5. Field Trip--- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

The overall field trip was nice, the scenery was very pretty and there were (surprisingly) very little bugs. BUT, it seemed like the tour guide didn't know much about the actual area. We stopped in about 2 or 3 spots to discuss the wilderness (all the in the sun), or what wilderness there was. I recall seeing some caterpillars and 1 baby alligator. The rest was just plants, only 1 of which I recall being discussed (the swamp apple tree). The whole trip would've been more fun if a more knowledgable guide was used and if it was actually interactive.

While we were there the guide mentioned that the water was much higher than it normally has been in this season, I wonder if that is because of an increase in rain or because of a decreased ability to drain the water. Either/ or, it doesn't seem good. The increased water could change the environment/ landscape so much that the current animals living there would no longer be able to stay. Along with that, the ability to use tax dollars to preserve land is a very important topic. Floridians should be more concerned with saving what little natural environment they have over what neighborhood will be built next. I remember when I drove by Germain Area before The Springs was built and I was amazed that they would just cut down a whole forest. Then after The Springs, they torn down the rest of the forest. I have never seen the arena from the Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, until just this year. It was sad, I really found it sad. With more housing going up, and (it seems like) less college students willing to give into the outrageous rent prices, I was astonished that ANOTHER complex was going up.

The Entrance to  Corkscrew Swamp Sancutary