Florida Everglades. Analysis of these diet differences showed birds nesting in 2017, a hydrologically dryer-than average year, and a more taxonomically varied diet were associated with nest success and improved body condition of nestlings. Over half (51%) of the fish biomass Little Blue Herons consumed were non-native species, compared to 14% and 19% non-native fish biomass consumed by Snowy Egrets and Tricolored Herons, respectively. Surprisingly, <7% of fish biomass available in the Everglades were comprised of non-native fish species, suggesting that small herons, and Little Blue Herons in particular, may be using alternative foraging habitats, to supplement their dietary needs.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013072
Subject Headings: Herons, Florida--Everglades., Herons--Ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Characteristics Affecting Prey Vulnerability and Avian Habitat Selection in the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Harris, Rachael L., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker...
Show moreThe vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker flocculent layer relative to random sites. Submerged vegetation, and the height of emergent vegetation did not affect wading bird site selection. A difference in habitat selection between years was evident due to hydrological conditions. Ideal hydrological conditions are probably the most important parameter to wading bird success. Other factors affecting prey vulnerability became increasingly important in years of poor hydrology, probably because the penalty for choosing low quality foraging habitat would be greater than in years of more optimal conditions.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000754
Subject Headings: Everglades (Fla), South Florida Water Management District (Fla ), Wildlife management--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Florida--Everglades, Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Can Everglades forested wetlands significantly reduce nutrient concentrations in surface waters?.
Creator: Cole, Dara Michelle., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: To improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the...
Show moreTo improve water quality as part of a large restoration effort, constructed herbaceous wetlands will be used as filters of high nutrient water. In this study, I tested whether mixed forested wetlands could also be used as nutrient filters. I examined water quality parameters within a forested slough isolated from direct anthropogenic disturbance and within an impounded forest wetland receiving direct agricultural effluent. Among the water quality parameters, TP and K concentrations in the forested slough were particular low. Although all nutrients, except TKN, were higher in the impounded wetland, nutrient concentrations within the wetland were lower at interior sites as compared to inflow water. Based on the use of chloride as a conservative tracer, this reduction resulted predominantly from biological and chemical processes, while physical processes played a minimal role. This study established that mixed forested wetlands can significantly reduce high nutrient levels in surface water.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12772
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Everglades (Fla )
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examination of the relationship between groundwater levels and the Everglades crayfish, Procambarus alleni.
Creator: Huffman, April E., Florida Atlantic University, Fragoso, Jose M. V.
Abstract/Description: Florida wetlands are subject to alteration of ecological function by draining, dredging, filling, and hydrologic modification. Unlike other sources, detecting an ecological response to hydrologic alterations can be subtle and difficult to quantify. To develop wetland hydrologic protection criteria, a hydrologically sensitive indicator species was needed. Everglades crayfish (Procambarus alleni), a trophically critical element of southern Florida wetlands, were evaluated as a potential...
Show moreFlorida wetlands are subject to alteration of ecological function by draining, dredging, filling, and hydrologic modification. Unlike other sources, detecting an ecological response to hydrologic alterations can be subtle and difficult to quantify. To develop wetland hydrologic protection criteria, a hydrologically sensitive indicator species was needed. Everglades crayfish (Procambarus alleni), a trophically critical element of southern Florida wetlands, were evaluated as a potential indicator species. P. alleni excavates temporary burrows to survive Florida's dry season. Burrow lengths were measured through a dry season. Regression analysis was used to determine if burrow depths changed as water levels changed. The relationship was significant (p < .0002, R = -0.93, R2 = 0.86). P. alleni's burrowing provides a direct measurement of biotic response to hydrologic fluctuations. This response will be used to detect the survival threshold of crayfish to hydrologic alteration. Extrapolating this threshold will assist in providing an index of ecosystem response to hydrologic alterations.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12766
Subject Headings: Crayfish--Effect of water levels on--Florida--Everglades, Hydrologic cycle--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hydrologic and topographic gradient effects on woody vegetation of tree islands in the Everglades Wildlife Management Area.
