My day off in celebration of the 4th of July warranted a visit to the George Le Strange Nature Preserve in St. Lucie County.
George Le Strange was an avid outdoors enthusiast, fisherman, and resident of St. Lucie County for whom the property is named. A trail traverses a thriving expanse of ecotones meandering along the Ten Mile Creek giving a rare glimpse at the ancient Florida water table. Giant Oak and Hickory reach towards each other creating canopies hiding sunken swamps primed with pure unadulterated life. Opposite the river a large man made lake, an old sand mine, poses a backdrop for painted skies at sunset.
Below I include the brochure provided by the county and include my own commentary expounding on the factual and poetic journey throughout the preserve.
A larger pathway at the boat ramp merges into a loose stoned pathway. Surrounding Pine trees riddled with woodpeckers sound their kwir kwir calls. An expansive view of the lake starts the journey.
Approaching an archway comprised of Live Oak and surrounding giants lead a tunnel to the river. An erupting chorus of cicada crescendo at the presence of human life.
To your left are the remnants of the Ten Mile Creek now holding water, flowers, frogs, and swamp foliage. Winding down the path over tree roots upon compacted rich soil, the newly dredged Ten Mile Creek appears and human progress with its price come to mind.
Rain and runoff are interrupted by man made "enhancement". The straightening of natural oxbows to accommodate trade and development altered the Earth's ability to recycle her resources adequately. Paying the piper came at the expense of wading birds, ecological history, and Florida's richness. Thankfully this last piece remains.
Up and down, the trail leads over luscious roots with rays of sun peaking through Water Hickory leaves and Sabal Palm fronds. The freshness of summer is pungent in the afternoon heat.
Beautyberry, usually ripe in Spring, attracts a variety of warblers. My picturesque moment of serendipitous bliss is a Black Throat Blue nestled on the branches preening the vegetation of fruit.
The elaborate geology and ecological balance of Florida's natural water retention are largely felt in the presence of this historic oxbow. According to the pamphlet literature provided by the county, "summer rains would accumulate in these slight depressions, and over time would slowly percolate through the hardpan into the water table. During excessive rainfall events such as hurricanes, the entire floodplain becomes flooded. These events often change the courses of the creeks, causing them to abruptly end and start elsewhere." Images flash across my eyes as I looked around imagining ancestors of this earth, living and foraging by the river. Anywhere in the globe it seems all life comes from the riverbed, least we not forget our origins.
The path provides access to some of the last Ash and Buttonwood trees of the area. They are vital to the circle of life supported by wildlife indigenous to the area. The stores of trees in protection give birth to woodpeckers, insects, warblers, and epiphytes.
Epiphytic beauties hang high on the branches of these sacred arms safe from rooting hogs and human foot traffic. Epiphytes find refuge among the limbs of tangled branches. They flower with delicate aerodynamic seed pods ready to carry their legacy of heightened freedom. In all shapes and sizes, they delight the canopy.
Leaving the river behind, the last glance of the open expanse dividing the riverbed is framed with yellow Partridge Pea. Rushing waters carry feelings of serenity, even with closed eyes.
Suddenly the canopy once provided by gentler hands is now dispersed, replaced by gigantic slash Pines. 200 year aged Live Oak house animals and plants of the scrub. Hardened by sweltering heat the resilient Oaks per server against all odds.
Full circle we meet the trail head.
On this our nations Independence Day, I honor the men and women who sacrifice hours away from home. Their passions and dreams stalled so I may live out my own in this pristine wilderness. Veterans alike I commend your commitments and lost lives I commend your spirits. Home of the free because of the brave.
I encourage all who seek wild adventures to frequent this location and revel in the joys of your experiences.
Written by Julia Wiggins
Sources:
http://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/environmental-resources/preserve-listing/george-lestrange-preserve
http://www.tennesseenaturescapes.com/plant-products/american-beauty-berry-callicarpa-americana
https://tre
asurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/category/cabbage-palm/
https://captainkimo.com/sunset-over-george-lestrange-preserve-fort-pierce-florida/
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