ANCIENT GIANTS OF THE SWAMP EXPEDITION APRIL 2013 – AUGUST 2014

Report for Expedition Flag #174

Prepared for The Explorers Club by

C. Michael Knight, Ph.D., FN’07

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Abstract

Noted for its diversity of wildlife and nearly pristine condition, Corkscrew Swamp, located in

southwestern Florida, is home to the world’s largest remaining stand of unlogged old-growth

bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) forest. Although nearly surrounded by urban sprawl, much of

this 13,000-acre wilderness has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years, providing

habitat for numerous endangered animal and plant species. To better characterize this

ecologically important remnant forest the “Ancient Giants of the Swamp” expedition had a two-

fold objective:

1. Ground truth available satellite imagery and acquire data on the locations, sizes, and

abundance of the largest old-growth bald cypress trees in Corkscrew Swamp, and

2. Conduct a ground to canopy baseline biological inventory of a single old-growth bald

cypress tree to better understand the ecological community it supports.

Mapping efforts yielded a total of 60 giant old-growth cypress trees concentrated along the

northern and eastern areas of Corkscrew Swamp. Giant trees, by the criteria established on this

expedition, were at least 17.0 ft circumference as measured 4.5 ft above the mean high water

mark. Giant trees averaged 19.0 ft (SD = 1.6) circumference, with the largest tree measuring 24.0

ft. The biological inventory of a single old-growth bald cypress tree yielded 71 different species.

The one-week tally underestimated the number of insect and vertebrate species utilizing the tree,

and did not account for some taxonomic groups due to the time at which the survey was

conducted. Documenting the unique remnant ecosystem of Corkscrew Swamp is important for

raising awareness of wetland values. Both the mapping and tree inventory phases of the “Ancient

Giants of the Swamp” expedition received considerable media attention that helped raise such

awareness and promote the ideals of The Explorers Club.

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The Swamp Mapping Team

C. Michael Knight, Ph.D., FN’07 (expedition leader) is a professional wildlife biologist and

conservationist. He was the first to scientifically document the legendary “Luminous

Lizard” of Trinidad. Knight promotes conservation awareness through numerous

television and newspaper outlets including an Emmy-nominated television news feature.

He has also appeared on the PBS “Wild Florida” series and an episode with The Travel

Channel. Knight is currently the land management specialist at Corkscrew Swamp

Sanctuary and also a regional director in the Florida Chapter of The Explorers Club.

Ralph Arwood, M.D., MN’14 is an avid nature photographer and amateur biologist. Based in

Everglades City, Florida, Arwood focuses his photography on natural history and travel

subjects. He has worked as a medical photographer enjoyed a successful career as a

general and vascular surgeon. He currently assists with natural resources management at

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and also works with the Florida panther tracking &

recovery team.

Sally Stein has a background in environmental education and currently serves as Director of

Public Programs at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. She has served as an instructor of the

Florida Master Naturalist course for several years and participates in conservation

education outreach across southwestern Florida.

Jonathan Nash works as Maintenance Supervisor at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, but also

assists with natural resources management. An avid outdoorsman, Nash has a passion for

inspiring youth and has served as youth pastor at Cornerstone United Methodist Church

since 2009. He was formerly a full time firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Jason Lauritsen is the Director of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and has worked for the

National Audubon Society since 2001. He has a master’s degree in science education and

gained experience as a science teacher, a biological field technician in Alaska, and a tour

guide in the rainforests of Ecuador.

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John Elting is a retired investment banker and entrepreneur who began his career with

Goldman, Sachs & Co. After retiring he obtained certification as a Florida Master

Naturalist and has led individuals and groups as an interpretive naturalist in the Big

Cypress National Preserve and other southern Florida wilderness areas. Elting currently

serves as Chairman of the Audubon Florida Board of Directors.

Additional assistance provided by:

Hana Nardi, a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a B.A. in environmental studies.

Greg Kosik, a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a B.A. in environmental studies.

Emily Uhlmann, an honors graduate from Eckerd College with a B.A. in environmental studies

and biology, and a minor in marine science.

