DiamondLegacyAmerica.org

The Green Swamp-Central “Florida”

Why is the Green Swamp so remarkable?

During a recent journey to a first magnitude spring in North Central “Florida”, we enjoyed a conversation with a kind group of kayakers near the beautiful waterway. As we pleasantly listened and shared our experiences, Lillie and I learned of a particular location where several prominent rivers emerge. This meeting inspired us to research much further and plan a journey to an area called "The Green Swamp." We are always willing to travel to natural places as it enhances our knowledge of the environment and complements clear thinking. Being peaceful along the journey graces the experience and always magnifies focus. Relaxed awareness is essential in the field as the challenges are real. Staying hydrated, keeping a good sense of direction, maintaining safe distances while observing wildlife and seeking guidance from good sources is spot-on. With these points in mind--our travels are blissful.

The true wealth of a Nation is in the natural environment where resources are identified, accumulated in balance, and then crafted into necessary goods. Respecting the land, waterways and sky is paramount to First Nation People. Burial mounds of sand and dirt have been located in the Green Swamp. Indigenous artifacts from Early, Mid, and Late Archaic periods have been unearthed throughout the Territory as Indigenous People gathered resources and traveled to and from Ancient Mound locations. Evidence of quarrying techniques, pottery shards from "Old Tampa Bay" and "Crystal River" and further, are examples already documented.

The Green Swamp is a huge wetland area spanning more than a half million acres in Central “Florida”. Gently elevated over the surrounding land and with a sandy-soil type that readily receives water from precipitation and transfers it into lower levels of the terrain. This area is of vital importance. It is naturally positioned directly over the “Floridan” Aquifer and replenishes its water-table through permeable bedrock and also water runoff. The plateau of the Green Swamp is said to be between 70 to 200 feet above sea level, creating the appropriate pressure to act as a liquid heart to the vast aquifer beneath. The majority of drinking water in “Florida” is sourced from ground water in the Floridan Aquifer. This aquifer also spans through parts of South Carolina, “Georgia”, Alabama, and Mississippi. The terrain is underlain by limestone and other sedimentary rocks which have been eroded by dissolution yieldimg solution holes, cracks and fissures in the rock. A natural example of limestone karst is presented in Ocali about 50 miles north of the Green Swamp.

The Green Swamp is located south of a small town called "Webster" and another called "Tarry Town." We traveled on a quaint two-lane highway numbered “471” in rural Central “Florida”. These communities guide to some degree, responsibly into the location of the wetlands. On our first visit to these “towns”, the traffic was few and far between; however, on this trip activity increased substantially. Folks were selling and purchasing produce and other goods in fair exchange at a market festival in the center of “town”. It was quite enjoyable to watch.

We also took greater notice of the pleasant countryside and appreciated it. The “lot” sizes are quite large while the population density is modest—and even more so towards the Withlacoochee River headspring within the Green Swamp. Our excitement increased as we drew closer to the dense forest and wetlands during this mid-winter season. Peacefulness resonated throughout as we entered the forest area and the diverse plant life captivated our attention. Towering pines, oaks and palms (and much more), all expressed different leaf shapes, canopy spreads and bark patterns along the way. We wondered how the hammock will change in appearance during spring just a month or so away. Certain blossoms could already be seen in tall shrubs and trees, and also along the terrain.

Bird songs, insect sounds, light breezes, and delightful gurgling water from small brooks reverberated all around us. The flowing water appeared a medium amber color because of the tannins accumulated from all the organic matter like leaves, twigs and small fallen branches, and also from the abundant plants and grasses in the understory. Wildlife from aquatic to mammalian, birds, fish, reptiles, bees, and insects and abundant vegetation—all participate and thrive in this Territory.

These baby waterways here at the Green Swamp grow much larger as they flow persistently above the sand and soil, pacing over the varied elevations. In the distance they coalesce to form ponds, lakes, streams, and even mighty rivers that flow to the ocean, such as:

• The long, meandering southern Withlacoochee River which joins with the Wekiwa River (also called the Rainbow River) to the northwest;

• The great Ocklawaha River and its beautiful tributary, the Silver River, to the northeast;

• The Kissimmee River, a river of lakes, which flows south to the Okeechobee or little ocean and further south to the Everglades;

• The wonderful Peace River and the “Hillsborough” River due south also start their journey here.

And below our line of sight, and footsteps, water pools in the aquifer and flows under the surface through cracks and caverns in the bedrock, gifting precious, clean, life-sustaining resources for all to share.

It is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect so sacred a place as the Green Swamp.

Water unites.

Peace