The Junior Ranger Pledge: Dry Tortugas National Park As a Junior Park Ranger, I promise to help protect Dry Tortugas National Park, my community, and the Earth by Junior being an active and responsible steward of the environment. I will not touch coral and I will not stand on seagrass. Ranger I will not feed wildlife, pick plants, or disturb any living thing. Handbook I will not harm any historic structures, ruins, or places. I will continue to explore nature safely and be a good example to others. I will help to teach others about the importance of Dry Tortugas National Park. Signature E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A 08/03 Welcome to the Park! A Letter Home Have you wondered where the name “Dry Tortugas” came from? These islands were first discovered in 1513 by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, just 20 years after Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. Ponce de Leon was so impressed with the abundant wildlife in the area, that he named these islands “Las Tortugas” (Spanish for “the turtles”). There were large sea turtles everywhere! Years later, “Dry” was added to the name to warn people that fresh November 1, 1864 drinking water was scarce on these islands. Dear Family: A Special Place I am working in the bakery at Fort Jefferson. A prisoner Dry Tortugas National Park recently complained that our bread is a mixture of ____________ , is special for many reasons. ___________ , ___________ and ___________ . There are nearly The 100-square-mile park 2,000 people living on this remote island. Importing enough fresh contains: fruit and vegetables for so many people is very difficult. Many of • A pristine subtropical ecosystem, including an intact coral reef us have painful bleeding gums caused by _______________ . community Getting enough drinking water is another serious problem. • Fort Jefferson—one of the largest coastal forts ever built The fort has _________ cisterns that can hold ________________ • Important populations of fish and wildlife, including loggerhead and gallons of water. Unfortunately many of these cisterns ________ green sea turtles, sooty terns, frigate birds, and many others allowing sea water to __________ in. Most of our drinking water • More than 200 historic shipwrecks is now ruined. • An important resting spot for migrating birds The fort is surrounded by beautiful water and coral reefs. • Two historic lighthouses Fishing and swimming are our favorite hobbies. Coral is made of tiny living animals called polyps. We are very careful not to How to Become a Junior Ranger touch or stand on coral because it is very ________________ . It’s simple and fun! As you explore the park, fill out this handbook. Signed, When finished, bring it to the Bookstore. Maine Who Am I? 5 Miles Per Hour (Bricks) Connect the dots to find out. Vermont In the 1860s, the average (Granite) speed of a sailing ship New York was 5 mph. Since roads 14 (Cannons, and railways were very Gunpowder, limited, supplies had to 15 19 Cement) 20 be shipped by boat over 16 2,000 MILES long distances. 13 12 To build Fort Jefferson, 17 18 21 it took about 4 days for 11 a shipment of bricks to 22 24 arrive from Pensacola! 10 23 Pensacola Jacksonville 1,500 MILES (Bricks) (Lumber) 27 9 600 MILES 28 500 MILES 25 8 7 29 Key West Dry Tortugas How many days did it How many days did it How long did it take 6 1 take to ship a cannon take to ship bricks from YOU to travel here 5 2 from New York? Maine? today? 26 4 3 Hint: As an adult, I weigh 300-500 pounds Scavenger Hunt Bingo Busy Crossroads The Dry Tortugas Dry Tortugas National Park is home to many different plants, are located at a busy animals, and important historic things. Circle each item below that crossroads. Like an you find. Find five items in a line (up, down, across, or diagonally) underwater highway, the to score a BINGO! Gulf Stream carries warm water, ships, and marine Coral Crab Frigate Bird North America New York life by the Tortugas. Dr. Mudd’s • Mark the Gulf Stream on Bakery Cell your map by drawing a line from the Yucatan (in Mexico) to the Bahamas Conch TREE Upside- Can you name it? Shot Large ships pass the down New Orleans Furnace Tortugas everyday. Jellyfish Snapper Bahamas • Draw the shipping lanes from New York to the Dry Tortugas southern tip of Florida. Seagrass Bush Key Cannon Barracks Cuba Next, connect the southern tip of Florida Yucatan with New Orleans The Tortugas are a Mexico Chapel Barracuda welcome sight for Shark Musket migrating birds. • Connect North America Gull Sea Star Anemone with winter nesting areas Gunpowder in South America Magazine Is YOUR home on this South America map?.