Koreshan State Park

      Prior to our field trip, I had never heard of the Koreshan State Park. Covering about 200 acres right off of the highway and Estero River, the Koreshan State Park has a variety of beautiful plants and animal species. After receiving our tour around the facility, I had learned about Cyrus Reed Teed and his journey in 1894 to bring his followers down to Florida and create a "New Jerusalem" in his "Koreshanity"religion. With very peculiar beliefs such as saying that we live within the earth, the Koreshan people were very interesting to learn about. It is hard to understand their ideas and theories because they are so atypical, but it was very intriguing.

Doctor T's Model of Living within the Earth

     Another interesting aspect of the park is the mass amount of plant life, including exotic and invasive plants. There were many types of plants such as the Monkey Puzzle Tree, the Mother-in-law's Tongue, Chinese bamboo, and Japanese bamboo(See following pictures) that did not originate in Florida. The Koreshans  brought plants from up north and from other parts of the world because they were found aesthetically appealing.



Monkey Puzzle Tree (Right)



Mother-In-Law's Tongue



Chinese Bamboo

      Although these plants may have been seen as décor, it can be very dangerous to introduce new species of plants to any environment. Some plants, such as the Mother-in-laws Tongue, are invasive and will grow out of control. Another species of plant we learned about is the Air Potato, which is know to grow out of control and suffocate the growth of other plants. It is important to do your research before planting new species to see the effects it will have on the plant and animal life around it. 

Air Potato Plant

     Another species of plant we observed was the red mangrove trees. Mangrove trees, native to Florida, greatly help in providing shelter to small animal species and aiding against land erosion. This is just one example of why it would be important to conserve the natural environment of not only the park, but our earth. By preserving our natural resources and existing species, we are able to keep the ecosystems balanced. Each link is the food chain can create significant value in an environment over all.  

     At the same time, I believe it is important to preserve the historic environment. Without Dr. T and his pilgrimage, Lee, Fort Myers, and Estero may have never became what it is. Having historic sites like this help people to learn while remaining interested. These types of sites preserve stories and lessons from the past and give the new generations an opportunity to learn.  

      In relation to the course, the Koreshan's were very self sustainable. They grew their own food, collected their own water, and functioned completely independently. Although they mixed some plant breeds that don't necessarily cooperate with one another, the Koreshans were very sustainable.

Water Collection Tank

      The Koreshans created their own sense of place and built a true home. They even created an urban type of society with commerce along the highway and Estero River. The community thrived until Dr. T died and shook up the belief system.

      Over all, this was a great experience and a very interesting fieldtrip. I would like to go back soon to kayak and walk the nature tails. This was a very enjoyable class activity, especially given the beautiful weather, and should be repeated for semesters to come.