The Flora & Fauna of
Dragon Run
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The beaver are abundant; their skillfully constructed dams and lodges
cause amazement and respect. White tail deer, otter, muskrat,
raccoon and other warm blooded creatures are at home here. Colorful
wood ducks are the most abundant of ducks and birds on the swamp.
Bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, herons, owls and song birds, including
the prothonotory warbler, are part of the community. A study revealed
over 25 varieties of fish in the stream. Most popular among anglers
is the colorful and feisty chain pickerel.
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If the fauna of the
Dragon is
interesting, the flora is breathtaking. Violets, turtlehead, mountain
laurel, wild iris, cardinal flower, royal fern, paw paw, shad bush
and wild plum are only some of the plants you will see along its
banks. Mistletoe and old man's beard adorn the trees while bullhead lilies,
pickerel weed, wild rice, duck potato and cattail yield a
subtropical flavor along the water.
The swamp is primarily composed of hardwoods including
pumpkin ash, gum, sycamore, river birch, red maple and dogwood.
However, it is the majestic bald cypress trees, with emergent roots
featuring conical "knees" and massive trunks, occasionally 8 to 9 feet in
diameter, which most inspire those that see them. |
More pictures by our extraordinary
photographer, Teta Kain:
We encourage you to join the
The Friends
of Dragon Run and support our efforts to preserve this rich ecosystem
with its extraordinary mix of features. Thank you for visiting.
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