Hobbies And Interests
Famous Swamps
There are a number of famous swamp ecosystems in the United States that ecologists have studied extensively. The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and Florida, and the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina are two examples. One possible project could be to select one of these swamps, then research and report on the ecological knowledge base that scientists have amassed on it over the years. Another idea would be to compare and contrast two swamps. Addressing the questions of what's similar about them, and in what ways are they ecologically different, could add to the project.
Vegetation
In addition to the big, famous swamps, there are many that are smaller and less well-known. Some of these are in national or state parks, some are in nature preserves or at nature centers and others are on other private lands. Boardwalks leading into portions of the swamps for observation and nature study are fairly common. Depending on the region, there's a good chance that one or more of these smaller swamps is nearby and accessible. Either from a trail that might skirt a swamp's edge, or from a boardwalk leading into the swamp, a survey of the most common trees and shrubs and other plants growing in the swamp might make for an interesting project. The species of plants that grow in swamps and other wetland ecosystems usually differ considerably from those growing in the so-called upland, or dry-land ecosystems. A comparison of plants growing outside of the swamp to those occurring in the swamp ecosystem could enhance the project.
Birds
A study of birds that are adapted to the swamp ecosystem could form the basis for a project. One bird in particular that might be interesting to focus on is the wood duck. Wood ducks are unusual in some ways. For one thing, they commonly land in trees. Another peculiarity is their fondness for acorns from oak trees that grow at the edges of swamps. This is a case of an ecological relationship between oak trees and ducks. Their other connection to trees is that wood ducks are cavity nesters. In other words, they nest inside holes or cavities in trees. Studying the interrelationship between wood ducks and swamp oak trees offers good possibilities for a project.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Though perhaps less appealing to some people than other animals such as birds and mammals, reptiles are nevertheless integral parts of swamp ecosystems. Snakes, turtles and, in the Southeastern United States, lizards and alligators make up the reptilian inhabitants of swamps. An account of the species of reptiles that are adapted to life in swamps, and their ecological roles in swamp ecosystems, can form the basis for a project. In addition to reptiles, amphibians -- such as frogs and salamanders -- are an integral part of virtually all swamps. They could be included in any project involving reptiles.
Food Web
A food web is a representation of the interrelationships of organisms of an ecosystem in terms of what eats what. One ecosystem project on swamps could entail researching, describing and illustrating a swamp's food web. Trees, shrubs, other plants, microbes and animals of all sorts could be represented in the swamp's food web.