Field Trips | AAG Annual Meeting

AAG Field Trips 2014

Field Trips and Workshops can no longer be added online. Please proceed to the AAG On-site Registration Desk on Floor 2 of the Tampa Convention Center to add a trip.

Explore the rich physical and cultural geography of Tampa, Florida through informative field trips led by geographers or other experts. Field trips are also an excellent way to meet and exchange ideas with colleagues and friends.

MONDAY, April 7

West Central Florida Chapter of the AMS - Featuring Michael Mann

2014 Annual Meeting and Banquet
Monday, April 7, 2014 from 5:30 PM – 10.00 PM
Our guest speaker, Dr. Michael Mann, will be discussing the Hockey Stick and the
Climate Wars with his experiences in the climate change debate.

This is an offsite event. Please click goo.gl/KlfSGm for more information. You may also contact Jennifer Collins collinsjm@usf.edu to arrange transportation from the Marriott.

0-1. Geomorphology of Cedar and Seahorse Keys
Monday, April 7, 9:30am - 7:30pm
Organizer/Leader: Heidi Lannon, Santa Fe College
Trip Capacity: 20
Cost/person: $28 (includes transportation)
Sponsor: AAG Coastal and Marine Specialty Group
Seahorse Key is the highest point in the Gulf of Mexico and located off Cedar Key (2.5 hours from Tampa). The 42-ft research vessel Discovery will take participants to Seahorse Key Marine Lab where they will encounter a higher energy beachface, mangroves in the landward lee and a historic lighthouse. Nesting season ensures abundant bird life and anticipate porpoises and possibly manatees. Experience legends of the lighthouse with a local historian. Lunch will be provided by the Santa Fe College Foundation. Spend time in Cedar Key, a quaint fishing village and haunt of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8

1-1. Canoeing Tampa's Hillsborough River
Tuesday, April 8, 8:30am - 2:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher F. Meindl, University of South Florida and Terry Tomalin, Tampa Bay Times
Trip Capacity: 14
Cost/person: $100 (includes bus transportation, canoe rental and lunch)

Despite its diminutive stature of barely 54 river miles, Tampa’s Hillsborough River is essentially three separate streams rolled into one: the wild and scenic mostly spring-fed headwaters portion; the suburban stretch that strains to provide Tampa drinking water; and the mostly privatized, neglected, and concrete banked urban reach. After walking about one half mile along the river to Curtis Hixon Park and commenting on Tampa’s plans for (re)developing its riverfront, we will bus to Seargant Park (discussing the river’s role as Tampa’s primary drinking water source), board canoes at Canoe Escape, and paddle a scenic reach to Morris Bridge Park where we will cookout.

1-2. A Visit with the Hurricane Hunters and a Tour of the NOAA WP-3D Plane
Tuesday, April 8, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Organizer: Jennifer Collins, University South Florida
Leaders: Jennifer Collins and Randall Hergert, University South Florida; Bryon Middlekauff, Plymouth State University; Paul Flaherty, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Trip Capacity: 50
Cost/person: $27 (includes bus transportation)
Sponsor: AAG
REGISTRATION FOR THIS TRIP CLOSES ON MARCH 19, 2014

On this half day field trip, participants will have a tour of the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) at MacDill Airforce Base. The tour will include a presentation by a hurricane hunter and then guests will learn about the equipment on board the NOAA WP-3D plane as they will be able to board the plane and view the equipment and learn about how the meteorologists use it. This plane which goes through the eye of a hurricane constitute a unique resource for airborne hurricane research, and for atmospheric research in general as it is sometimes used for other missions. Afraid of heights? Don't worry we won't be leaving the hanger :)

1-3. Florida Aquarium and Wild Dolphin Cruise
Tuesday, April 8, 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Hannah Torres, University of South Florida, School of Geosciences
Leader: Kamal Alsharif, University of South Florida, School of Geosciences
Trip Capacity: 50
Cost/person: $26 (includes admission)

From the Tampa Convention Center, participants will walk 15-20 minutes through Tampa's Channelside District to the not-for-profit Florida Aquarium. After exploring fascinating exhibits, participants will board a 72-foot catamaran to get a first-hand look at Tampa Bay, home to more than 500 bottlenose dolphins, endangered manatees and numerous bird species - all in one of the busiest deep-water ports in the Southern US! The 75-minute tour boards at 2:00 and departs promptly at 2:30. Dress comfortably; flat shoes with tread preferred, binoculars optional. Water is allowed, but no outside food. Lunch is not included; however food can be purchased at the aquarium's restaurant. Affordable lunch options are available ($5-$10).