Jacob Zetzer, an honors graduate of Bowling Green State University with a B.A. in

environmental policy and analysis, and a minor in geology.

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Front Row, holding flag: Sally Stein, Dr. Mike Knight FN’07 (Expedition Leader)

Back Row: Jason Lauritsen, John Elting, Jonathan Nash, Dr. Ralph Arwood MN’14

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The Tree Inventory Team

C. Michael Knight, Ph.D., FN’07 (expedition leader) is a professional wildlife biologist and

conservationist. He was the first to scientifically document the legendary “Luminous

Lizard” of Trinidad. Knight promotes conservation awareness through numerous

television and newspaper outlets including an Emmy-nominated television news feature.

He has also appeared on the PBS “Wild Florida” series and an episode with The Travel

Channel. Knight is currently the land management specialist at Corkscrew Swamp

Sanctuary and also a regional director in the Florida Chapter of The Explorers Club.

Ralph Arwood, M.D., MN’14 is an avid nature photographer and amateur biologist. Based in

Everglades City, Florida, Arwood focuses his photography on natural history and travel

subjects. He has worked as a medical photographer enjoyed a successful career as a

general and vascular surgeon. He currently assists with natural resources management at

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and also works with the Florida panther tracking &

recovery team.

Sally Stein has a background in environmental education and currently serves as Director of

Public Programs at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. She has served as an instructor of the

Florida Master Naturalist course for several years and participates in conservation

education outreach across southwestern Florida.

Dennis Giardina is a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,

with over 20 years experience. Giardina is actively involved with the recovery program

for the critically endangered Florida panther. He also works extensively on invasive

species issues across southern Florida. Giardina has been on several expeditions to Latin

America to collect and research potential bio-control insects used to combat invasive

species in the United States.

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Maureen Bonness, Ph.D. is a botanist and independent environmental consultant. She chairs the

committee for the River of Grass Greenway, a proposed multi-use pathway across the

Everglades, and is also manager of the Willow Run Preserve in Collier County, Florida.

Bonness is also an avid endurance triathlete.

Phil Wittman, Ph.D. is an ecologist with expertise in forest canopy research. He has worked in

tropical rainforests ranging from South America to Australia. Wittman is a member of

Canopy Construction Associates, a group that builds platforms and walkways in forest

canopies. For over a decade, he has been pursuing field research and collection

expeditions, and his current work is focused on canopy access and ecology of the

Peruvian Amazon. Wittman can be seen in the National Geographic documentary "Rain

Forests – Heroes of the High Frontier.”

Additional assistance provided by:

Rick Seavey is a research collaborator with Everglades National Park. He leads the Everglades

National Park lichen project, which has identified 550 species and over a dozen that are new to

science. Rick Seavey is the only systemic taxonomic lichenologist in all of Florida.

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Above left: Dennis Giardina examining the flora & fauna inhabiting canopy fern mats

Above right: Phil Wittman rigging the fixed ropes and documenting the tree canopy community

Below left: Sally Stein taking inventory of canopy orchids and bromeliads

Below right: Maureen Bonness examining a cypress knee

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Introduction

In the early twentieth century, vast tracts of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) forest in

southern Florida were extensively logged (Becerra 1990) and by the early 1950s these forests

were virtually destroyed. Recent estimates (Lauritsen pers. comm.) suggest that over 98 percent

of the original bald cypress swamp forest of southern Florida was lost to logging activity.

Corkscrew Swamp, a remnant virgin forest located in the western Florida Everglades, was

acquired from logging interests by the National Audubon Society in 1954. Today, Corkscrew

Swamp Sanctuary preserves the world’s largest remaining stand of unlogged old-growth bald

cypress forest. Although nearly surrounded by urban sprawl, much of this 13,000-acre

wilderness has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years, providing habitat for

numerous threatened and endangered species such as the wood stork (Mycteria americana) and

ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii). Corkscrew Swamp also provides a crucial hydrologic link

between southwestern Florida’s inland freshwater wetlands and the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its

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uniqueness, Corkscrew Swamp has been designated a Wetland of International Importance by

the Ramsar Wetlands Convention.

