Trip to Corkscrew Sanctuary

Rain water is the only water which feeds Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. There aren't any springs or lakes. There is a natural flow to the way life works around here. When it rains heavily, the swamp comes to life and new plants will spring forth. During the dry seasons, the water levels go down. When water is scarce, many of the mammals that are present here hang around the only bodies of water that remain present. I saw a Great Egret, an Anhinga, a Turkey Vulture, a Red-shouldered Hawk, an American Alligator, and a little Blue Heron all hunting for fish and other creatures in such an area. Yet in order for these animals to survive here, they rely on the shade of the many tall trees and berries from plants like the Saw Palmetto. Many of the wildlife here depend on the plant life as a food source. Animals such as raccoons and deers can be found during summer months eating from plants. The ecosystem here is both natural and ideal for the many different species of wildlife that live upon the land. (Below is a photo of a bird wading through water fern and water lettuce. There is also an American Alligator present).

Corkscrew Sanctuary stands protected from human demolition of water flow. As I mentioned previously, there is a natural ebb and flow of water here. Yet when humans populate an area, they interrupt the water flow that the animals need to survive. In the past, many of the storks died out almost to the point of extinction. There was also a sign along the entrance way showing that they also used to be hunted for their feathers because it became fashionable for ladies to wear them in their hats. Today we realize the importance of aquatic ecosystems and preserving what's left.

One of the things I noticed on my trip is that there is a lettuce lake.Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a floating aquatic plant that grows in the water. I learned that this plant is important for wildlife when water levels are low because they take shelter underneath its leaves. The lettuce lakes are an excellent place for wildlife to find food as many creatures such as Crayfish, mosquito larvae, and Plankton live below it.
(Below is a photo taken in front of the lettuce lakes).

While I walked along the 2 mile boardwalk I also noticed many trees. Some of which had Strangler Figs (Ficus aurea) growing upon them. Stangler Figs, so named because they literally strangle a host tree, can sometimes end up killing the tree they wrap themselves around. One peculiar thing about Strangler Figs is that they can grow from the ground up like a normal tree, but can also grow from the top down! Many birds will eat the fruit that grow along its branches.
(Below is a photo I snapped of a Strangler Fig. At Corkscrew, it is said that the frost limits strangler fig growth and they do not kill their host trees).

Near the end of the boardwalk I came across a majestic lookout area. The view here was amazing and a feelings of euphoria came over me. I felt happy, peaceful, inspired, intrigued, and relaxed.
(Photo taken at the lookout area).

The last thing that I saw just before leaving for the day was the area called the Living Machines. The goal with the living machines is to, "introduce sustainable alternatives to conventional waste disposal, fuel production, heating and cooling, air purification, and food production." (Guterson) The sewage from the restrooms here at Corkscrew is essentially recycled and put to good use by introducing it back into the cycle. The sewage provides food for the microorganisms whom are at the bottum of the chain. It is a process that is "ecogologically engineered" by "combining living organisms- chosen specifically to perform certain functions- in contained environments." (Guterson). Living Machines are a wise choice to help maintain diversity, nutrients, ecosystems, and many other organisms & their environments. So instead of sending the sewer down a septic system where it becomes contaminated, it's used to feed organisms that clean it naturally. There are several stages of cylinders containing inhabitants which the sewage water will pass through. The end result will be water which has now been cleaned naturally and can be put back into the toilets.
(Below is a photo of a sign explaining Living Machines in front of the area where the living machines are)

All in all I had a pleasant time visiting the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary today. I learned a lot and I also got to see an alligator catch a huge fish!

Sources:
Guterson, Mary.  Living Machines.  "Putting Human Waste Back in it's Place: at the Bottum of the Food Chain."