WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (January 7, 2021) -- A venture into the Everglades is a master class in engineering. As we grapple to solve many of our most complicated problems, scientists have come to look to the natural world as a blueprint to research and develop sustainable solutions to human challenges. Earth is a living laboratory in which our planet’s failed experiments are recorded in fossils scattered across the globe, while the virtues of trial and error are testimony to the species that have been battle-tested and survived. This deep connection with nature paved the way for an exciting new field called biomimicry.

Leonardo da Vinci, inventor, mathematician, artist, architect, and legendary scientist for the ages, was one of the first students to explore what was then the unnamed field of study known as biomimicry. His many sketches of flying machines were designed to mimic the bone structure of birds and bats which would later usher in the age of manned flight. Today, scientists and engineers carry on their visionary work by taking the innovations that exist in nature and applying them to technology. Did you know that you can see examples of biomimicry at Grassy Waters Preserve of West Palm Beach? 

  Spanish needle is a native Florida wildflower. With white petals surrounding a yellow flower, it resembles a small daisy. With their needle-like seeds that cling to everything they touch, it is no wonder they are nicknamed ‘hitchhiker seeds.’ Swedish engineer George De Mestral made a similar observation after seeing how seed burrs stuck to his dog’s hair.  Upon studying them under the microscope, he observed the tiny small hooks on those pesky seeds. His fascination and ingenuity led to the creation of a fastening system known today as Velcro.

One of the most common birds seen at Grassy Waters is the belted kingfisher. With their powdery blue feathers, long bill, and shaggy crest, they can travel between air and water with very little splash while hunting for prey. In Japan, the bullet trains are famous for their efficiency and speed but were also a huge source of noise pollution So, what did engineers do? With the help of biomimicry, engineers redesigned the train in the image of the bird, giving the train a long beak-like shape at the front of the train.  With this simple upgrade, the engineers were able to cut down the noise of the train, reduce electrical use by 15% and increase speed by 10%.

As art imitates life, inventions often draw from nature. From the UV reflective strands of spider webs that are used to create bird-safe glass to solar cells that make up solar panels that are designed to mimic the way leaves collect energy from the sun, the natural world provides us with an infinite source of perfected designs.

Grassy Waters Preserve of West Pam Beach is a 23-square-mile wetlands ecosystem that serves as the freshwater supply for the City of West Palm Beach, the Town of South Palm Beach, and Town of Palm Beach. In addition to meeting local demands for freshwater, Grassy Waters Preserve also provides hands-on educational experiences for learners of all ages. This historic wetland reconnects visitors with the natural heritage of West Palm Beach.

For information about Grassy Waters Preserve program available under the COVID-19 safety guidelines, please call (561) 804-4985 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or visit the Grassy Waters Preserve program calendar.