DEBRIEFING - Journal Entry #6

Now it’s time to reflect on my experience in this Colloquium class from both a personal and an academic perspective.  I can begin be saying I found that, by going through the assignments, I obtained a better insight into what was going on in our world.  Before I began this class, I had knowledge of endangered species.  However, one thing I didn’t know was that endangered species are on a few restaurants menus.  I also hadn’t given much thought about how eliminating a predator species would have such an enormous effect on a food species - even causing some to grow immensely population wise.  I developed a better understanding of world hunger issues, just how severe the issue actually is, along with what great things different organizations such as ECHO are doing to help the situation at hand.  The readings, video clips, and power point slides really opened my eyes to what is happening in the world every day, and how some of the simplest things can make an enormous difference with respect to the effect on our climate.   

Isn’t it ironic that we are creating large scale CO2 emissions which speed up the process of global warming on our planet, yet we are doing so very little to curb our output of carbon emissions?  This is quite disheartening, and encourages me to seriously consider all the technology that could be utilized as a cure for our addiction to fossil fuels.  Yes, we are getting better at removing the existing and remaining oil out of the ground, but our focus needs to change towards working on better solutions to use less destructive energy sources. 

These last 10 weeks have stirred a desire within me to get more involved to make our planet a better place to live.  As I move closer towards attaining my degree, one means by which I can get involved is to focus my job search on companies that are more environmentally aware, and which actually implement strategies and mission statements that take care of the planet in as many ways possible.  I may not be able to directly affect change at my chosen place of future employment, but one thing is certain – my future employer can do business with our environment in mind, and my efforts will be fruitful. 

I further enjoyed the many adventures and quality time I was able to spend with my wife on several of the required field trips. ECHO farm is my choice as favorite field trip.  Witnessing the many things being done locally, as well as globally, was pretty terrific.  It was also really good to visit the natural environments such as the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and be able to reconnect with nature – something we seem to do less and less of as a society.  These wonderful natural parks and preserves are something we should all hold dear to our hearts and not let disappear.  I had forgotten how peaceful and serene these places can be, and what a sense of place they can provide. 

The subject of sustainability and our environment is one that I believe every school and college should teach and require of their students.  I found the most difficult part of this class was trying to keep up with the workload.  At times, it felt like information overload, with all the readings and writings required.  But overall, this class is so informative, up to date with the information provided and studied, and having the best practical application to real everyday awareness, making it out to be a lot of fun in the long run!  Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me!!

J.N. DING DARLING REFLECTION - Journal Entry #5

The Red Mangrove Overlook

My trip to the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge started out as an afternoon motorcycle ride with my lovely wife. The day was beautiful, warm, and sunny – perfect for riding! 

When we first arrived at the Refuge, it was revealed we had just missed the last tram! Conversely, it was suggested that we instead travel along Wildlife Drive, which we opted to do. The drive was quite enjoyable, and we could break at any time along the right side of the road to take a closer look at the surrounds.

Amazing Root System

As we travelled along, we discovered that the Refuge comprises of more than 7,600 acres, and the surroundings have been intentionally preserved in a very natural state. There are essentially several dissimilar habitats which structure the Refuge. The estuarine habitat consists of open waters, sea grass beds, mangrove islands, and mud flats. The fresh water habitat encompasses open water ponds, swales, and West Indian hardwood hammocks. The two salt water impoundments are used habitually by wading and other water birds.

The water levels follow natural tide fluctuations, and levels within the two impoundments are artificially lowered to correspond with fall and spring shorebird migrations. Lowering the levels contributes to providing an optimal feeding habitat for the various birds that make use of the Refuge.

One striking similarity to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the use of controlled fires to sustain the plant communities, and to replicate the natural fire cycles. These burns allow for new plant growth, aid in controlling non-native growth, and allow for the elimination of copious underbrush.

Peaceful and Serene

Another distinctive constituent is that this Refuge is part of the largest, undeveloped mangrove ecosystem within the United States. The Refuge is also home to numerous threatened and endangered species which reside here at least part-time. Some of these include the Eastern Indigo Snake, Florida Manatee, Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle, Peregrine Falcon, and Bald Eagle.

