Bright and early on Saturday morning, we found ourselves in the swamp.  The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest fresh water environment in North America.  It spans some 438,000 acres.  The swamp is home to 34 species of snakes, 37 species of fish, and a myriad of other animals and plants.  Like the saltwater marsh, the swamp acts as a filtration system.  Due to the high acidic nature of the swamp, the water is 99% pure, with 95% consisting of rainwater. 

The group took a boat tour through the swamp to get a closer look at this natural wonder.  It was not uncommon to see alligators swimming or sunbathing as we made our way through the swamp.  We were able to take water routes that led to open areas of the swamp called prairies.  Similar to the prairies out west, but the ones here are covered in water as opposed to being dry.  The group also discovered the difference between a "battery" and a "house".  A battery is formed when peat builds up and is able to support shrubs, grasses, and small trees.  The interesting thing about a battery is that it is literally a floating island.  It cannot support the weight of heavy objects or even people!  You would fall through if you tried to stand on one.

A house is similar to a battery but instead, the peat is built up enough to act as an anchor to the island.  Larger trees, shrubs, and plants can be supported on these houses.  It takes several years in order for a house to be developed naturally. 

Click on the photo below to view more pictures from the Okefenokee Swamp.