1-4. Weedon Island Preserve: An Urban Treasure
Tuesday, April 8, 3:30pm - 8:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher F. Meindl, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
Trip Capacity: 14
Cost/person: $72 (includes bus transportation and canoe rental)

Archaeological evidence suggests that Native Americans inhabited what is now Weedon Island Preserve more than two thousand years ago, and the Preserve continues to host occasional archaeological research. Weedon Island also bears the scars of more recent attempts to increase water flow through this low-lying region in order to reduce the number of breeding mosquitoes. Mangrove swamps used to dominate the low energy coast from Tampa Bay down to the Florida Keys. On this trip you will learn about the region’s Native American past and mangrove swamps with a 30 minute boardwalk hike and 2.5 hour canoe trip. Please note: we will be stopping for dinner, it is recommended to bring $20-25.

1-5. Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps
Tuesday, April 8, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Trip Capacity: 15
Cost/person: $9
Sponsor: AAG

The Tampa Bay History Center presents this most comprehensive exhibition of Florida cartography bringing together maps from museum and library collections around the world, many of which are on view to the public for the first time. Discover that much of the earliest European exploration of North America occurred not in New England, but in Florida, while early railroad maps and travelogues show how the state became an agricultural powerhouse and America’s No. 1 tourist destination. A unique and personal tour will be led by the map collector and lunchtime plenary speaker, Tom Touchton. When the guided exhibit tour ends, feel free to experience the rest of the museum offering even more geography and history lessons on Florida. While at the Tampa Bay History Center, dine outdoors or inside the Columbia Cafe on the first floor. The museum is within short walking distance of the meeting hotels. Not able to attend the field trip at this time? Show your badge and save $3 off the regular admission price to tour the museum on your own time.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

2-1. Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Field Trip
Wednesday, April 9, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Organizers: Nicole Hutton and Shawn Landry, University of South Florida
Leaders: Brandt Henningsen, Ph.D.; SWIM Program, Southwest Florida Water Management District and Richard Sullivan; Hillsborough County
Trip Capacity: 25
Cost/person: $36 (includes bus transportation and snack)
(Hosted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hillsborough County)

Enjoy a narrated tour of the 500 acre Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project, one of the premier coastal restoration efforts ever performed for Tampa Bay. The tour will highlight the restoration of uplands, freshwater wetlands, various estuarine habitats, and stormwater treatment. Participants will tour the project by “hay wagon” and also canoe several estuarine wetland restoration phases, inclusive of paddling through an adjacent relic mangrove forest and into Little Cockroach Bay. Attendees will see how a restoration site matures over time, as the multi-phased project was performed serially from 1996 to 2012, encompassing 282 acres of various estuarine/freshwater habitats and 218 acres of coastal uplands.

2-2 Lettuce Lake Park Hardwood Swamp Forest
Wednesday, April 9, 9:30am - 1:30pm
Organizer/Leader: Kamal Alsharif, University of South Florida, School of Geosciences
Trip Capacity: 50
Cost/person: $42 (includes bus transportation and box lunch)

In this field trip you will be exploring the beautiful hardwood swamp forest next to the Hillsborough River outside the City of Tampa. Lettuce Lake is a place to study nature. Watch alligators and different types of Florida avian species. The park has a beautiful boardwalk that visitors can enjoy and explore nature. It is a place for geographers to learn more about Florida landscape and environment.

2-3. Where Are We Drinking? The Political Ecology of Tampa Craft Brewing
Wednesday, April 9, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Organizers/Leaders: Colleen Hiner, Texas State University; Toby Applegate, Rutgers University; Jessica Breen, University of Kentucky
Trip Capacity: 33
Cost/person: $50 (includes admission fee for Tampa Bay Brew Bus)
Sponsor: AAG, Cultural and Political Ecology Specialty Group, Rural Geography Specialty Group, Wine Specialty Group

Great beer is impossible without great amounts of water. Tampa's geography affords geographers the opportunity to sample the intersection of its famous Floridian aquifer and its burgeoning craft beer scene. On this field trip, geographers will be able to experience this beer ecology first-hand. Tampa's own Brew Bus will guide us through four separate breweries and tap rooms for tastings and tours. Included will be safe transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and complimentary pints of the Brew Bus' own brews between stops.