J.N. Ding Darling
http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/About/DingDarling.html

We owe a debt of gratitude to a political cartoonist named Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. Mr. Darling had an enormous measure in the efforts to preclude the sale of land to developers on Sanibel Island. At the urging of Mr. Darling, President Harry Truman signed an Executive Order in 1945, creating the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge. Later, in 1967, the refuge became the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in honor of its pioneer conservationist.

The Observation Tower

At several of our roadside stops, we noticed some good sized fish jumping quite high out of the waters! Having fished for salmon up north, I was not surprised to see this. My wife, however, was in complete amazement! Although I could not determine the particular type of fish, I did explain they were more than liking jumping to escape being eaten! Another note to ponder is our surprise that people were allowed to fish the waters. Being a National Wildlife Refuge with threatened and endangered species residing on the premises, one would believe otherwise!

Can You Spot the Rabbit?

At one point, we were able to park and walk the Shell Mound Trail. There was a funky smell to the air, but we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of several bright red cardinals, and snapped a picture of a rabbit peering out at us.

On the Shell Mound Trail

In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote from the Refuge which I found quite apropos – "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures."

CORKSCREW REFLECTION - Journal Entry #4

At One of the Lettuce Lakes

I quite enjoyed my visit to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The usual afternoon rain held out until the very end of our trip, and my wife and I were fortunate to witness some extraordinary things while there. 

I would like to start this blog with a bit of history learned. Long ago, most of Florida was open pine forest. These forests were created and kept open by periodic natural fires, causing the native plants to adapt and acquire ways in which to endure such disasters. These same plants have also had to acquire a means to tolerate the occasional summer flooding. Regrettably, most natural wildfire is now prevented by human development, thus the National Audubon Society must help mimic the effect of wildfires by executing what is termed a “controlled burn.” These burns are done every few years, and are an essential part of the preservation of natural resources in the Pine Flatwoods.

It was remarkable to read on some of the interpretive signage that this stunning area was originally logged commencing in the 1800’s, and had some of the areas heaviest logging by the 1930’s. It was additionally incredible to learn that, somehow, the old growth Cypress managed to survive this logging era, and remained unscathed. Appreciatively, this was acknowledged, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary was protected and made into the largest, and oldest, virgin Bald Cypress forest in all of North America! 

Snake!!!!

As we journeyed on, I happened to catch from the corner of my eye the coiling of a snake. Although we were not certain of the species, we both felt that it was most likely a member of the Cottonmouth family based on the guide we had purchased at the Visitor Center.

A Strangler Fig

We were able to recognize the Strangler Fig, and were quite amused by the fact that, although it gives the impression of growing up the host tree, the Strangler Fig actually cultivates from the top down! This is because Strangler Figs had to adapt to competition on the forest floor. There is diminutive light at the bottom of the forest, and many competitors for any water and nutrients which might be available. Thus, the Strangler Fig begins its existence at the top as a tiny epiphyte, attaining its nutrients from the sun, rain, and leaf litter collected on its host. The Strangler Fig eventually sends out many roots which meander down the trunk of the host tree. Once they touch ground, these roots resolutely plant themselves. Ultimately, the roots grow copiously, encompassing their host, lastly fusing together, squeezing the life out of the host tree, causing the host to perish from strangulation.

At the Lookout at the End of the Boardwalk

We were able to recognize the Strangler Fig, and were quite amused by the fact that, although it gives the impression of growing up the host tree, the Strangler Fig actually cultivates from the top down! This is because Strangler Figs had to adapt to competition on the forest floor. There is diminutive light at the bottom of the forest, and many competitors for any water and nutrients which might be available. Thus, the Strangler Fig begins its existence at the top as a tiny epiphyte, attaining its nutrients from the sun, rain, and leaf litter collected on its host. The Strangler Fig eventually sends out many roots which meander down the trunk of the host tree. Once they touch ground, these roots resolutely plant themselves. Ultimately, the roots grow copiously, encompassing their host, lastly fusing together, squeezing the life out of the host tree, causing the host to perish from strangulation.

As we were finishing our excursion, we were grateful to be able to put the Living Machine to the test! A wonder in itself, this system is designed to convert large amounts of human waste into something beneficial for the environment. The Living Machine utilizes different tanks, plants, and bacteria to convert waste into near drinkable quality water. Roughly ninety percent of the purified water is then reprocessed back into the restrooms for usage in the toilets.

All in all, I would have to say visiting the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is definitely worth the trip!!