Week 3: A Trip to Corkscrew Sanctuary

Last week, my colloquium class went on our first field trip of the semester. I was so excited and wasn't sure what to expect.  Our professor had just informed us that we would be going on a nature hike at the Corkscrew Sanctuary in Naples, Florida.  As our class arrived at the meeting spot at school to board the bus, it started to rain and a Florida thunderstorm began to take its course.  I was worried that our trip might have to be cut short.  Thankfully, the storm ended when we got off the bus and we soon began our adventure. 

Before going on the field trip, I did some additional research to see what the Corkscrew Sanctuary was all about.  I found it particularly interesting that the sanctuary covered over 14,000 acres of land in a watershed. Also, I learned that the Corkscrew Sanctuary is home to many native Florida plants and animals by serving as their natural habitat including over two-hundred types of birds, Egrets, Panthers, Alligators, and even the Florida Black Bear! In addition, I learned that the Corkscrew Sanctuary is a National Aubudon Sanctuary that focuses on maintaining Earth's biological diversity.

Our class toured the sanctuary by walking through the boardwalks in the natural habitats. Every twist and turn on the board walk was covered in green.  Trees were so tall that when you looked up it looked like they touched the sky. Professor Wilkinson pointed out the different species and wildlife to us including different types of birds, a baby alligator, saw grass, huge spiders (ahhh!), and a large multicolored grass hopper to name a few.  At one point. he showed us a large tree with scratch marks on it and said that those were the markings of a bear! This made me feel amazed that I was standing in the exact same spot that an enormous bear was just standing in not to long ago.

Bear Scratch Marks

Professor Wilkinson

I feel that it is important to have places like the Corkscrew Sanctuary in order to preserve and provide a natural habitat for species in Southwest Florida.  In addition, this field trip made me realize and understand that this space is crucial for sustaining the natural plants and animals by conserving the special areas in which natural processes having been taking place for years.  Thanks Professor Wilkinson for a great trip!