Corkscrew Swamp is estimated to be approximately 5000 years old (Duever and

McCollum 1986). Early accounts of Corkscrew Swamp by logging prospectors and Audubon

wildlife wardens describe bald cypress trees that stood 130 feet tall, with girths over 20 feet, and

at least 500 years in age (Becerra 1990, Grosvenor 1958, Buchheister unpubl. data). Except for

limited scientific surveys and occasional wanderings by Audubon Society staff, many parts of

Corkscrew Swamp remain relatively unexplored. In the interest of promoting the ecological and

cultural value of Corkscrew Swamp’s unique forest, I wanted to know how many of the ancient

giant cypress trees still grew in the swamp and where they were located. Additionally, I sought to

better understand the ecological importance of these giant old-growth trees and the biotic

communities they support.

Project Objectives

The overall goal of the “Ancient Giants of the Swamp” expedition was to characterize the

unique remnant old-growth cypress forest of Corkscrew Swamp. Specifically, my expedition

aimed to:

1. Ground truth available satellite imagery and acquire data on the locations, sizes and

abundance of the largest old-growth bald cypress trees in Corkscrew Swamp, and

2. Examine a single, old-growth bald cypress tree and document the different flora and

fauna that inhabit or use it.

In addition to these objectives, the expedition also sought to increase public awareness about

exploration of our natural world so that we may better understand it and take action to preserve it

for future generations.

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Phase I – Mapping the Forest

Project Methods

Aided by current satellite imagery of the area acquired from Google Earth, the old-

growth forest of Corkscrew Swamp was surveyed on foot, usually in groups of 2-3 people, using

a roaming or creeping line search technique. The forest was systematically mapped in discrete

units, with individual surveys being conducted between 0700 and 1700 hours eastern time over

the span of a 16 month period from April 2013 to August 2014. Based on tree measurements

taken during initial forays into the swamp, it was decided that an “ancient giant” bald cypress

tree would be defined as measuring at least 17 ft circumference at breast height, a variation of the

standard forestry measurement of diameter at breast height (DBH). A measurement of

circumference was chosen over diameter to remain consistent with historical accounts of tree

girth, but also to provide an educationally useful perspective (e.g. how many people does it take

to hug a tree?). Due to inconsistencies in ground level caused by expansion and contraction of

organic soils, and the often swollen bases characteristic of bald cypress trees, we adopted a

standardized measurement taken 4.5 ft above the mean high water line (rather than height above

ground level) on each tree as determined by stain marks or the actual water level. Along with a

measurement of girth, the latitude/longitude of each tree was recorded, a series of photographs

were taken, and a small biodegradable identification tag was affixed. Notes were also made

about any unique natural features such as animal nests, epiphytic plants, etc. Data for the trees

were input into Google Earth and other GIS software to ascertain patterns of distribution and to

generate maps for educational and scientific purposes, but were not statistically analyzed since

there was predetermined observer bias toward counting only certain minimum-sized trees and

also because all bald cypress trees in the swamp were not measured for comparison.

Initial mapping efforts focused on eastern sections of the old-growth forest, nearest

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s staff housing area and boardwalk trail, in order to test and refine

the effectiveness of survey techniques. The research team then quickly proceeded to survey as

much of the remote western cypress forest as possible, racing against the approaching summer

rainy season (roughly June – October). To access the western cypress forest, the team had to

make lengthy hikes across marsh habitat dominated in places by nearly impenetrable stands of

saw grass (Cladium jamaicense) and willow (Salix caroliniana) thickets. Extreme summer heat

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and thunderstorm activity also limited the amount of time that could be spent on surveys of the

western cypress. Upon onset of the summer rainy season and the resulting inundation of the

cypress swamp, survey efforts became significantly slower and more difficult. Mapping efforts

were, therefore, redirected back to the more easily accessible eastern sections of the forest during

the rainy season. During the drier months when the cypress forest was only minimally flooded,

lengthier surveys could be conducted and larger areas of the forest could be mapped. Therefore,

most forays into the swamp were conducted during the drier months.

