Field Trips | AAG Annual Meeting

AAG Field Trips 2014

AAG Annual Meeting field trips available to explore Florida

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.

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.

1-3. 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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

#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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

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.

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.