Journal#2 - Most memorable nature experience

Perhaps one of the most educational explorations into true nature I have taken was the kayaking trip through heart of the everglades with a few of my closest friends. It was a 3 day kayaking trip through everglades city, eventually turning into a very educational experience. I had all of the necessities, food, water, fishing poles, sleeping bag, and a map. I believe John Dewey’s philosophy of “hands on”, and experimental learning relate directly to our exploration. “ History of education is development from within, based upon natural endowments; and that education is a process of overcoming natural inclination.” Our journey was an extreme interaction with nature, paddling through the winding rivers of the everglades. We were blessed to have experience the beauty of the natural everglades landscape. On our journey we looked at life from a different angle, a circle that flows naturally without disturbance, a place were the only sounds you heard were birds chirping and mangrove leaves rustling. I observed wading birds feeding on fish and shrimp, and a few alligators stalking their prey. We also were inclined to do a little hunting for food of our own. With a fake shrimp jig attatched to my fishing line, I pulled in a beautiful snook that was later grilled for my diner. It was a privilage to eat this exotic fish, that can mainly be found in southwest Florida. On this trip we took with us a sense of discovery, freedom, and living independent, without disturbance. After this trip I learned to appreciate the southwest Florida environment more so than ever

Journal#1 Corkscrew Sanctuary Experience

I had a great experience at the first field trip to the Corkscrew Sanctuary. As a native to southwest FL., I was really surprised at how much information I gained at this trip. Examples of the historic knowledge I gained was how the same women of the north who had purchased and worn the rare feathers of the egrets on their hats were the ones that started the drive to preserve the wet lands of south and protect the native birds. The National Audubon society was put into place in southwest FL. to protect this land back in the 1950's because of the vast majority of poachers who hunted these birds, who were facing extinction. Some brave men even gave their lives protecting this land and the animals in it. Another very interesting fact was that the Corkscrew Cypress Rookery Association purchased this land to protect it from lumber companies. The association even paid the lumber companies for each tree they would have cut down. I thought this was truly amazing that an association would pay a lumber company just to not cut down the trees.
Before this field trip I did have some knowledge about the habitats and animals in the southwest FL area, but was very excited to learn even more information about why these animals actually live here and how they survive. Another interesting fact was that the pines and sable palms thrive in the dry areas and the cypress trees thrive in the wet lands. A very good examples of this was the difference in elevation where there was a gap between the cypress and pines which looked like an empty field. This must be a perfect place for hawks and predators to hunt for food.

I had an excellent time at the sanctuary extending my knowledge about the southwest FL area and habitats. I also thought our guide was very informative and happy to teach use about the area. Hats off the people that made this area so special and great for the rest of us to learn about.


















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