Corkscrew Sanctuary was a fantastic hidden gem. Located in NW Collier County lives a beautiful treat from nature. I feel very lucky to have been able to visit this sanctuary. As I entered, I did not know what to expect. I knew at the sanctuary, there was a long boardwalk but had no idea it contained so many different ecosystems and that is was two miles long!
The first ecosystem I came across was the Big Cypress Swamp. I thankfully, was there on a quiet day and had access to many guides along the way. These guides were volunteers and super helpful to answer questions. I learned that the swap land consisted of 11,000 acres. Throughout the acreage I saw many Virgin-Bald Cypress trees. At the Corkscrew Sanctuary live some on the countries oldest Virgin-Bald Cypresses, aging from 400 to 700 years old.
The next ecosystem I entered was the Sandy Pines. This area was prolific in Slash Pines. From reading the signage, I found that this area is very prone to fires, but without fires, the Slash Pines would take over the area. They would become intrusive, so it is actually a positive that their are many fires.
I continued through and around the 5,000 acre marsh. What impressed me with this ecosystem was that it acts as a water purification preservation. The sanctuary encompasses many ecosystems, and with that, it supports its own existence.
My boyfriend and I were lucky to see a coiled up Corn Snake as well as many baby alligators. When we ended up back at the beginning there was a group of young students standing by the finch exhibit by the audobon society. All the sudden we heard screaming. A red- hawk swooped down and took a finch. The kids were horrified but it was actually really funny.
Before I left I visiting the interesting "living machine . It looked to me like some old oil containers. I learned that this machine is self sustaining and able to organize, repair, and reproduce itself. The machine was designed by John Todd and is able to filter 15,000 gallons of water a day. Super Neat!
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