While mapping some areas of Corkscrew Swamp, we invited local news media to

participate. The opportunity for journalists to trek into remote areas of the swamp, see the giant

cypress trees first-hand, and work alongside expedition team members generated very favorable

publicity for the research being conducted by The Explorers Club and Audubon Society staff.

Project Results

Mapping of Corkscrew Swamp’s old-growth forest began in April 2013 and was completed in

August 2014. During this period, a total of 60 giant cypress trees were found and documented

(Table 1). Giant trees averaged 19.0 ft (SD = 1.6) circumference, with the largest tree measuring

24.0 ft. This largest tree (tree #52), found in the northern section of the forest, exhibited two

separate trunks that were fused at the base; however, it was recorded because the trunks

separated above the 4.5 ft height where girth measurements were taken. Also, it could not be

determined whether the twin trunks resulted from two different trees growing together or a single

tree that forked due to damage incurred sometime during its lifespan. The largest single-trunk

cypress tree (tree #56) measured 23.6 ft circumference and was also discovered in the northern

region of the forest. The greatest overall concentration of giant trees was found along the eastern

and northern sections of the old-growth forest (Figure 1), revealing areas of the swamp with the

deepest organic soil profile (Duever and McCollum 1986). The western sections of the forest

yielded only two trees that met the 17 ft minimum girth to be classified as “giant.” These two

trees were, however, relatively small along most of their trunks but met the requisite size due to

anomalous growth near their bases. No attempts were made during this study to core and age any

of the bald cypress trees. However, based on previous research (Duever and McCollum 1986) the

giant trees mapped during this expedition represent the size class consistent with the oldest trees

previously sampled in Corkscrew Swamp and are, therefore, at least 500 years old.

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Table 1. Giant bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) trees, along with location and size data, found

in Corkscrew Swamp between April 2013 and August 2014.

ID Latitude Longitude Circum. (ft) ID Latitude Longitude Circum. (ft)