Creator: Anderson, Michael Robert., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: Water management in the Everglades has been a challenge for managing agencies for quite some time. Presently, restoration efforts are underway to reestablish natural hydrological patterns such as flow, depth, and hydroperiod. Tree island health is of particular concern because of its importance to the functional integrity of the greater Everglades ecosystem. This study was designed to determine the effects of different hydrological patterns and elevations on native woody vegetation on tree...
Show moreWater management in the Everglades has been a challenge for managing agencies for quite some time. Presently, restoration efforts are underway to reestablish natural hydrological patterns such as flow, depth, and hydroperiod. Tree island health is of particular concern because of its importance to the functional integrity of the greater Everglades ecosystem. This study was designed to determine the effects of different hydrological patterns and elevations on native woody vegetation on tree islands. The study site was the Everglades Wildlife Management Area (EWMA) in the north central Everglades. The study site was broken up into two hydrological zones: dry zone and moderately wet zone. It was found that both hydrology and relative elevation were important predictors of woody species diversity and density. Average hydroperiod and ponding depth were the best sole predictors explaining up to 50% of the woody vegetation variability found within the tail and fringe community as well as the whole tree island.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12709
Subject Headings: Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades, Woody plants--Florida--Everglades, Everglades Wildlife Management Area (Fla )
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: OLD FIELD SUCCESSION IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK.
Creator: KRAUSS, PAMELA, Florida Atlantic University, Austin, Daniel F., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: A characterization of successional vegetation patterns on abandoned farmland in the Hole-in-the-Donut area of Everglades National Park was performed. Vegetative community composition and structure were examined in detail in twenty-one study plots located throughout the study site. Successional assemblages are described qualitatively and quantitatively. Distinct community types are defined using methods that emphasize site-to-site comparisons. The relationship between vegetation and substrate,...
Show moreA characterization of successional vegetation patterns on abandoned farmland in the Hole-in-the-Donut area of Everglades National Park was performed. Vegetative community composition and structure were examined in detail in twenty-one study plots located throughout the study site. Successional assemblages are described qualitatively and quantitatively. Distinct community types are defined using methods that emphasize site-to-site comparisons. The relationship between vegetation and substrate, farming history, hydroperiod, and spatial arrangement was examined. Results were used to summarize and predict trends of old field succession on abandoned farmland in southern Florida. Post-farming vegetation patterns do not resemble prefarming conditions. Successional forest, frequently dominated by exotic species, is a relatively new community in southern Florida. It is likely a final stage in secondary succession on abandoned farmland.
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Date Issued: 1983
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14180
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of flow on the taxonomic composition of Everglades periphyton.
Creator: Hiaasen, Barbara A., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: Analysis of the relationship of velocity to taxonomic composition of periphyton-based stormwater treatment areas, in conjunction with other metrics, is a valuable tool for evaluating the phosphorus removal efficiency of this Everglades restoration advanced treatment technology. Periphyton taxonomic composition, biomass, water and tissue total phosphorus (TP), pH, and temperature were analyzed in three slow velocity (0.22 cm s-1) and three fast velocity (2.0 cm s-1) mesocosms. Loading rate,...
Show moreAnalysis of the relationship of velocity to taxonomic composition of periphyton-based stormwater treatment areas, in conjunction with other metrics, is a valuable tool for evaluating the phosphorus removal efficiency of this Everglades restoration advanced treatment technology. Periphyton taxonomic composition, biomass, water and tissue total phosphorus (TP), pH, and temperature were analyzed in three slow velocity (0.22 cm s-1) and three fast velocity (2.0 cm s-1) mesocosms. Loading rate, retention time and surface area were kept constant, with velocity the single variable between treatments. There was no significant difference in taxonomic composition, water TP, tissue TP, or temperature between the slow and fast treatments. However, dominant eutrophic and oligotrophic indicator genera exhibited significant and consistent changes in relative abundance related to location along the treatment path. Biomass accrual was 30% greater in the fast treatment and TP uptake was positively correlated with increased velocity.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13056
Subject Headings: Periphyton--Florida--Everglades, Water--Phosphorus content--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Post-fire Succession and Carbon Storage in the Northern Everglades.
Creator: Reger, Lisa Marie, Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Fire plays a key role in the ecology of the Everglades and is a ubiquitous tool for managing the structure, function, and ecosystem services of the Greater Everglades watershed. Decades of hydrologic modifications have led to the alteration of plant community composition and fire regime in much of the Everglades. To create a better understanding of post-fire recovery in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) communities, sawgrass marshes in the northern Everglades were studied along a chronosequence...
