Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Recently, I visited the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for the first time. During the guided tour, we saw a variety of habitats with different plant and animal species. On the boardwalk, we witnessed pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and cypress swamps.
Each habitat had its own characteristics. The pine flatwoods was mainly consisted of slash pine, saw palmetto, wax myrtle, and cabbage palms. We encountered brown anoles and discussed the impact of exotic species in South Florida, ribbon snakes, and black racer snakes. Our guide also gave us historical background info on each plant species (plant uses during settlement in the 1800s) and went over the purpose of controlled burns and its positive impact.
After walking through the pine flatwoods, our next stop was the wet prairie. The wet prairies act as a watershed or water passage during the wet seasons. Water travels southward towards the gulf and this water rejuvenates the Everglades and the wetlands. Deer, Panthers, and Black Bears also use the wet prairie as a travel corridor between different habitats. We encountered a juvenile Alligator in this habitat as well.
Next was the Cypress Swamp. A cypress swamp is a wet area dominated with cypress trees. There are mainly two types of cypress trees: Bald Cypress and Pond Cypress. Bald Cypress live for many years and are typically the cypress trees with the large trunks. Cypress are capable of surviving Hurricanes and other violent storms due to their interlocking root systems. We also encountered and discussed symbiotic relationships between ferns and cypress trees and lichens (algae and fungus). Along the way we were lucky enough to see "Bubba" the large Alligator, a Red Shouldered Hawk, a Florida Banded Water Snake, Fishing Spiders, and the dwindling native Green Anole.
Overall, the trip was interesting and full of fun nature facts. We're fortunate that the National Audubon Society has protected this sanctuary for us and future generations to see and enjoy.