The Freshwater Experience

 

Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, also known as CREW; is a private, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the water resources and natural communities. The program examines the unique consortium of environmentalists, government agencies, landowners, developers and private citizens who came together in the CREW Land and Water Trust for a common cause: to preserve and protect one of the region's most valuable and important resources, the watershed that refuels the aquifers and provides water to residents of Southwest Florida.   

 Crew provides sanctuary for many species in its healthy wetland. For example, CREW has a perimeter of 60,000 acres, which holds the largest state of old growth cypress in the world!  Some of these are thought to be 700 years old. It is an extremely biodiverse ecosystem with marshes, pine flatwoods, and even oak hammocks. 
 

  

 A safe space for local wildlife, such as black bears, Florida panthers, endangered wood storks, and migratory birds.   My favorite type of bear--SO CHUNKY! 

  

In the class readings, we often learn about sustainability. A huge role of environmental sustainability is water conservation. Water is a renewable resource constantly replenished by the hydrologic cycle. This cycle however takes time and our society on the global scale effects this process more and more with our increasing population.  I love that CREW focuses its efforts on the watershed. Approximately 16 billion gallons of water is stored and recharged annually in this acreage.   That is incredible! It's like having our own local secret treasure. 



   

I admire the concept of environmental education being pushed for adults and children. As we've learned, exposure to nature is essential to preserve our environment, while also being a catalyst for cognitive and behavioral development.  CREW offers daily excursions, and even overnight camping for all ages. 

A wonderful virtual field trip. I learned a lot more about my local environmentalist programs and what we can all do to sustain our freshwater and wildlife.