Corkscrew Sanctuary

On Monday, August 30, our Colloquium class took a field trip to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. We took about a half an hour bus ride over to the sanctuary. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is maintained by the National Audubon Society and was established in 1954. It is 11,000 acres and its main goal is wilderness preserve. After a quick introduction at the entrance of the sanctuary, we broke off into two smaller groups going opposite directions on the boardwalk. The boardwalk at the sanctuary is 2.25 miles long and goes through different and distinct environments. Although there have been wildlife sightings including mammals, reptiles, and birds, I was only able to see insects except for one alligator sighting while we were pulling up to the sanctuary. 

The boardwalk goes from open pinelands to the largest forest of bald cypress in North America. While we were in the pine forest area of the boardwalk we came across some scat that was left by a wildcat. We were told that not only people, but animals use the boardwalk as an easy way to get around. Moving from the pine forest to the cypress forest was a big change. Even the temperature dropped a couple degrees. There were a lot more insects in the swamp area especially mosquitos since they obviously love the standing water. I got to see many new plants and flowers that I’d never been introduced to before. I saw many spider webs and hornets nests. Working at Calusa Nature Center, like I mentioned before gave me the opportunity to experience similar boardwalks and habitat but it was fun and interesting getting to explore somewhere I’d never been before! I loved taking photographs of the trees and insects.

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary also has a very interesting water restoration process called the living machine. Instead of using an artificial water treatment plant, it restores waste-water to almost drinkable water. This system costs a lot less than conventional technology. Construction and completion occurred in 1994.