First Field Trip

Today was the scheduled field trip to Corkscrew Sanctuary. 
However, I missed it because of a misunderstanding on my part. I did some research and the place looks simply wonderful. I didn't get to actually go and experience it for myself, even though I would have liked to. In my research I found that it is somewhat similar to Wekiva Springs Park in Wekiva Springs, Fl. 
Of course at since Wekiva Springs is farther up north and the climate is a little different, I'm sure that the plant and animal wildlife would be different.



A quote from the manager of Wekiva Springs: 
"Wekiwa is a full service state park with something for everyone, hike along a portion of more than 13 miles of trails and then cool off in the refreshing 72 degree spring. The Wekiva River is one of two recognized National Wild & Scenic Rivers in Florida. Come early to catch a glimpse of some of the exciting wildlife around the park including deer, turkey, fox squirrels, shorebirds and even Florida Black Bear." Warren Poplin
When I visited Wekiva Springs I went on one of the paths and saw many scary, yet beautiful animals and amazing plants. 


 During my research of Corkscrew Sanctuary I came upon some species that are at risk. Included in these are  American Alligator (federally listed as threatened), Wood Stork, Bald Eagle, Roseate Spoonbill, Limpkin, Florida Black Bear and Florida Panther, the Ghost Orchid and various native orchids and bromeliads. 

Introduction

First day of Honors Colloquium Class. At first I wasn't too sure what to expect. But as the class went on I started to realize that it wouldn't be so bad. Seems as though I will be learning a lot about myself and the environment. 


I read the assigned homework. I found it interesting, since this semester I am taking an Ethics course. So far in my ethics class we have only started talking about the difference between morality and ethics. So reading this excerpt was an interesting addition to what I had been learning so far.


The Land Ethic, by Aldo Leopold


"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."- Leopold


Funny how he considers conservation harmony between men and land. I mean land has always been the man's tool for survival. Without the land man would not have food to eat, or materials to build shelter, and as time and technology advances, without the land we would not have what we now consider basics, paper, oil, and even gum. Yet, currently we are not living in harmony with the land. Better yet, this can be compared to the time of slavery, where we the people are the proud owners, and the land is the overworked, underpaid slave. We exploit it for all its good, yet we pay it back so poorly, and more often than not we don't pay it back at all.


So I dare ask myself, if we were able to overcome our own issue of slavery, how long will it be until we set the land free?