Today's hikes are within the ACE Basin area. The Grove Plantation is the headquarters for the National Wildlife Refuge. Built in 1828, the house and property have changed hands numerous times until sold to the Nature Conservancy in the 1990s. Although closed during the pandemic, the grounds are open and spectacular. Several acres of massive Live Oaks surround the house.
Since this was once a rice plantation, there are numerous ponds and dykes. It is the perfect place for wildlife, especially birds. We saw Wood Storks, Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers and many more. A Screech Owl was also present.
Spanish Moss is not a moss nor a lichen. It is a flowering plant which has no roots. Water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. The flowers are tiny and inconspicuous. Live Oaks are a favorite host tree due to high yields of nutrients residing on the tree. Resurrection Fern also grows on the trunk and branches of these trees.
Wood Stork
Rice dyke
It is thought rice came to America in 1685. Henry Woodward obtained a bag of rice from Madagascar. He planted it to use as seed and the rice economy had begun. Enslaved Africans supplied the labor. Often they were advertised as coming from areas of Africa which were known for rice cultivation. Rice made SC the wealthiest of Southern states and 2nd wealthiest of all states. The Civil War was the end of that dominance. Although rice is not grown here now except in very small quantities, 85% of rice consumed in the US is grown in the US. The 6 largest producers are Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Missouri.
Our next hike is at a county nature preserve near the Edisto River. A trail and boardwalk makes a large loop through a Cypress swamp. There are some historical landmarks throughout the hike. A phosphorous operation has been totally reclaimed by the swamp. It was used during the Civil War. A barge canal which can still be seen, was dug from the factory site to the Edisto River.
I guess it gets wet here.
The work of a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker I think.
The roots of this Live Oak seem quite shallow.
No comments:
Post a Comment