Why are we in the Florida Everglades? I thought this was a Costa Rica trip?

Okay, so I may have given the impression that it was all fun and games here. Not so. Today we had another great day of environmental staff development at the Everglades National Park. It was a chance to bond before we head to Costa Rica in the morning and an opportunity to find ways to connect our experience with local environmental concerns.

We learned about the National Parks "Don't Let'em Loose" program which seeks to educate students and adult alike about the invasive species and responsible pet ownership. In the everglades non native species like this boa (formerly some one's pet released here in the park when it became to big or too expensive to feed)  are a treat to already plants and animals that were already endangered. Unfortunately, nearly every place has it's own invasive species problems.