Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

In my colloquium class, we recently visited the Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The corkscrew swamp sanctuary is a very long stretch of land and many many animals use these woods to travel from western Florida down to the everglades. During this trip the class split in half and we walked on the boardwalk around almost the whole trail. At this sanctuary, they offer many informative and leisure programs such as sunset stroll and early bird watching. Most of the staff are volunteers truly committed to helping the environment and informing children, students and the elderly of our beautiful environment and remind us of what needs to be done to keep it that way.

In the beginning of the walk through the trail, I did not really have very positive thoughts and just could not wait to leave. However, as we kept going I realized how beautiful the trail actually is and kept taking pictures on my phone. We had binoculars with us and got to see a few cool animals and I learned many facts about different native Florida plant species. Some of the animals we saw were many Ibis birds, an American alligator, two mating turtles, several squirrels, some little minnow fish, and some type of mosquito or bug stirring above the water. My guide was actually an environment major student at Florida Gulf Coast University, she was easy to relate to which made the trip more fun.

Looking back at the trip now makes me realize the beauty and serenity of nature and how one picture or one minute of silence can capture so many different aspects of the woods and all the nature that surrounds us every day. During the trip we also learned about a filter system that uses strictly natural resources to recycle toilet wastes into healthy water for the plants and animals to use. At Florida Gulf Coast University, we are looking into installing some sort of filter like this one to help recycle our water. Students are already looking out for their environment just by throwing cans, bottles, and plastic into the appropriate solar powered trash can that breaks down trash for the environment. This trip made me look at nature a whole new way and makes me appreciate what I have around me and that Florida needs to be be more grateful for some of the awesome aspects of our nature that you can’t find in other places.