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STOP 5
Grand Bayou is visible from this point. It meanders through the marsh and is the link between the marsh and the Gulf. This bayou transports the larval shrimp, crabs and fish into the marsh and later carries these halfgrown individuals back to the open water. It also carries the small pieces of dead plant material out into the Gulf where it is used as food by many marine organisms.
STOP 6
From this platform you nay observe many different species of marsh birds such as Herons, Egrets, Railsand Ducks. During the cooler months many northern species of birds may be observed. For many of these birds this is their winter vacationland. For others it is a rest stop before and after the Ion/? flight to central ans South America.
STOP 7
This handsome tree has become a symbol of the south. The low spreading branches with thick, evergreen leaves make it unmistakeable. This tree is the Live Oak (Quercus vlrginlana), named for its leaves which are present the year round. This tree grows for centuries and may reach tremendous size. Some large specimens may be seen at the entrance to this section of the park. The wood from these trees was considered valuable in the days of sailing ships. A famous American warship, Old Ironsides, was made of Live Oak. Her hull was so trong, cannon balls bounced off her sides.
The grey, moss-like mat you see hansdnr from this tree is Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). A common flowering plant in this part of the country, it is neither a moss nor a parasite, but actually is related to the pineapple. Spanish Iloss has no roots and absorbs water dircctly from air. At one time it was harvested and used to stuff upholstery. The plant is in danger in highly polluted areas because of its susceptibility to air pollution.
STOF 8
This plant with fan shaped leaves is the Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal ) which is found in much of the southeast. Only the leaves show as the stem is underground.
STOr 9
This young tree is the Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) usually found on sandv soils along the edge of rivers and swamps. It grows rapisly and may reach 100 feet in height. The Laurel Oak has been widely used as an oramental.
STOF 10
This marker stands before one of the most common trees in our area, the Sweet Gum (Liquldamber styraclflua). Its name comes from a sticky substance that oozes from cuts made in the trunk or branches. It is easily recofmized by its star shaped leaves and the ridge growths often found on its stems. Hood from this plant is often used in the production of pluwood.
STOP 11
This tree is a Red Faple (Acer rebrum). It is often planted as an ornamental. Its buds are a favorite food of the squirrels. The leaves of this tree turn a brilliant red or orange in the fall, and the paired, winged fruit produced by this tree are typical of the maple family. It is typically found in moist habitats. The wood of this tree is poor and is not valued as the wood of its northern cousin the Sugar Maple.