Observation point – emerging from the swamp, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. We are progressing at a good clip now, and should have his hike completed soon
Lichens on the fence, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. No, the railing isn’t painted – that’t a pink lichen hat grows on wood surfaces. We are at the "south lake" part of the swamp.
Alligator flags still in bloom, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. These are a very pretty color and are probably providing cover for some baby alligators.
Sagittaria – aka duck potato, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. Native American women would feel with their toes at the base of these swamp plants to find and harvest the roots, thus saving their backs from a little wear and tear. Pretty clever, huh?
High water mark, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. You can see the coloration on the bottom of this cypress tree, which shows the high water mark. Currently we are at the beginning of dry season; not expecting significant rain until April or May
Shaggy side of the wet prairie, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. Sand cord grass will dominate if burn is not frequent enough. We are headed into that line of cypress now
The wet prairie at Corkscrew Swamp, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. It has been burned recently (2 years ago) – the other side is shaggier
Hiking in Corkscrew Swamp today, originally uploaded by Erin *~*~*. I received a "reunion" invite from one of my Florida Master Naturalist instructors, so here I am. Hope to see some interesting critters today!