Show moreFire plays a key role in the ecology of the Everglades and is a ubiquitous tool for managing the structure, function, and ecosystem services of the Greater Everglades watershed. Decades of hydrologic modifications have led to the alteration of plant community composition and fire regime in much of the Everglades. To create a better understanding of post-fire recovery in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) communities, sawgrass marshes in the northern Everglades were studied along a chronosequence of time since fire and along a nutrient gradient. Areas closer to a water nutrient source and with fewer mean days dry contained greater total and dead aboveground graminoid biomass whereas live graminoid biomass was greater in areas with less time since fire and with fewer days dry. Post-fire characteristics of sawgrass marshes can provide insight on the effectiveness of fire management practices in the maintenance and restoration of quality habitat in the northern Everglades.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004625, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004625
Subject Headings: Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Swamp ecology--Florida--Everglades., Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades., Forest fires--Florida--Everglades., Prescribed burning--Florida--Everglades., Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mapping wetland vegetation with LIDAR in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA.
Creator: De Stoppelaire, Georgia H., Xie, Zhixiao, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Knowledge of the geospatial distribution of vegetation is fundamental for resource management. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data to improve classification accuracy of high spatial resolution optical imagery and compare the ability of two classification algorithms to accurately identify and map wetland vegetation communities. In this study, high resolution imagery integrated with LIDAR data was compared jointly...
Show moreKnowledge of the geospatial distribution of vegetation is fundamental for resource management. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible use of airborne LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data to improve classification accuracy of high spatial resolution optical imagery and compare the ability of two classification algorithms to accurately identify and map wetland vegetation communities. In this study, high resolution imagery integrated with LIDAR data was compared jointly and alone; and the nearest neighbor (NN) and machine learning random forest (RF) classifiers were assessed in semi-automated geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) approaches for classification accuracy of heterogeneous vegetation assemblages at Everglades National Park, FL, USA.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004276
Subject Headings: Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Geographic information systems--Florida--Everglades Region., Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades Region., Vegetation monitoring--Florida--Everglades National Park., Wetland management--Florida--Everglades National Park., Coastal zone management--Remote sensing--Florida--Everglades National Park., Environmental mapping--Florida--Everglades National Park., Environmental monitoring--Remote sensing--Florida--Everglades National Park.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of hydroperiod on the growth of the crayfish species Procambarus alleni and Procambarus fallax: Two keystone species in the Florida Everglades.
Creator: Gardner, Matthew D., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: The Everglades ecosystem is home to two species of freshwater crayfish: the Everglades crayfish Procambarus alleni and the slough crayfish Procambarus fallax. These species play a key ecological role by transporting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. Understanding the factors that regulate crayfish growth is an essential step in restoring their productivity in the Everglades ecosystem. In order to determine the effect of hydroperiod on crayfish growth, I collected...
Show moreThe Everglades ecosystem is home to two species of freshwater crayfish: the Everglades crayfish Procambarus alleni and the slough crayfish Procambarus fallax. These species play a key ecological role by transporting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. Understanding the factors that regulate crayfish growth is an essential step in restoring their productivity in the Everglades ecosystem. In order to determine the effect of hydroperiod on crayfish growth, I collected crayfish from the Florida Everglades and subjected them to one of three hydroperiod treatments. The growth of both crayfish species in reduced hydroperiod treatments was significantly less than those in long hydroperiod treatments. Procambarus alleni had a significantly faster initial growth rate than P. fallax, which may give it a competitive advantage in shorter hydroperiod marshes and help explain the distributions of these two species. The results of this study indicate that lengthening hydroperiods in the Everglades ecosystem may have a positive effect on crayfish productivity.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13361
Subject Headings: Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park (Fla ), Crayfish--Habitat--Florida--Everglades National Park, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades National Park
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effects of flow on phosphorus uptake by periphyton.
Creator: Simmons, Steven P., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: Everglades restoration includes construction of six Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) totaling over 16,000 hectares. These filter marshes are designed to remove excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff and urban wastewater before it reaches the Everglades. Optimizing flow through these wetlands may be important in increasing the efficiency of nutrient removal and achieving lower outflow phosphorus concentrations. We measured periphyton growth and phosphorus uptake in two sets of replicated...
