Python Trained ✔

It's been an awesome 2.8 months and one of the most heart racing activities I took part in was being trained on catching a live Burmese Python (Python bivittatus). This python is an non-venomous snake that is native to Southeast Asia. They became established in Florida due to accidental or intentional release of captive pet animals. Today's population size is set to be as large as 300,000 in Florida, as a result one way to keep up and to eventually start knocking down this number, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) started the Python Pickup Program.

At the training the instructors went over how you can identify these pythons and the expansion of sightings and/or trapped pythons over the years in South Florida. As you may already know pythons are a big problem in the environment currently, as they consume a variety of prey such as mammals, birds and reptiles; decreasing populations of natives and endangered species. Therefore, this training is for anyone interested in knowing how to properly handle a python once spotted (taught by FWC). Catching a python big or small is not a thing everyone has the heart for, and I thought I was one until; I did it.

I can't lie when it was my turn to take down the python and bag it, my heart was racing until I took that knee. I'm left handed and I always feel awkward after being thought how its done from a right hands point of view. However, I felt confident in my plan of attack and took the python down without hesitation. 

-Ayanna

Great Herping

I’m coming into my third month of working for Corkscrew, and it feels like every time I go out for field work I’m adding a new species to my list of wildlife that I’ve seen. It’s especially exciting whenever I’m able to add a new reptile or amphibian to that list, and the swamp has plenty of those to offer, whether I’m on the boardwalk collecting hydrology data or looking in the minnow traps we’ve set for fish sampling.

 Recently, a Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) was caught in one of our traps. To borrow some terminology I’ve picked up from my birding co-worker, this guy was a ‘lifer’ for me. A. means is the longest salamander in the United States, growing up to 4 ft in length. They have tiny vestigial legs and no external gills, which helps to differentiate them from the greater sirens we also have at Corkscrew, though both of these salamanders and their respective families are obligate neotenes, meaning they never fully metamorphose, and retain larval or juvenile characteristics into adulthood.

               








Other great herps I’ve come across are the Banded Water Snake, Cuban Tree Frog, the aforementioned Greater Siren, Peninsular Newt, Five-lined skink, Black Racer, and Gopher tortoise! And just so many, many, MANY gators.                

                                           

-Sam

Experiencing Nature through Education

New Education Intern!

At work on Halloween, dressed as Mrs. Frizzle

Hello everyone! My name is AnnaFaith and I just started with the Education Team here at Corkscrew. I was born in Massachusetts and I grew up in Rhode Island. I graduated from Prescott College in August 2019 with a BA in Natural History & Ecology. I studied on campus in Prescott, Arizona from August 2015- January 2017 before spending a semester abroad at the Kino Bay Field Station in Sonora, Mexico. In May 2017, I moved to Acadia National Park in Maine to serve as the Raptor Intern and take classes at the nearby College of the Atlantic.

HawkWatch on top of Cadillac Mountain in Maine

After a year in Maine, I returned to Rhode Island. I finished my degree in the Prescott College Limited Residency Undergraduate Program. I received credit by completing internships with Norman Bird Sanctuary and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island; student teaching; and taking online courses. In addition to working in education, I’m passionate about federal public lands issues and I’m currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Public Lands Foundation. Outside work, I love playing guitar, singing, and birding. I’m thrilled to be here at Corkscrew and am very much looking forward to the next six months.

 
Connecting Students to Nature

From my very first phone interview, I could tell Corkscrew is an incredibly special place. I’m already loving my work here. My very first week, I was able to attend the statewide Audubon Assembly. It was exciting to learn about operations across Florida, and to see so many different facets of the organization. I’ve only been here a few weeks, but already feeling like it’s the best job I’ve ever had.

Students on a Wild Florida school trip watching raccoon

Each time I venture onto the boardwalk, all I can think is that I’ve moved to a paradise. With students or on my own, I feel like I see new wildlife each time. From a charismatic Raccoon family to elegant Spotted Fishing Spiders, I’m captivated no matter where I look. I’m especially grateful for the chance to share this place with others as a member of the Education Team. Hands-on experiences in nature are vital for the health and well-being of students. By exploring the outdoors, and finding joy in natural history, children form connections to nature that foster principles of lifelong stewardship. I’ll close with a question to our readers: 

What is your earliest memory of nature? Have your early experiences with the natural world had an effect on your outlook today?

Goodbye Corkscrew

My time at Corkscrew has come to an end. I have learned so much about land management from my mentors Allyson and Scott. My time here has been amazing. I was able to see wild bears, birds, snakes, hogs, and panthers all while working in the heat of Florida’s summer. I gained experience with chainsaws, machetes, backpack sprayers, ATVs, tractors, and airboats. So much knowledge was gained and I am deeply grateful for all those involved in working with me to be the best intern possible. Corkscrew has taught me many things and will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks again Corkscrew Swamp. I will miss you.

-Alex