GT1 26.372280 -81.611900 17.7 GT31 26.373150 -81.612117 17.5

GT2 26.370930 -81.613400 22.8 GT32 26.372367 -81.612250 19.2

GT3 26.376990 -81.608860 17.5 GT33 26.372300 -81.612040 18.5

GT4 26.371780 -81.613970 20.9 GT34 26.370933 -81.614183 19.0

GT5 26.366490 -81.615980 18.6 GT35 26.370033 -81.614367 18.4

GT6 26.367010 -81.616260 20.5 GT36 26.369850 -81.615183 18.7

GT7 26.367650 -81.616000 19.5 GT37 26.381310 -81.608750 19.3

GT8 26.369900 -81.614750 22.6 GT38 26.369420 -81.615360 17.9

GT9 26.378890 -81.608550 17.4 GT39 26.369340 -81.615290 21.2

GT10 26.378910 -81.608980 20.8 GT40 26.395190 -81.610630 18.4

GT11 26.377450 -81.609040 18.5 GT41 26.390030 -81.614550 17.0

GT12 26.377390 -81.609160 17.6 GT42 26.389580 -81.614590 18.7

GT13 26.376490 -81.609470 17.1 GT43 26.386670 -81.612210 18.2

GT14 26.375710 -81.609710 18.6 GT44 26.382570 -81.609170 19.8

GT15 26.381190 -81.608630 18.9 GT45 26.383480 -81.609500 20.2

GT16 26.381580 -81.608750 19.8 GT46 26.383620 -81.610690 18.5

GT17 26.368560 -81.616010 17.3 GT47 26.385870 -81.611200 18.2

GT18 26.368730 -81.615950 19.3 GT48 26.385600 -81.611040 17.5

GT19 26.368610 -81.616180 17.0 GT49 26.386590 -81.610840 18.2

GT20 26.366160 -81.616130 17.6 GT50 26.384405 -81.611413 19.0

GT21 26.367540 -81.615990 19.2 GT51 26.383957 -81.612684 17.4

GT22 26.368780 -81.622740 18.5 GT52 26.383574 -81.613634 24.0

GT23 26.367943 -81.624377 18.4 GT53 26.384512 -81.613830 19.2

GT24 26.373517 -81.611233 17.2 GT54 26.384863 -81.613962 18.8

GT25 26.373500 -81.611450 18.0 GT55 26.385419 -81.617022 17.7

GT26 26.373767 -81.611533 21.4 GT56 26.385222 -81.618766 23.6

GT27 26.373600 -81.611583 17.8 GT57 26.385842 -81.617486 19.0

GT28 26.373617 -81.611767 19.5 GT58 26.385934 -81.617075 19.5

GT29 26.373517 -81.611633 21.5 GT59 26.385350 -81.616391 17.7

GT30 26.373400 -81.611650 21.2 GT60 26.388890 -81.614210 17.7

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Figure 1. Satellite imagery showing locations of the giant cypress trees in Corkscrew Swamp.

The old-growth forest forms a horseshoe-shaped stand around a central marsh habitat.

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Phase II – Biological Inventory of a Single Tree

Project Methods

We conducted a rapid biological inventory of a single old-growth bald cypress tree over

the course of a one-week period, June 15-21, 2014. Observations were made between 0800 and

1700 hours eastern daylight savings time. The survey team assembled for this task consisted of

several regional biologists and one adjunct collaborating biologist, each with expertise in specific

fields (e.g. botany, entomology, and herpetology). Each specialist was responsible for recording

species observed from three primary locations on the tree: the canopy branches, the main trunk,

and the area surrounding the base of the tree (within 2 m of the trunk). The inventory was

intended to gather baseline information and not collect quantifiable data or be an exhaustive

study. Its goal was to generate a rudimentary list of the flora and fauna supported by a single old-

growth tree, thereby providing useful information to be used for environmental education

programs. As a byproduct of the species inventory, questions were developed for potential future

empirical research.

Once a tree suitable for climbing was located it was rigged with a fixed double-rope

system allowing access to both the lower branches and the upper tree crown. Up to two persons

at a time could climb and inventory the canopy, so team members took turns ascending and

working. While some biologists recorded life in the canopy other team members made

observations of species at or near the base of the tree. Photographs were taken to document the

flora and fauna using the old-growth tree but, when necessary for proper identification (e.g.

lichens), samples were also collected. Each specialist on the team generated a list of observed

species, which was later compiled into a comprehensive record of all flora and fauna utilizing the

tree.

In addition to conducting the inventory work, we invited local news media to participate

in the tree climb and study. By giving journalists the opportunity to ascend into the tree canopy

and work alongside biologists, we were able to generate favorable publicity for The Explorers

Club expedition and conservation work by the National Audubon Society.

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Project Results

Our research team only scratched the surface of the rich biotic diversity that occupies an

old-growth bald cypress tree. We found 26 different plant species, 13 different fungi and lichens,

24 insect species, and eight different vertebrate species (Table 2). Not recorded were aquatic

vertebrates and invertebrates, nocturnal species, subterranean flora and fauna, and microscopic

organisms. Amphibians were under-represented by this survey primarily due to the time of year

(pre-flooding conditions) in which it was conducted. Also, because some wildlife, especially

mammals and birds, would not approach the tree while researchers were in the canopy, their

numbers were also under-represented. To obtain a more comprehensive list of species supported

by the tree it is recommended that future surveys be conducted that include sampling from

remote locations, sampling at different times of day and season, and include repeated surveys to

assess how the biotic community may change over time.

Among the notable discoveries on the particular tree we surveyed were six different

species of epiphytic orchid, including a rare ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) growing in the

canopy. The ghost orchid is classified as an endangered species by the State of Florida. One

lichen that was collected, a Coenogonium species, has yet to be accurately identified and may

represent a new record (Seavey pers. comm.). A Florida blue centipede (Hemiscolopendra

marginata) found living exclusively in the canopy and unidentified insect larvae observed

migrating from canopy to ground highlighted the need for more detailed studies of the ecological

community supported by epiphytic vegetation in the tree canopy.

