They are the largest remaining tract of ancient bald cypress forest in North America. The Lettuce Lakes along the boardwalk trail are in the cypress forest. However, when water levels are too deep, no trees can grow. These deep, treeless channels within a swamp are called sloughs. The deeper water and open skies attract a variety of wildlife, especially alligators and wading birds which primarily feed on the crustaceans, fish, smaller reptiles, amphibians, and insects that live on and under the floating water lettuce.
Benches allow visitors to sit and enjoy the continually changing show.
Lily 4-day old Alligator Little Blue Heron . Scientists are still disputing the classification of the pond cypress tree. Pond cypress is smaller than the bald cypress and has a slightly different appearance. Though stunted by nutrient poor soils on the edge of the prairie, these pond cypress trees are well over 100 years old. Look at the water surface for the characteristic cypress knees.