Corkscrew Field Trip Blog

What are the distinct ecosystems that we saw on the trip? What “services” do they provide? Think about the living machine that we discussed. What are conservation and stewardship? What is the role of private non-profits in these two endeavors? How can like-minded people affect change? How/why does civic engagement factor into this? What was the motivation to preserve this particular acreage? What is the proper role of government, if any? From an ecological perspective, why not just bulldoze and build condos? 

                                                                

                                                                 THE BOARDWALK!

I never really knew of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, until I actually went. To my surprise, it is also a tourist attraction, well over 100,000 people, from around the world, come every year to this place. Another factor that makes this place unique is that not only is it a nature preserve site, but it is also a water treatment facility, also known as the “living machine.” At a glance, this treatment facility looks like a greenhouse, of which this is partially true. Most plants need sunlight to live, or they would not be able to survive. The water is first run through five large tanks that contain anaerobic bacteria, which do not need oxygen to live. These bacteria consume the ammonia and convert it into nitrates. This water then flows into another tank and finally to plants, where the plants absorb the waters contaminants. The filtered water is then used to supply water to the water system in the park; the bathrooms and drinking fountains. Therefore like a machine, it works in a very precise cycle.

This sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna and flora. This ecosystem is vast and is composed of several habitats which include, pinewood flatwood, marsh, the bald cypress forest, which is home to the oldest living trees in Florida, some even being as old as 500 years, and several others. All these ecosystems work together in an ongoing cycle, providing life to all of its inhabitants. It is truly remarkable to me how a minor change in elevation leads into a whole different ecosystem. From the shallow marshes to the dryer and higher bald cypress forests, there are many changes that can be seen with the naked eye. The higher up you go, the more birds that you see, and the more that the air feels dry. The lower levels, like the marsh leading to the pinewood flatwood, are more wet and humid. These areas provide the Swamp Sanctuary with most of its water supply, which helps to support the entire ecosystem. The higher levels, like the cypress forest, provide shade, offer shelter to many animals, and help to replenish the forest floor. This ecosystem needs fire, at least once every three years, in order to clean the land and prevent overgrowth. All the organisms are adapted to it. What may seem like a catastrophe to us is actually a crucial component to its very existence. Lightning strikes the tallest object, this being the cypress trees. The fire causes the trees to release all of their seedlings to the ground. Once the fire clears out, the trees become rejuvenated and the seedlings begin to grow.

BUBBLEGUM LICHEN!!!

(This is one of the many organisms that reside in this sanctuary. Bubblegum Lichen is composed of bacteria and fungus that reproduces exponentially in accordance to the cleanliness in the air.)

In order for the reserve to stay maintained and properly managed, there has to be consistent conservation and stewardship efforts. This ecosystem is home to many rare organisms. If no conservation efforts are being consistently implemented, then this could mean to the end of a cycle. Thanks to the National Audobon Society, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is still around. They helped to raise awareness about the 500 years old bald cypresses and also about the endangered species who reside in them as well.  If it weren’t for those like-minded individuals who went out of their way to gain notice from the NAS, this sanctuary would have been in line for development. All it takes is one idea to spark the fire and these individuals not only sparked the fire, but they left a lasting impression that will always be remembered. Having just completely cleared the area to build condos, would have destroyed thousands of years in the making. Not only is this area an ecosystem, but it is also a historical landmark.

Blog Entry #2 (FGCU Nature Trail)

Your musings on the campus trail walk and the selection of this site for the FGCU campus. Is it consistent with the “eco-empowerment” mission of the university? Or is it entirely incompatible? Why or why not? Does your particular background predispose you to a certain viewpoint?

When I went on the campus trail walk, it felt like we were in a whole other world. The further we got down into the woods, the less I felt that we were on FGCU property. FGCU is very passionate about preserving the environment, and it can be seen by how these trails have been preserved. I had walked on the trails before, but never have I gone as far as we had gone on this walk. It blew my mind. This trip actually made me appreciate FGCU, and made me see that they stay true to their goal. Walking on the trail is like walking on some foreign terrain, of which only the animals who reside there have stepped on. The walkways have been somewhat cleared, and there are trail markers to guide the way, but in the end, it is all dirt; the way it should be. Even though it was very muddy and humid out there, it was a great experience all on its own and for those who haven’t done it… should, it’s kind of like going on a miniature adventure, and who doesn't like going on those every once in a while anyways.

Since I was young, my family and I would always go on long road trips around the U.S. taking many stops to appreciate the scenery, and if not the U.S. then we would travel around the world and do the same. You really can’t appreciate what you have unless you can just relax for just a moment and take it all in, and that is precisely what we did. We took many moments to appreciate nature and for all that it has to offer. This being said, I have a very optimistic view point towards the environment and don’t care about getting a little dirty just to get the feel of the great outdoors.

Blog Entry #1

What are your expectations for this class? Can you identify any personal behaviors and/or attitudes that are unsustainable? How does sustainability (or ecological sense of place) relate to your chosen field of study? 

Most students who haven’t taken Colloquium yet, cringe at the thought of when that day will come. The word gets around quick, and before you know it, a simple class turns into a living nightmare. It is to no surprise that my mind had been distorted by the words of others, but when it came my turn to take Colloquium, I was actually surprised to my disbelief. Contrary to most, I actually grew to like the class. I love the outdoors, so the idea of taking a class where I get to do just that, is all too perfect.

My expectations for this class are very high. I hope to learn a great deal about the environment, such as the organisms that inhabit it, as well as ways to preserving its resources, since they sustain our livelihoods as well. In order to be able to live on, we must first be able to preserve what we have. Many college students, like me, unfortunately are lost in an ongoing waste dilemma. We throw away so much paper and plastic products each day, that it is no surprise why much of it ends up in lakes, on grass, and so on, everywhere but where it should be. Instead of these products being recycled, they are being mixed with the non-recyclables, which in turn increases the amount of waste being thrown out each and every day. If more students recycled then it would help to improve the environment in many ways.

My major is marketing. This means that the environment plays its role in the sense that it is my means for finding out information about a certain population, and their habits. The way an environment is sustained, managed, constructed, all plays a key role in how the people and other organisms interact with one another. In order to be successful in marketing, I must be able to get into the head of the people that I am trying to reach, this meaning that I must understand the way they think and the way their environment works around them.