Johanna Piard, 18, a staff writer for The Reporter was one of ten South Florida students selected to be a part of the Everglades Wilderness Writing Expedition, that brought participants deep into the National Park.
Piard participated in three day trips into the park on foot, bicycle and canoe during weekends in October. The group also used canoes during a multi-night backcountry Outward Bound excursion far into the Park paddling through mangrove tunnels and sleeping on canoe platform islands surrounded by water.
While exploring the wilderness, Piard was able to analyze aspects of herself and express it through her writing. Her work will be published at the Everglades Visitors Center. She also participated in a panel discussion at Florida International University on Nov. 13 discussing the experience.
“This was a great experience and such a different part of the world,” Piard said. “Being able to see the stars because we were so far away from the city was my most memorable moment. There were some hardships, but I’m glad I did it.”
