In the Winter 0f 2008-2009 I worked in the Everglades National Park as a vegetation
restoration intern.  Going into it, I had no idea what to expect.  My botanical
background consisted of knowing what would give me a rash when in the woods
(poison ivy).  After five months of hard work I ended up learning a great deal about
the Everglades, plants, invasive species, conservation, and how annoying it is to realize
a minute too late that I am standing on top of a fire ant mound.

            Of the many things that humans are doing to harm the environment, you
might not think that planting trees was one of them.  However, plants are being spread
by humans into habitats that they do not naturally grow.  Whether it is for agricultural
purposes or landscaping, non-native plants can be very toxic to the natural
environment.  Many times these plants find the climate extremely suited to their
growth and vast expanses of land are taken over by one or two invasive species,
greatly disturbing the natural balance.  The effects of this can be widespread including
the elimination of habitats for native plants and animals.  Though I worked primarily
with invasive plants, other invasive life in the Everglades includes fish, some types of
squirrels, and the python among others. 

            My time in the Everglades was usually spent treating areas infected with
invasive plants.  I hunted Melaleuca, Brazilian Pepper, and many different types of
grasses.  All of it brought to South Florida by humans.  If you would like to learn
more about this I suggest the wikipedia entry on pepper and melaleuca.  If you are still
hungry for more knowledge, you can go to the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
website.  If you want to get involved you could volunteer at EverNP or hitch up with
the Student Conservation Association like I did.  If, like most of us, you just want to
see a python explode from eating a gator, go here.  My comic is about my experience
in the Everglades as a plant killer.  I have to mention some people that inspired many of the comics including Joe Cupo, Jamilla Peterson, Gordon, and the rest of the Beard Center at Everglades National Park. Enjoy!