11. Field Trip #3 Corkscrew Swamp - During the course of the class, we will embark on off-campus field experiences. Provide a reflection of your experience for each field trip. This entry is a personal reflection that should capture how you felt, what you enjoyed, what you may not have enjoyed, etc. Impressions, feelings, ideas, what did you like about it? Would you visit Corkscrew again?

On our field trip today we visited Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. This protected wetlend was originally established in order to protect the slowly depleting supply of Bald Cypress trees in the area, as well Pond Cypress, that were being logged from the area during the 1940 and 50's. The National Audubon Society stepped in in order to protect the area, and created a boardwalk that would take visitors on a tour of the natural surroundings of the area.

When we arrived at the area, there were reporters on site from the Audubon Society to discuss how we think taking the bus to the site as an alternative to us all driving there is positively affecting the students and the environment. As some students were beign interviewed, we moved on to the first stop on the tour, which was a place called "The living Machine".

As seen in this diagram, the living machine is a self sustainable sewage system. When one uses the restrooms, the waste is sent to the aerobic tanks in order to fertalize the plants. The waste is eventually recycled and the water can be used again after being treated with cholorine.

From there, we went onto the boardwalk to explore the various enviroments that Corkscrew had to offer. We wandered throughout pine flatwoods, wet prairies, pond cypress areas, bald cypress areas, and marshy ecosystems. We saw many types of plant species, as well as animals that were native to the area such as alligators, frogs, and various types of birds. I think the most important thing that I learned from this trip was just how fragile nature really is. This whole area would not have been here if it had not been for the efforts of the Audubon Society to protect the area. This preservation could have been a Walmart. We need to make sure that we protect our environment and help the surrounding ecosystems in our areas, and not let them go to waste.