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Table 2. List of species inhabiting a single old-growth bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) tree.

Ferns

Resurrection fern Pleopeltis polypodioides Canopy

Water Horn Fern Ceratopteris thalictroides Base

Swamp Fern Blechnum serrulatum Base

Shiny Thelypteris Thelypteris interrupta Base

Boston Fern Nephrolepis exaltata Base

Flowering plants

Needle-leaved Wild Pine Tillandsia setacea Canopy

Reflexed Wild Pine Tillandsia balbisiana Canopy

Soft-leaved Wild Pine Tillandsia variabilis Canopy

Stiff-leaved Wild Pine Tillandsia fasciculata Canopy

Spanish Moss Tillandsia usneoides Canopy

Butterfly Orchid Encyclia tampensis Canopy

Dingy-flowered Star Orchid Epidendeum amphistomum Canopy

Ghost Orchid Dendrophylax lindenii Canopy

Jingle Bell Orchid Harisella filiformis Canopy

Rigid Epidendrum Epidendrum rigidum Canopy

Yellow-helmeted Orchid Polystachya concrea Canopy

Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Canopy/Base

Strangler Fig Ficus aurea Canopy/Trunk/Base

Royal Palm Roystonea regia Base

Swamp Lily Crinum americanum Base

Bristly Greenbriar Smilax thamnoides Base

Alligator Flag Thalia geniculate Base

Pop Ash Fraxinus caroliniana Base

False Nettle Boehemeria cylindrical Base

Swamp Bay Persea palustris Base

Moon Vine Ipomoea alba Base

Fungi & Lichens

Wood Shelf Fungus unidentified species Trunk

Biolumenescent Mushroom unidentified species Base

Lichen Cryptothecia striata Canopy/Trunk/Base

Lichen Herpothallon spp. Canopy

Lichen Reimnitzia santensis Canopy

Lichen Coenogonium subdilutum Canopy

Lichen Physcia atrostriata Canopy

Lichen Caloplaca epiphora Canopy

Lichen Coenogonium isidiigerum Canopy

Lichen Physcia sorediosa Canopy

Lichen Leptogium austroamericanum Canopy

Lichen Coenogonium spp. Canopy

Lichen Dictyonema phyllogenum Base

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Table 2. (continued)

Insects

Cypress Looper Moth Anacamptodes pergracilis Canopy

Ruddy Daggerwing Butterfly Marpesia petreus Canopy/Trunk/Base

Brazilian Skipper Calpodes ethlius Base

Palamedes Butterfly Papilio palamedes Canopy

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Papilio glaucus Canopy

Orange-barred Sulfur Butterfly Phoebis philea Canopy

Florida Blue Centipede Hemiscolopendra marginata Canopy

Florida Wood Cockroach Eurycotis floridana Canopy/Lower Trunk

Leaf Beetle Cerotoma spp. Canopy

Annual Cicada Tibicen spp. Canopy

Regal Jumping Spider Phidippus regius Canopy

Bold Jumping Spider Phidippus audax Canopy

Orchard Weaver Spider Leucauge venusta Lower Trunk

Huntsman Spider Heteropoda venatoria Lower Trunk

Wolf Spider Schizocosa spp. Lower Trunk

Yellow Fly Diachlorus ferrugatus Canopy/Lower Trunk

Yellowjacket Hoverfly Milesia virginiensis Lower Trunk

Crane Fly Nephrotoma spp. Lower Trunk

Mosquitoes numerous unidentified species Canopy/Lower Trunk

Paper Wasp Polistes dominula Canopy

White-footed Ant Technomyrmex albipes Canopy/Lower Trunk

Carpenter Ant Camponotus spp. Lower Trunk

Cypress Twig Gall Midge Taxodiomyia cupressiananassa Canopy

Cypress Leaf Gall Midge Taxodiomyia taxodii Canopy

Amphibians

Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea Base

Greenhouse Frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris Base

Reptiles

Green Anole Anolis carolinensis Canopy

Brown Anole Anolis sagrei Lower Trunk

Birds

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus Canopy

Great-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Canopy

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Canopy

Mammals

Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Canopy

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Project Implications (overall expedition)