2-4. Trip to Tropicana Field, Home of the Tampa Bay Rays
Wednesday, April 9, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher Storm, Oklahoma State University
Trip Capacity: 24
Cost/person: $28
Trip to Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. Tour highlights include: Gate 1 Rotunda modeled after Ebbets Field; Rays Dugout; 162 Landing; Press Box; Ted Williams Hitting Museum; the world famous Rays Touch Tank; and more. En route we will discuss the Tampa Bay area’s many hits and misses at acquiring a Major League Baseball team before the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays, in addition to an examination of the geographical obstacles to attendance at Rays home games.

2-5. Frank Lloyd Wright and the architecture of Florida Southern College
Wednesday, April 9, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher F. Meindl
Trip Capacity: 34
Cost/person: $44
REGISTRATION FOR THIS TRIP CLOSES ON MARCH 26, 2014

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is widely regarded as one of the most significant architects in American history. During his long career, Wright designed more than a thousand structures (more than 500 completed). The largest concentration of his work forms the basis of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, where Wright designed nearly a dozen buildings that are still used. We will bus to Florida Southern and take a campus-led tour of Wight’s work at the college.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

3-1. Bird Walk at Lettuce Lake County Park
Thursday, April 10, 7:30am - 10:30am
Organizer: Cathy Cooper, Independent Scholar
Leader: Ann Paul, Audubon Florida
Trip Capacity: 24
Cost/person: $35

Come join an expert birder as we look for birds in Lettuce Lake County Park in Tampa on a boardwalk along cypress-lined shorelines of the Hillsborough River. Potential sightings include White Ibis, Wood Storks, Limpkins, Roseate Spoonbills, Prothonotary and Parula warblers, Barred Owls, herons, ducks, and many other birds. An Audubon Florida staff representative will guide us. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. We’ll bus from the conference about 20-30 minutes to the park. Easy walk is about a mile. Bring binoculars, hat, water, insect repellent, sunscreen.

3-2. Celebrating Smart Growth, New Urbanism and Main Street: Disney, Profit and Suburban Spawl
Thursday, April 10, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher F. Meindl, University of South Florida
Trip Capacity: 24
Cost/person: $43 (includes bus transportation)

New Urbanism is heralded by some as an appropriate path for future urban growth. In theory, such development promotes walkability by densely packing a variety of land uses such as businesses, schools, open space, and several housing types of widely variable prices. Several Florida communities have attempted to incorporate smart growth principles, including Celebration—Disney Corporation’s attempt to profit from land development adjacent to its famous central Florida theme parks. After a bus ride to Celebration, participants will tour the community on foot and discuss the promise and perhaps illusion of new urbanism. Please note: we will be stopping for lunch, it is recommended to bring $15-20.

3-3. Trees in the City of Tampa: Tour of Urban Forest Management, Monitoring and Policy
Thursday, April 10, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Organizer: Shawn Landry, University of South Florida
Leader: Robert Northrop, University of Florida/Hillsborough County Extension; Kathy Beck and Robert Irving, City of Tampa; Andrew Koeser and Michael Andreu, University of Florida
Trip Capacity: 25
Cost/person: $32 (includes bus transportation, handouts)

The City of Tampa adopted a tree protection ordinance in 1974. Since that time, trees and the urban forest has been the subject of research, the target of political conflict, the pride of a community, and the object of substantial investment. This tour will highlight important issues threatening urban forest sustainability in Tampa and how these challenges have been addressed in the recently adopted City of Tampa Urban Forest Management Plan.

3-5. Explore the Changing Place of Ybor City
Thursday, April 10, 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Organizer: Jeff Moates, Florida Public Archaeology Network
Leader: Jim Wilson, PhD, Ohio Northern University
Trip Capacity: 24
Cost/person: $28.00 (includes lunch)
Sponsor: Florida Public Archaeology Network
Tampa’s Ybor City, the multi-ethnic hub of cigar manufacturing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, is widely recognized as an important historic factory town in the urban South. From its origins as a sandy and swampy manufacturing center to a bustling ward of Tampa to a place destined for urban renewal, Ybor City has endured many changes through time. Today, Ybor City retains some of its cigar-era structures and is listed as a National Historic Landmark District. Join us for a walking tour and catered lunch where we will discuss the historic development and the challenges facing Ybor City today.

