Plant ecology and bioluminescence

A bush doctor, named Veronica Gordon, came to Discovery Grove and talked about the plant life growing around Discovery Grove. She told us about the uses of each plant, such as medicines, teas, and foods. For instance, the Kongo root was used to clear sinuses, the sweet pea tree was used for foods, and the Bayrumb tree was used for herbal teas. As she told us about each plant, tree, or bush she described how to identify each plant, whether by crumpling the leaves,its shape, or where it grew. While she was leading the tour she picked several varieties of plant leaves or roots. After the tour she boiled all of the leaves and roots together to make a bush tea. Most of the adults liked it.
After dinner, around seven o'clock, we all went to Salt River Bay and ate s'mores and went on a night kayaking trip to see the bioluminescence. The night kayaking trip was awesome. We kayaked to a small restricted part of the bay, known as the BioBay, to see the bioluminescence. Ty showed us that when you put your hand deep in the water your entire arm glowed. We also talked about why the organisms glow. The four main reasons are for protection, mating,attracting prey, and to see. Ty also showed us the glowing jelly fish which was really cool. Some of the students decided to jump in. Whenever they kicked their feet or moved their arms glowed. All in all, it was a really cool experience.
Written by Hannah Exum