Florida Everglades Assignment | Custom Essay Services

The report must be organized into sections labelled with headings matching the outline attached below. Each section should consist of paragraphs that address the following topics for the Florida Everglades. The outline describes the content you should include in each section of your report. Cite references in your text anytime you use external sources, which will be necessary to complete the paper. You may choose whatever standard formatting for the references that you prefer.

EVR 4027: Wetland Environments

Capstone Experience 4: Digital Alternative to Comprehensive Wetland Summary and Report

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OVERVIEW

Now that you have completed all course modules, you should be familiar with the basic components of a wetland. Effective wetland management includes describing the important characteristics of wetlands in order to evaluate wetland resources and function within the landscape. This helps decision makers determine their value and role in a watershed as well as assess associated risks in order to prioritize protection. For this exercise, usually students are tasked with visiting a wetland of their choice and writing a report.  This document describes a digital alternative for students who are unable to visit a wetland.

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OBJECTIVES

• Be able to describe important characteristics of a wetland in context using appropriate terminology
• Demonstrate an understanding of key wetland indicators
• Interpret the factors potentially involved in protecting said wetland and offer some insight in determining possible conservation concerns

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Instead of visiting a wetland, you will complete a report based the Florida Everglades.  The report must be organized into sections labelled with headings matching the outline.  Each section should consist of paragraphs that address the following topics for the Florida Everglades. The outline describes the content you should include in each section of your report.  Cite references in your text anytime you use external sources.

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OUTLINE

1. Introduction: include a brief opening paragraph

• Provide a brief history of Everglades National Park
• Highlight the importance of wetlands in the Florida Everglades and why they play a critical role within the landscape

1. Description of Everglades National Park: provide a general study area description

• Where is it located, and what type of wetlands and other habitats are there?
• How large is the park?
• Describe the geomorphology, climate, or other important factors

1. Vegetation: identify and describe

• Describe the vegetation of Everglades National Park, focusing on wetland vegetation
• You should be able to find information about different wetland types and their associated vegetation (categories, species)

1. Water: note the major characteristics

• Describe the major hydrological features of Everglades National Park
• Describe the hydrology of wetlands in the park

1. Soils: note major characteristics

• Provide some information about the characteristics of soils at Everglades National Park
• Which of these indicators of hydric soils are present/would you expect to find if you made a visit?

1. Conclusion: Wetland Policy and Management

• What are the major conservation concerns for Everglades National Park, especially as they relate to wetlands?
• Based on the previous information, what do you think are some of the functions or benefits your particular wetland provides? What is the value of this wetland?

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FORMAT GUIDELINES

• Your paper should be a minimum of 10-12 pages double spaced with an appropriate font.
• An important skill to develop is clear communication of scientific concepts in writing. While you will mostly be graded on content, there are certain expectations regarding the overall clarity and format of your paper. You should use this paper as an opportunity to practice clear scientific writing. A sample of scientific writing format is posted below. Another good resource can be found at https://cgi.duke.edu/web/sciwriting/

Sample Paragraph using Scientific Writing Format

“Geographically isolated wetlands may be naturally formed or be the result of human activities. Naturally occurring isolated wetlands are mainly represented by the following types: prairie pothole wetlands, playas, Nebraska’s Rainwater Basin and Sandhills wetlands, West Coast vernal pools, sinkhole wetlands, Carolina bays, interdunal and intradunal wetlands, desert springs, terminal basins in the Great Basin, and kettlehole, bogs in glaciated regions (Table 1). While most of these wetlands occur in depressions, some naturally isolated types form on broad flats and even on slopes. The predominant wetland types in many regions also include geographically isolated forms in closed basins.” – Tiner, Ralph W. (2003) Geographically isolated wetlands of the United States. Wetlands, 23(3):494-516

• Finally, make sure the work you turn in is your own and use citations when necessary. Any standard format for citations is acceptable. These papers will be submitted on Canvas and run through the TurnItIn.com system which will flag any instance of plagiarism.