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!!