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| Swamp Trail | Marsh Trail |
Walk the Marsh Trail and see freshwater impoundments whose water levels are managed to benefit waterbirds.
The Marsh Trail is a 0.8-mile walk around freshwater impoundment #7, found within the Management Compartment C Area of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. This management area was constructed in 1960 to show the public different freshwater habitats. The area contains 10 diked impoundments totaling about 270 acres. Water levels within the impoundments are managed to benefit different species of waterbirds. For example, lowering the water level can make food more accessible.
Looking east, impoundment #6 is to the left and impoundment #7 is to the right. [larger image] |
| Spatterdock and Sawgrass |
Looking west, a water level gauge amid budding spatterdock within impoundment #2b. [larger image] |
Spatterdock is a common freshwater plant of Florida. Its heart-shaped, large leaves may be wide or narrow and are often floating.
Sawgrass is found throughout Florida. It is a member of the sedge family and is not really a grass. It is named for the rows of sharp teeth that run along each edge and down the central spine.
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Looking west, mostly spatterdock and sawgrass are found within impoundment #2b. [larger image]
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| Pickerelweed |
Looking south, pickerelweed almost completely fills impoundment #7. [larger image] |
| The long heart-shaped leaves (generally 4 to 10-inches long) and violet-blue flowers of the pickerelweed extend above the water. Pickerelweed commonly grows in calm waters throughout Florida and generally blooms in all but the winter months. |
| Cattails |
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Looking south over the predominately cattail marsh of impoundment #8, a small black bird sits atop a brown, cattail spike. |
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| Cattails are common throughout Florida and can be found in shallow swamps, marshes, ponds and streams. |
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A close-up of cattails found within the predominately cattail marsh of impoundment #8.
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| Lubber grasshopper |
A young southeastern lubber grasshopper is resting atop a post. [larger image] |
Young lubber grasshoppers are black with yellow markings and live in groups of up to 75 individuals. During our walk along the Marsh Trail, many of these young grasshoppers were harmlessly walking around.
Lubber grasshoppers can grow to 2 inches in length. Adult lubbers are yellowish with black markings, and have reddish wings. Lubber wings are very small so they cannot fly. Lubber grasshoppers generally eat a variety of plants.
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| Birds, Birds, Birds |
| Water levels within the Management Compartment C Area of Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge are managed to benefit different species of waterbirds. |
A great egret flying above the predominately cattail marsh of impoundment #8. [larger image] |
Great egrets are commonly seen throughout Florida. They stand about 3 feet tall and have black legs and feet and a yellow bill. Foods this egret may eat include fish, frogs, water snakes and insects. |
Looking west at a group of egrets foraging in the pickerelweed of impoundment #7. [larger image] |
A large bird takes flight over the pickerelweed within impoundment #7. [larger image] |
| Boat-tailed grackles have large, wide tails that are thought to resemble the keel of a ship. Female boat-tailed grackles are brown. Boat-tailed grackles are seen in dry areas, populated areas and coastal areas of Florida. |
A male boat-tailed grackle standing in grasses by the water's edge of impoundment #7. [larger image] |
Looking south, a bird flying over the open waters of impoundment #7. [larger image] |
A large, black bird soars high overhead the Marsh Trail. [larger image] |
A turkey vulture soars high in the sky above the Marsh Trail. [larger image] |
Turkey vultures have a 6-foot wingspan and a small, red, naked head.
Vultures are scavengers that mainly feed on carrion - the flesh of dead animals. Carrion can make for messy meals, therefore, a vulture's bald head is suitable for keeping them from getting too messy when they stick their heads into their food.
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| Periphyton |
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Turtles swim among the periphyton in the canal between impoundment #7 and #2b.
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Periphyton is a useful mix of different types of algae that grows under water in mats. It is an important source of food and oxygen for many small aquatic organisms. In the winter dry season, periphyton provides small organisms with the moisture they need to survive until rain comes again. |
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Turtles |
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A turtle basks in the sun atop a rock within the canal that surrounds Water Conservation Area 1. |
| Gulf fritillary butterfly |
| Gulf fritillaries are found throughout the year in South Florida. These bright orange medium-sized (2.5-3.75-inches) butterflies are commonly seen in fields, gardens, and along forest edges. |
Gulf fritillary butterfly. [larger image] |
Related SOFIA Information
Below we have listed science projects and publications for studies that are being conducted, or have been conducted, in the area of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Follow these links to read about each project and to see project-related publications and data.
Science Projects:
Related Publications:
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