IDS 1152 Environmental Science

IDS 1152C Environmental Science
Hillsborough Community College
Instructor: James W. Fatherree, M. Sc.

TENTATIVE FIELD TRIPS We will take several field trips throughout the semester as time, weather, etc. allow. These are some of the trips we have taken in the past.
Lettuce Lake Park Lettuce Lake Park is located on the north side of Fletcher Drive, just west of I-75. The park wraps around parts of the Hillsborough River and has long boardwalks that allow us to see life in a river/swamp environment up close.
The Florida Aquarium The Aquarium is located near downtown and can be reached by taking Adamo Drive/ Hwy 60 west into Tampa until you see the glass dome that coverd it. There are numerous different exhibits that let us see a few of the freshwater and marine ecosystems found in Florida.
The Hillsborough County Garbage Incinerator The incinerator facility is located just off Faulkenburg Road, just south of the campus. There we are able to see how our garbage is burned to generate electricity - so much in fact, that they take in millions of dollars a year by selling it to the power company!
The Hillsborough County Sewage Treatment Plant The plant is right next to the incinerator, just a hundred yards more to the south. There we can see how our sewage is treated before it is piped into the bay, or used as reclaimed water throughout the area.
The City of Tampa Water Treatment Plant The plant is located near the intersection of 30th and Sligh Ave in Tampa. There we can see the extensive process used to treat water from the Hillsborough River before it is pumped out for our use.
The Gandy Bridge Park The park is on the north side of the east end of the Gandy Bridge, just past a military building. Wading in the shallow water with nets and sieves allows us to see the diversity of organisms found in shallow marine and intertidal ecosystems.
The Fossil Hunt The park is located on S.R. 39, a few miles south of Hwy 60, east of Valrico. Wading and using sieves in the creeks within the park allows us to see what types of organisms live in this environment and to collect fossil teeth and bones deposited eons ago.
The Big Bend Power Station - Manatee Viewing Center The center is located at the TECO power plant at Apollo Beach, just off I-75 a few miles south of Brandon. There we can see manatees enjoying the warm water discharged by plant into the bay. We can also see one of the largest power plants in Florida.