3-6a. Trip to Clearwater Beach: Explore the Sandy Beaches of Florida
Thursday, April 10, 11:00am – 9:30pm
Organizer: Sovik Kumar Nath, University of South Florida, Garrett Hyzer, University of South Florida
Leader: Kamal Alsharif, University of South Florida
Trip Capacity: 55
Cost/person: $36 – It is suggested up to $50-$100 for food and other activities. ATMs may not be available in the area, although most restaurants and shops should readily accept credit cards.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS TRIP CLOSES ON MARCH 13, 2014

Clearwater Beach was awarded as Florida's best beach-town in 2013 according to reader's poll by USA Today. Located on the Gulf of Mexico around 25 miles from Tampa, the beach rests on a barrier island and is characterized by white sand that stretches for approximately 2.5 miles. The trip includes a half day travel to Clearwater where participants will find many forms of entertainment on and around the beach including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The water temperature in early April is typically warm enough for swimming and there are often pick-up volleyball games on the beach. In addition to the sand and water, participants can dine for lunch or dinner in any of the many walkable restaurants. There are also plenty of shops up and down the beach to browse in. Field trip participants will stay at Clearwater Beach long enough to catch the sunset, and will be bused back to Tampa shortly after.

3-6b. Trip to Clearwater Beach: Go on a Fishing Expedition to Gulf of Mexico
Thursday, April 10, 11:00am – 9:30pm
Organizer: Sovik Kumar Nath, University of South Florida, Garrett Hyzer, University of South Florida
Leader: Kamal Alsharif, University of South Florida
Trip Capacity: 55
Cost/person: $100 – It is suggested up to $50-$100 for food and other activities. ATMs may not be available in the area, although most restaurants and shops should readily accept credit cards.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS TRIP CLOSES ON MARCH 13, 2014

Fishing in Gulf of Mexico, catching grouper and snapper and watching dolphins is an expedition of a lifetime. This trip includes four hour trip to Gulf of Mexico from Clearwater in a fishing boat. All the provisions for catching fish, license, rod and reel, bait will be provided. The visitors can buy lunch on the boat, at the beach or bring their own lunch. This trip also includes visit to Clearwater Beach, awarded as Florida's best beach-town in 2013 according to reader's poll by USA Today.

3-7. Walking Tour of Downtown Tampa Courtesy of the Regional Development and Planning Specialty Group

Thursday, April 10, 11:00am – 1:00pm

Organizers: Dave Lemberg, Western Michigan University & George Pomeroy, Shippensburg University

Trip Capacity: 25

Cost/person: $10

The Downtown Walking Tour is a signature annual event of the Regional Development and Planning Specialty Group. As in previous years, this tour will explore and profile notable civic landmarks, downtown planning issues, and significant planning initiatives and projects - all within walking distance of the conference venue. This year's guide will be Angela Ruth of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. The Tampa Downtown Partnership fosters Tampa’s vibrant and diverse multi-use downtown neighborhoods and plays a key role in creating a 24-hour urban center where people can learn, live, work and play. Programs such as their Clean and Safe team and their transportation initiatives make accessing and navigating downtown an easy and enjoyable experience.

3-8. Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps
Thursday, April 10, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Trip Capacity: 15
Cost/person: $9
Sponsor: AAG

Take a guided tour of the most comprehensive exhibition of Florida cartography bringing together maps from museum and library collections around the world, many of which are on view to the public for the first time. The Tampa Bay History Center marks the quincentenary of Ponce de León’s 1513 landing on Florida’s shores with a rare opportunity to see the world as the early European explorers saw it, and to watch evolve the peninsula that became one of our country’s most populous and diverse states. Discover that much of the earliest European exploration of North America occurred not in New England, but in Florida, while early railroad maps and travelogues show how the state became an agricultural powerhouse and America’s No. 1 tourist destination. When the guided exhibit tour ends, feel free to experience the rest of the museum offering even more geography and history lessons on Florida. While at the Tampa Bay History Center, dine outdoors or inside the Columbia Cafe on the first floor. The museum is within short walking distance of the meeting hotels. Not able to attend the field trip at this time? Show your badge and save $3 off the regular admission price to tour the museum on your own time.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

4-1. Growth and Development In Late 19th and 20th Century Tampa
Friday, April 11, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Organizer: Shawn Landry, University of South Florida
Leader: Robert Kerstein, University of Tampa
Trip Capacity: 27
Cost/person: $26 (includes bus transportation)

Join Dr. Robert J. Kerstein, professor of government and world affairs at the University of Tampa, on a tour that focuses on growth and development in late 19th and 20th century Tampa. The tour will leave from the convention center, area of the former Fort Brooke, and include stops at several sites designated by historic markers that describe the important of these places in the city's history. It will also include stops at Plant Hall at The University of Tampa and in Ybor City.

