Black Point Sunset

by AnnaJo Vahle

Title

Black Point Sunset

Artist

AnnaJo Vahle

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

After spending a pleasant afternoon scouting places to paint, the sun dropped low in the sky. It was time for me to leave. Before it was totally dark, I was compelled to photograph this lovely view on Black Point Wildlife Drive. I hated to go but it was time to allow the birds and the other wildlife their privacy. Once again, this beautiful place had brought me a sense of serenity.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 when NASA created Kennedy Space Center. The refuge provides a buffer for space operations while also protecting key habitat such as wetland, hardwood hammock and scrub. This refuge is just one link in a chain of refuges numbering over 540 across the country that preserve habitat for wildlife. Many of these refuges are located along key migratory routes, while others preserve habitat for federally listed species. Merritt Island NWR provides both habitats for wildlife. Black Point Wildlife Drive provides excellent viewing opportunities for migratory birds. Some of these birds are federally listed. This is home to the American alligator, too.
Until the 1950's, salt marsh covered much of Merritt Island. The marshes were occasionally flooded by wind tides from the nearby brackish Indian River Lagoon. The fluctuating water levels of the marsh created ideal breeding habitat for the salt marsh mosquito. When NASA acquired the land that is now the refuge, local cities began to grow and an effective mosquito control program was needed. Impounding water behind a series of dikes maintained flooded conditions during peak mosquito breeding season, curtailing mosquito populations.
This area of the marsh is kept open to the Indian River Lagoon year-round to allow free exchange of lagoon waters. As a result, the water levels fluctuate with the lagoon, flooding it seasonally in fall and spring creating habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. When the water recedes, it creates mud flats suitable for shorebirds. This naturally fluctuating marsh provides diversity and attracts different species of wildlife.

Uploaded

March 16th, 2013

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