[at-l] Fakahatchee Strand

[Bror8588 at aol.com (Bror8588@aol.com)]

In a message dated 11/3/04 22:52:39 Eastern Standard Time, RoksnRoots@aol.com 
writes:


> . Because of its southern location and constant ground moisture, 
> the Strand tends to possess tropical species that managed to blow in from 
> the 
> tropics to the south and adapt. What saves these tropical plants is the fact 
> that the swamp allows enough moisture to linger in the canopy during dry 
> winter 
> cold spells to keep them from dying. Because of that Fakahatchee possesses 
> 23 
> varieties of orchid, 9 of which are only found there. 
> 

One of the great benefits (for me) in retiring is the opportunity to enlarge 
my interest in the world of nature.  I read the above offering and almost 
called AMTRAK to book a trip to Florida.  Recently, I have been attracted to the 
NY Botanical Gardens where they offer courses in all types of 
Botany/Hortichlthre/Gardening areas and I am humbled by what I do not know.  I never thought 
that I knew everything but it has become clearer that I am ignorant of the 
immense variety of botanical knowledge that now I have time to pursue.  So, slowly 
I will accumulate knowledge here and there.  Who knows?  I may even begin to 
recognize the differences in trees beyond the obvious ones prevalent in the 
region (Oak, Maple, Beech, Birch, Hemlocks, Pines, etc.) and learn about the 
lesser known (to me) trees that are all around.  Curiosity is a wonderful thing.  
It is good to have time to explore.

Skylander