4-2. Florida's Springs Coast: Water, Floods, Manatees, and Sea Level Rise at Homosassa Springs.
Friday April 11, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Christopher F. Meindl, University of South Florida
Trip Capacity: 14
Cost/person: $90 (includes bus transportation and admission fee)

Homosassa Springs is an excellent location to examine the relative health of (and threats to) Florida’s many magnificent springs. In addition, participants can observe manatees and learn about the struggle to protect one of Florida’s iconic animals. Finally, because Homosassa Springs is low lying and very near the Gulf of Mexico, it provides an opportunity to discuss the potential impacts of sea level rise and recent changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. Please note: we will be stopping for lunch, it is recommended to bring $15-20.

4-3. Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant
Friday, April 11, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Organizer/Leader: Kamal Alsharif, University of South Florida, School of Geosciences
Trip Capacity: 28
Cost/person: $40 (includes bus transportation and boxed lunch)
Sponsor: AAG Water Resources Specialty Group

Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant is one of the largest desalination plants in the country. Seawater coming into the plant goes through a rigorous pretreatment process then freshwater is separated from the seawater using reverse osmosis. The end product is high-quality drinking water that supplies up to 10 percent of the region’s needs. It provides up to 25 million gallons per day of drinking water to the region. Guests will learn how the seawater into fresh drinking water. They will also learn about regional water supply and how the desalination plant fits into the supply mix.

4-4. The Beaches in Ft. Desoto Park

Friday, April 11, 1:00pm – 8:00pm

Organizers: Ping Wang, University of South Florida & Stephen Leatherman, Florida International University

Leader: Jennifer Collins, University of South Florida, Charles Paxton, University of South Florida

Trip Capacity: 35

Cost/person: $38

On this field trip, we will investigate both natural and nourished beaches and dunes in Ft. Desoto Park, as well as other barrier island environments.

4-7. Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps

Friday, April 11, 3:00pm-4:00pm

Trip Capacity: 15

Cost/person: $9

Sponsor: AAG

SATURDAY, April 12

5-1. Canoeing and Kayaking on the Hillsborough River: A Unique View of Tampa's Biogeography and Riverfront Development

Saturday, April 12, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Organizer: Russell Fielding, University of Denver

Leader: Russell Fielding, University of Denver

Trip Capacity: 24

Cost/person: $58 (includes bus transportation and canoe/kayak rental)

This field trip involves a guided tour by canoe or kayak (your choice) on the Hillsborough River. We will paddle through natural areas and areas that have seen some development. This will be a good opportunity to see wildlife as well as natural and built environments.

5-2. Ecofest - Community Event
Saturday, April 12, 9:45am – 3:30pm
Departure: #5-2a – 9:45am
#5-2b – 11:45am
Return: #5-2c – 12:30pm
#5-2d – 3:30pm
Organizer: Jennifer Collins, University of South Florida
Leader: Nicole Hutton, University of South Florida
Trip Capacity: 25 (#5-2a) 25 (#5-2c)
25 (#5-2b) 25 (#5-2d)
Cost/person: $1 each way

Sponsor: USF College of Sustainability
ATTENDEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING A DEPARTURE AND RETURN TICKET. AAG IS NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU MISS YOUR BUS (If you miss your selected bus, you must find your own transportation back to the hotel).

EcoFest 2014 is a community event organized by Learning Gate Community School, the City of Tampa and the Patel College of Global Sustainability to celebrate the many businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to the principles of sustainability – Ecology, Equity and Economy. Our 5th Annual EcoFest will be held on Saturday, April 12th at the Lowry Park bandshell area (Right opposite from the ZOO).

There will be live music, workshops, demonstrations, informational booths, green living products and services. Some local artists, green businesses, environmental organizations, alternative health practitioners, renewable energy specialists, organic farms and gardens with produce will be in attendance. There will be a fun activity area for children.