Show moreEverglades restoration includes construction of six Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) totaling over 16,000 hectares. These filter marshes are designed to remove excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff and urban wastewater before it reaches the Everglades. Optimizing flow through these wetlands may be important in increasing the efficiency of nutrient removal and achieving lower outflow phosphorus concentrations. We measured periphyton growth and phosphorus uptake in two sets of replicated mesocosms in post-STA treatment water. Flow rates for the study were 1.0 cm s^-1 and 0.11 cm s^-1. Unique mesocosm design allowed for simultaneous control of loading rate, retention time and surface area, leaving flow rate as the single variable between treatments. Periphyton biomass accrual was 25% greater in the faster treatment. Measurements of dissolved oxygen were positively correlated with biomass accrual and there was no significant difference in the export of biomass between treatments.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12764
Subject Headings: Periphyton, Water--Phosphorus content--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FLOATING ISLANDS--BIOGEOMORPHIC FEATURES OF HILLSBORO MARSH, NORTHEASTERNEVERGLADES, FLORIDA.
Creator: STONE, PETER ALAN., Florida Atlantic University, Craig, Alan K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: Floating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid...
Show moreFloating islands are common natural features in modern Hillsboro Marsh. Most floating islands: 1) occur as detached, free-floating batteries (raft-like peaty masses that rise from substrate), and 2) form in habitats containing abundant waterlilies. New batteries are quickly colonized by marsh, and often terrestrial, plants. Differences in species diversity and early succession occur between two ecologically different subareas. In one subarea many batteries succeed quickly to mixed graminoid-arborescent vegetation. Floating batteries form hydrologically unusual Everglades habitats and support some locally rare plants. Battery formation produces local topographic elevations and depressions. Apparent size-successional vegetational and landform continuumns seem to link batteries with small extant tree-islands. Radiometric evidence suggests presence of batteries in peat profiles of two tree-islands. Everglades floating islands most resemble others reported in southeastern United States and appear dissimilar morphologically and in mode of origin to those reported from elsewhere worldwide.
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Date Issued: 1978
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13940
Subject Headings: Islands--Florida--Everglades, Botany--Florida--Ecology, Everglades (Fla)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading bird prey production and prey selection in a dynamic wetland.
Creator: Klassen, Jessica A., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Anthropogenic impacts, such as habitat destruction and spread of exotic species, are contributing to the sixth major extinction event in Earth’s history. To develop effective management and conservation plans, it is important to understand the ecological drivers of at-risk populations, assess the ability of a population to adapt to environmental change, and develop research methods for long-term ecosystem monitoring. I used wading birds nesting in the Florida Everglades, USA as a model system...
Show moreAnthropogenic impacts, such as habitat destruction and spread of exotic species, are contributing to the sixth major extinction event in Earth’s history. To develop effective management and conservation plans, it is important to understand the ecological drivers of at-risk populations, assess the ability of a population to adapt to environmental change, and develop research methods for long-term ecosystem monitoring. I used wading birds nesting in the Florida Everglades, USA as a model system to address the challenges of managing and monitoring populations within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, my project investigated 1) the prey selection of wading bird species, and the role of prey and foraging habitat availability on annual nesting numbers, 2) the ability of using diet change to predict species adaptability to a rapidly changing environment, and 3) the use of sensory data to provide low-cost, long-term monitoring of dynamic wetlands. I found that tricolored herons, snowy egrets, and little blue herons consumed marsh fish larger than those generally available across the landscape. Additionally, number of nests initiated by tricolored herons, snowy egrets, and little blue herons was strongly correlated with the annual densities of large fish available within the Everglades landscape. Conversely, number of nests initiated by wood storks, great egrets, and white ibises was more correlated with the amount of foraging habitat availability across the nesting season. Wood stork diets changed considerably since the 1960’s, consisting of mainly sunfish and exotic fish as opposed to marsh fishes dominant in historical diet studies. Storks also consumed more exotic fish species than they did historically. This diet plasticity and the species’ ability to exploit anthropogenic habitats may be conducive to maintaining population viability as storks experience widespread human-induced changes to their habitat. Sensory-only data models generated complementary results to models that used site-specific field data. Additionally, sensory-only models were able to detect different responses between size classes of fish to the processes that increase their concentrations in drying pools. However, the degree to which sensory variables were able to fit species data was dependent upon the ability of sensors to measure species-specific population drivers and the scale at which sensors can measure environmental change.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004716
Subject Headings: Charadriiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades, Ciconiiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades, Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Predation (Biology), Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Civic environmentalism: A model for Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
Creator: Jabour, Teresa U., Florida Atlantic University, Lenz, Timothy
Abstract/Description: The Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built...