The “Ancient Giants of the Swamp” expedition received substantial publicity during its

tenure with updates posted on The Explorers Club website, the Florida Chapter of The Explorers

Club website, and online social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The local News-Press

newspaper featured headline articles that covered both the mapping and tree inventory phases of

the expedition; these articles were syndicated statewide. Additional publicity was gained through

stories appearing in Naples Illustrated Magazine, an article in a commemorative magazine

produced jointly by Audubon and Naples Daily News, and through public presentations.

The expedition’s timing coincided with the 60th anniversary celebration of Corkscrew

Swamp Sanctuary and a “Landmark Cypress” educational campaign launched by Audubon to

promote the old-growth forest at Corkscrew. The attention brought by these combined events led

to an increase in public visitation to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where the importance of

wetlands preservation could be learned. Not only could people tour the sanctuary’s boardwalk

trail into the old-growth forest, they could see and touch some of the giant bald cypress trees and

learn about their ecological heritage first-hand. The expedition, particularly the mapping phase,

emphasized the fact that unexplored places on the map still exist – some, like Corkscrew Swamp,

quite near our own urban backyards. Other aspects of the expedition, such as the tree inventory,

provided an opportunity for the public to interact with field biologists while the expedition was

underway and discoveries were being made.

In addition to the natural history and geographic knowledge gleaned from the expedition,

we were also able to develop plans to engage local school children through real-time live internet

feeds to classrooms and by in-the-field activities. In the future, students may have the

opportunity to explore of our natural world by either working with scientists conducting field

research or by interacting with them remotely as research is taking place within Corkscrew

Swamp. Applications exist for students to learn biology or geography depending on whether they

are engaged in species inventory studies or future mapping of other habitats in Corkscrew

Swamp Sanctuary.

Overall, the “Ancient Giants of the Swamp” expedition accomplished its goals of

locating & mapping the largest trees of Corkscrew Swamp and identifying some of the biological

diversity supported by a single tree, thus increasing human awareness of the value of wilderness

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and its conservation. The expedition also succeeded greatly in promoting the “advancement of

field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore.”

Literature Cited

Becerra, C. 1990. Giants of the swamp: the story of south Florida logging industry. Self

published.

Duever, M. J. and J. M. McCollum. 1986. Cypress tree-ring analysis in relation to wetlands and

hydrology. Pages 250-260 in G. C. Jacoby Jr. and J. W. Hornbeck, editors. Proceedings

of the international symposium on ecological aspects of tree ring analysis, August 17-21,

1986. New York. USA.

Grosvenor, M. B. 1958. Corkscrew swamp: primeval show place in the Everglades. The National

Geographic Magazine 113(1): 98-113.

Wilhite, L. P. and J. R. Toliver. 1990. Baldcypress. In R. M. Burns and B. H. Honkala, technical

coordinators. Silvics of North America: Volume 1 – Conifers. Agriculture Handbook

654. U. S. Forest Service, Washington, D.C., USA.

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Expedition Logistics

Weather Concerns:

The southern Florida rainy season spans roughly June – October of each year, while the

dry season spans November – May. During the summer rainy season, daytime temperatures

reach into the 90-100oF range, with heavy rain and thunderstorm activity occurring almost every

afternoon. Dry season conditions are much milder, with daily temperatures of 75-80oF and sparse

rain activity. By mid-summer, seasonal rains completely inundate Corkscrew Swamp and

surrounding wetlands. Water depths in the old-growth cypress forest can vary from mere inches

to over 5 ft depending on specific location. Flooded conditions in the forest greatly slowed the

rate of travel when mapping the forest and often concealed submerged hazards. Afternoon

thunderstorm activity accompanied by intense lightning was a serious safety concern. Both the

mapping and tree inventory aspects of this expedition were conducted at times of day/season that

afforded the greatest amount of accomplishable work with the least risk.

