FOR NATURE NOTES and SIGNS SIGNS. Mosaic and pictures from our archives, taken at various area wetlands and swamps. Explanatory signs are at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
The history of wetlands in our part of Florida is well documented by explanatory signs along the Boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp and Audubon Center.
(I think that the first sentence in the sign on the left is probably supposed to say "I take a dim view.....)
It's the 21st Century now, but some people are still as afraid of swamps as this early explorer was in the 1700s.
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Not so very long ago, most of us still thought of wetlands as wasted space. Draining so that they could be used for farmland or development was encouraged nationally.
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But now, most of us have at least reached the third stage: Understanding how important the swamps and wetlands are.
But we can't take things for granted... in Florida or anywhere else. The fourth stage would be to take the action necessary to continue to protect and preserve what remains of these vital ... and beautiful ... areas.
I love these imagesx We have an amazing Wetland Center near us..wonderful place to visit.xx
Posted by: lynda howells | January 19, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Great series. It's so important to take care all part of the earth, they all play a vital role in our future.
Posted by: Inger-M | January 19, 2012 at 10:13 AM
this is a great post Sallie!
thanks for all the info and all the wonderful photos
I love the 2nd shot on top row of your collage, what a fantastic little critter
Posted by: dianne | January 19, 2012 at 05:37 AM
What a great series of signs to explain the importance of these lovely wetlands.
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 19, 2012 at 03:47 AM
Great post, Sallie! Wetlands is among my favourite habitats and they HAVE TO be preserved.
Posted by: JM | January 19, 2012 at 03:10 AM
I have written so little on wetland and you're so right about how important they are...great post....Michelle
Posted by: RamblingWoods | January 18, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Sigh, just too bad, people are not even cautious about the protection of the wetlands, no matter what signs are put up.
Posted by: Ebie | January 18, 2012 at 09:47 PM
these are marvelous signs, Sally. i hope people would pay more attention. great collage, too.
Posted by: Luna Miranda | January 18, 2012 at 09:28 PM
It's nice this place has so many signs to teach visitors!
Posted by: Halcyon | January 18, 2012 at 06:27 PM
It is good to admit your mistakes and move on. I like this series of signs.
Posted by: VioletSky | January 18, 2012 at 04:50 PM
Very cool and educational sequence. You guys have a little extra danger with the gators, otherwise, I'd be trudging through the mud!
Posted by: Wayne | January 18, 2012 at 04:46 PM
That poor Jared Elliott really did take a dim view os swamps, didn't he?!
Posted by: Lesley | January 18, 2012 at 04:21 PM
What a great post, I am really for preserving the wetlands across the USA. It is a shame that so many developers are so greedy and a lot of politicians just do not care about the environment.
Posted by: eileen | January 18, 2012 at 02:38 PM
"Swamplands are the kidneys of the earth". Hmmm...I learned something today!
Posted by: Pat | January 18, 2012 at 02:12 PM
great post about the wetlands.
Posted by: Ewok | January 18, 2012 at 01:41 PM
That is one of my favourite places. What a wonderful walk it is! I saw my first eagle there and of course the storks!
Posted by: RedPat | January 18, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Beautiful post, beautiful message. I'm so glad we got to the understanding stage.
Posted by: Margot | January 18, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Loved your mosaic and the signs! My favourite place for photography happens to be the largest wetland in our area.
Posted by: nature rambles | January 18, 2012 at 10:01 AM
I wish step 4 would reach peoples minds a bit more rapidly!
Posted by: Nicole | January 18, 2012 at 09:14 AM
Wow Sallie a great post.. I'm feeling quite a bit better. I just wish it was a luttle warmer in Ohio LOL
Posted by: Joe Todd | January 18, 2012 at 08:46 AM
Marvelous post!
Posted by: Mama Zen | January 18, 2012 at 07:32 AM
Wetlands need to be saved all over, even here in Canada. Unfortunately, there are many developers who would much rather fill them in so they can build houses and shopping centres.
Posted by: EG Wow | January 18, 2012 at 07:28 AM
Great reminder. It's funny how greed seems to be the ruin of most things.
Posted by: bettyl | January 18, 2012 at 03:37 AM
It is amazing how much damage man has done and is still doing to our planet, whether through ignorance or greed.
Posted by: diane | January 18, 2012 at 02:48 AM
Thankfully, also our local councils and conservation societies are enlightened enough to preserve and maintain wetlands, ensuring the habitats for indigenous flora and fauna are preserved. Great post!
Posted by: Nick | January 17, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Great post, we must be ever vigilant to protect the wetlands. There are many who are anxious for an opportunity to overturn environmental rules and "reclaim" wetlands from what nature intended. I'm grateful that we have so many places in the central valley where habitat is being preserved and farmers willing to turn their fields over to wildlife in the winter.
Posted by: Martha | January 17, 2012 at 09:36 PM
Even up here, Sallie, wetlands are being reclaimed. We are fortunate to live near some natural sloughs that are teeming with wildlife and our garden club just last week had a speaker on how Salt Creek, which runs through our area, has been cleaned up and now has large mouthed bass and northerns swimming in it again. I hope we are all finally learning . . .
Great post!
Posted by: Penny | January 17, 2012 at 08:06 PM
Beautiful photos of the wetlands in your mosaic, Sallie. Public lands are important to all of us - no to mention the creatures who live in that ecosystem. I wonder sometimes what will be left for our grandchildren?
Posted by: Barb | January 17, 2012 at 07:54 PM
Great post. Wetlands are so important.
Posted by: Carver | January 17, 2012 at 07:13 PM
That kind of honesty in those signs is really refreshing.
Posted by: SandyCarlson (USA) | January 17, 2012 at 06:09 PM
well stated. we had a large acreage converted to wetlands near here over the past couple of years. they dug, filled with water, planted aquatic plants, etc., for the purpose of filtering water to supply pump stations at towns further away. they put in a nice wildlife observation area too. would like to see more of these projects...
Posted by: TexWisGirl | January 17, 2012 at 04:55 PM