Show moreThe Everglades restoration is now the centerpiece for environmental policymaking in South Florida. The 1991 settlement of the Everglades lawsuit marked a new era of environmental politics known as civic environmentalism. Concepts of civic environmentalism are used in this study to determine if policies developed since the 1991 lawsuit settlement support a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida, a vital connection that ensures the socio-economic health of the built environment as well as the environmental health of South Florida's unique ecosystems. Indicators reveal that legislation supports a democratic process, but a nonformal model of civic environmentalism demonstrates that there are weaknesses in many areas, especially on the local level. Results of the study suggest that even though civic environmentalism prevails in some cases, stronger policies that connect both the built and natural environment will be necessary to ensure a successful Everglades restoration and a sustainable South Florida.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13014
Subject Headings: South Florida Water Management District (Fla), Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades, Sustainable development--Florida, Environmental policy--Florida--Everglades
Format: Document (PDF)

Everglades (Fla ) (3)	+ -
Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions (3)	+ -
Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades (3)	+ -
Drainage--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -

Everglades (Fla) (2)	+ -
Everglades National Park (Fla ) (2)	+ -
Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions. (2)	+ -
Periphyton--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Restoration ecology--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Water birds--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Water--Phosphorus content--Florida--Everglades (2)	+ -
Aerial photogrammetry (1)	+ -
Aerial photogrammetry--Data processing (1)	+ -
Agriculture--Environmental aspects--Florida--Everglades (1)	+ -
Animal behavior (1)	+ -
Animal remains (Archaeology)--Florida. (1)	+ -
Bird populations--Climatic factors--Florida--Everglades (1)	+ -
Bird populations--Florida--Everglades (1)	+ -
Bird populations--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -
Botany--Florida--Ecology (1)	+ -
Burning of land -- Environmental aspects (1)	+ -
Charadriiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades (1)	+ -
Ciconiiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades (1)	+ -
Coastal zone management--Remote sensing--Florida--Everglades National Park. (1)	+ -
Crayfish (Ecology) (1)	+ -
Crayfish--Effect of water levels on--Florida--Everglades (1)	+ -
Crayfish--Habitat--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -
Drone aircraft (1)	+ -
Ecosystem management (1)	+ -

Abandoned farms--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -
Plant succession--Florida--Everglades National Park (1)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (29)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (12)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (7)	+ -
Gawlik, Dale E. (6)	+ -
Volin, John C. (5)	+ -

Department of Geosciences (4)	+ -
Benscoter, Brian (3)	+ -
Craig, Alan K. (2)	+ -
Anderson, Michael Robert. (1)	+ -
Austin, Daniel F. (1)	+ -
Beerens, James M. (1)	+ -
Brandenburg, Mark Eric. (1)	+ -
Center for Environmental Studies (1)	+ -
Chapman, Alexander (1)	+ -
Cole, Dara Michelle. (1)	+ -
Day, Irving M., IV. (1)	+ -
De Stoppelaire, Georgia H. (1)	+ -
Department of Anthropology (1)	+ -
Dombrowski, Jacob (1)	+ -
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters (1)	+ -
Durgan, Sara D. (1)	+ -
Fradkin, Arlene (1)	+ -
Fragoso, Jose M. V. (1)	+ -
Gallagher, Jacqueline (1)	+ -
Garcia, Raymond Michael. (1)	+ -
Gardner, Matthew D. (1)	+ -
Harris, Rachael L. (1)	+ -
Herring, Heidi K. (1)	+ -
Hiaasen, Barbara A. (1)	+ -
Huffman, April E. (1)	+ -

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