Our recent visit to Barefoot Beach Preserve was quite informative. I learned of several important functions of the Mangrove trees that make up a large portion of the preserve. The Mangroves serve as a filter that traps debris. They are also natural nutrient producers for the sea-life around it. Perhaps the most fascinating fact about Mangroves is that it acts as a protective barrier during major storms and hurricanes. The estuary that surrounds Barefoot Beach Preserve provides habitat to many forms of sea life, including fish and shellfish. It serves as a natural place where the sea life to breed and reproduce. Humans benefit from estuaries because many of the commercial fish and shellfish that we consume are found in estuaries. Estuaries are vital to the fishing industry, both recreationally and commercially. If estuaries are damaged by human development then the negative consequences on the marine environment and fishing industries would be severe.

Barefoot Beach Preserve is an example of an undeveloped barrier island. There are very few of these left along the gulf coast of southwest Florida. I am concerned about development on barrier islands because of their instability. The constant shifting caused by wind and waves make these islands less than ideal for development. Development, if any, on barrier islands should be extremely limited. The more dense the development, the more stress you put on their unique ecosystems. If environmentalists and developers are willing to work and compromise with one another then there is a possibility of achieving balance. Unfortunately, given the amount of development already in place on many of our barrier islands indicates that profit seems to outweigh preservation. Much of what I learned on our field trip to the preserve ties in with our class focus on sustainability and preservation. For example, the loss of essential habitats continues to have an adverse effect on our environment. Industries and food sources that we depend on are threatened by these actions. This lack of preservation limits the possibility of developing sustainability in the natural world. Society must be educated in order to recognize the dangers of overdevelopment. We must also be aware of the dangers of our own selfishness in regards to these unique habitats. Our guides pointed out an example of this in nearby Bonita Beach the residents of the many condos wanted to remove the natural vegetation along the shore in order to get a clear view of the ocean. They failed to see that the vegetation are an extremely important natural barrier that provides protection against flooding that would accompany a major storm. Supporting efforts such as Lee County’s proposed bill Conservation 20/20 which seeks to acquire land in order to protect and preserve for future generations.  I am grateful that I live near such a place that reminds me of all the beauty the world has to offer. I hope that our society continues to take steps in fighting to preserve what is left of these precious natural environments.

walking trail through the preserve

we have arrived

crystal clear water

my view

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Barefoot Beach Preserve