Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has been where it is long before humans started to develop land around it. Historical events that have kept it that way may be storms that created the area in the first place. Also, there are conservation acts that have kept the land/swamp the way it is now and have kept people from building on the land.
Wetlands are important in many ways. Wetlands manage storm water runoff and help recharge and purify aquifiers (which hold water). They also serve as a habitat to many species. Like I said, wetlands often function like natural sponges storing flood water and slowly releases it. Periodic burning allows the proliferation of fire-evolved plant species and reduces of eliminates competing species. Obviously, we all need water to live. It provides food and nutrition to everything living in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Higher elevation can been seen as symbols of perseverance and tolerance. This sanctuary has been here for ages, not to mention some of the trees were here before our generation were even born. I think it's great that this sanctuary hasn't been cut down because it's a memorable place and serves a purpose in the community.
I got to see many species when I went on the Corkscrew field trip. There are endless species of plants and animals at the sanctuary but here are some that our tour guide pointed out:
From the bird family- Cranes, Doves, Hummingbirds, Owls, and Vultures
Different Fish and Insects- Trust me, I "interacted" with the mosquitos
Mammals- Alligators, frogs, snakes, turtles, racoons, fox, deer, squirrels, bobcats, florida panthers
Plants- Lillies, Duckweed, Pine trees, and saw palmettos
We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. ~Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
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