Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an excellent example of Southwest Florida’s efforts to preserve habitat and slow down development, which is the leading cause of the destruction of biodiversity. Each day, on my way to work and school, I watch the vegetation and forest that support our wildlife being swallowed up by the relentless construction that is taking place in Southwest Florida. Animals, especially bears and panthers, are being displaced at an alarming rate. It is no wonder that the Florida panther is an endangered species. The National Audubon Society, a private entity, owns Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This society makes the Sanctuary available to the general public who in turn helps support the Sanctuary through donations, entry fees and memberships.  The interaction between this private and public partnership is vital in protecting this amazing slice of biodiversity. This partnership assures that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty of Corkscrew Sanctuary, while the wildlife and vegetation will also be protected from human encroachment.

During the semester and throughout our field trips we learned about the complex relationships of humans and all the plants and animals in our ecosystem. We discussed the implications of the negative consequences of over development and poor planning as they affected the delicate balance that we depend on for survival. FGCU’s efforts at conservation and preservation are a great example of a public funded institution working with the surrounding community to protect biodiversity. I must compliment the University on developing a curriculum that focuses on the issue of protecting biodiversity. This class is a prime example of that philosophy. The essence of the problems facing our disappearing ecosystems and the importance of developing solutions are reflected in this quote; “To achieve successful protection of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity, it is absolutely key that already designated as well as newly assigned areas are far better protected and that the local and national authorities are allocated the resources and means to protect the land and sea.”(Moving toward sustainable prosperity, pg.176)

Reference:

Assadourian, Erik, Michael Renner, and Linda Starke. State of the World 2012: Moving toward Sustainable Prosperity: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress toward a Sustainable Society. Washington, DC: Island, 2012. Print.

Welome to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary 

The boardwalk that extends throughout the entire conservation 

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary