Week 2- Corkscrew Sanctuary

My trip to the Corkscrew Sanctuary was really eye opening.  I got to see a variety of plants that I never even knew existed.  Some of them include the ghost orchid and the red flower that came out of the plant that looked like it had marijuana leaves.  Seeing this sanctuary really brought to my attention two things.  First, it reminded me of a more in depth version of our campus’s bored walks. Second, it reiterated how necessary preserving south west Florida’s land is.  The only disappointment about the trip was not seeing any animals, but that gives me an excuse to go back to the sanctuary for a night trip to see this type of habitat at its most active.  It was nice in a way to not be distracted by animals, because it allowed me to look more at the trees, plants, vines, bugs, and abundance of other wildlife. 

Another interesting part of the trip was seeing the largest amount of Bald Cypress trees in the world. I’m glad that this sanctuary is listed as one of the Wetlands of International Importance and that it is used to educate and inspire the community. Sanctuaries and preserved land, like the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, are a vital start to a much needed demand for more essential preserved land in Florida.  These wetlands are extremely vital.  It not only houses an abundance of birds and wildlife, but it also serve as natural flood protection for us and our homes.  Corkscrew Sanctuary is most commonly known for its preservation of birds, but it is also important land for the Florida Panther, American alligator, Florida Royal Palm and the Ghost Orchid.  Without preserved land and educational programs that support the preservation of land, many people would never be able to see these remarkable parts of nature in their natural habitats. 

I believe more Florida land, especially in and near the everglades, needs to be protected.  Raising money for the increase in protected land and education about the land and its resources might be my choice for volunteer projects for this class.  I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And this is a perfect example of a case where this saying is true.  Ecosystems run much better when they are left undisturbed or in the right hands of people.  For future generations, preserving land is the greatest gift we can give.