11.Reflect on the field trip to Matanzas Pass Preserve and Estero Bay Historic Cottage. What are the dynamic elements that shape the barrier isla

I think our whole class enjoyed our trip to the Historic Cottage on Fort Myers Beach. I honestly, in all my years here and many school field trips, did not know that is existed. I was happy to have the opportunity to view some of the old artifacts and personal things that had been donated to the Historic Society.

Barrier Islands are very critical, and often ever changing. They protect the main land from damaging erosion and provide refuge and shelter for many plants and animals. I think we has people get very angry when there is change that we did not control. Fact of the matter is though, we can not control the weather, and weather can change the shape and flow of land with its mighty power.

I honestly was not aware that the water of Fort Myers Beach was once so clear. I know that brackish water, the mix of fresh and salt water, is often darker, and not so clear. When our guide told us that she remembers a time when she could see the bottom of the sea, many feet down, I was pretty surprised.

Our land has changed and adapted to our use, or even abuse, of it. Nature is resilient that way, however, if we continue to damage the water and take no heed to the space space and care that the land and water require, it will soon become a place that we will not even want to visit.

photos from Estero Island Historic Society, http://uffedison.org/esteroislandhistoricsociety/index.html