Medical Concerns:

Expedition members sustained no major injuries, which is fortunate due to the remote

locations we visited and the unlikelihood of rapid evacuation in the event of emergency.

Dehydration was a significant concern, especially when traversing the central marsh to reach the

far western side of the cypress swamp. In addition to sampling equipment, each team member

had to pack a sufficient supply of water and other necessities without becoming overburdened

with weight. The most common injuries during the mapping phase of the expedition were insect

bites/stings and lacerations from saw grass (Cladium jamaicense); however, there was one close

call with a venomous water moccasin snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The potential for injury

during the tree inventory phase of the expedition was limited by use of appropriate climbing

safety equipment.

Transportation:

The absence of roads and trails throughout much of Corkscrew Swamp areas of

Corkscrew Swamp necessitates exploration on foot. The eastern side of the swamp could be

explored with relative ease due to its proximity to the sanctuary’s staff housing and tourist areas.

However, the remote western side of the swamp required a prolonged hike across a half-mile

22

wide marsh dominated by saw grass (Cladium jamaicense) and nearly impenetrable thickets of

coastal plain willow (Salix caroliniana). The first trek to the western cypress took three hours.

Subsequent trips were shorted to approximately one hour after a sufficient trail was blazed. All

terrain vehicles assisted in getting expedition team closer to some of the remote northern areas of

the swamp, but exploration into the forest still had to be done on foot and required lengthy hikes.

Dense forest undergrowth prevents access by boat in all areas of the old-growth forest.

Communications:

Due to its relative proximity to urban southwestern Florida, Corkscrew Swamp receives

fair to good cell phone reception. Team members all carried individual phones in waterproof

housings. Additionally, at least one UHF radio was carried to maintain communications with

Audubon Society personnel using their radio repeater system. Team members carried handheld

GPS devices that were specifically equipped with satellite imagery of the swamp. Due to the

absence of terrain and landscape features across the vast natural areas of southern Florida,

navigation is greatly aided by aerial images.

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Appendix – Expedition Photos

John Elting (left) and

Jason Lauritsen (right)

measuring one of the

smaller trees.

Mike Knight providing a human scale for

one of the larger cypress trees

24

Audubon Society interns (left to right): Greg Kosik, Hana Nardi,

Emily Uhlmann, and Jacob Zetzer

Sally Stein traversing the cypress swamp during the summer rainy season.

25

Mike Knight working

through a deep area during

the mapping phase of the

expedition.

Close encounter with a

venomous water moccasin

(Agkistrodon piscivorus)

while mapping the swamp.

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One of the giant old-growth bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) trees with characteristic

epiphytic growth of strangler fig (Ficus aurea) and resurrection ferns (Pleopeltis polypodioides).

27

Florida Butterfly Orchid

(Encyclia tampensis)

Green Tree Frog

(Hyla cinerea)

28

Ascending into the tree canopy to inventory species diversity.

The view from above overlooking Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s boardwalk trail.

29

Phil Wittman rigging the safety ropes in the

cypress tree canopy.

Ralph Arwood preparing to hoist a local

newspaper journalist into the canopy.

30

Biting yellow flies and

mosquitoes presented some

annoyance during the tree

inventory.

Eastern gray squirrels, ruddy dagger-wing butterflies, and resurrection ferns were among the

many species documented in the forest canopy.

31

Tree canopy biologists (top to bottom): Mike Knight, Ralph Arwood

Sally Stein, and Dennis Giardina.

32

Life on the tree: yellow helmeted orchid (above

left), group of multiple lichen species (above

right), and a bioluminescent mushroom (below

right).

33

The Explorers Club – Expedition Flag #174

Flying over the old-growth bald cypress forest at Corkscrew Swamp

C. Michael Knight, Ph.D., FN’07

Expedition photos courtesy of: Ralph Arwood, Phil Wittman, Sally Stein, and Mike Knight