Six Mile Cypress Slough

The field trip at Six Miles Cypress Slough was very informative. We got to see a lot of plants and trees while on the boardwalk. Six Mile Cypress Slough is open year round and is right on the preserve. The lake that is on the slough is called Alligator lake and it is manmade. The Six Miles Cypress Slough is a wetland ecosystem. Year-round, there are a variety of animals that can be found. Those animals include racoons, alligators, birds, snakes, and a variety of fish species. As mentioned in our textbook chemical pollution has become a big problem, one thing I liked about the slough is that no fertilizers or pesticides are used on site. The sloughs mission is to preserve and protect the environment for future generations. 

Listed below are a variety of plants and trees that were spotted while on the tour.

Cypress Tree 

Cypress trees have a big trunk that flows out like a dress, that absorbs water. The white stuff found on top of the cypress tree is called Laken. Laken is also edible. 

Spanish Moth

Spanish Moth is a plant that is often found growing on larger trees in warmer tropical climates. Spanish Moth is also native to Florida.

Soft Shell Turtle

Pictured to the right is a soft shell turtle that we spotted sitting on a dock in Alligator Lake. Soft Shell Turtles have necks that are shaped like hooks.

Cypress Knees

Cypress Knees are ridged and mountain shaped. They are usually found in swamps and lakes. They are also found around other trees. They serve as support to help other trees in muddy softer soil.They form above the roots of cypress trees.

Dog Funnel

Dog funnel is found all over the world. It is often found near dryer soils on riverbanks. Dog funnel has served as a herb and has a dill smell. The plant is green and is closely related to root vegetables. 

This is one of the quotes I saw while walking on the boardwalk. I thought it was very intersting and inspiring. I love how the boardwalk at the slough has a variety of signs throughout to keep things fun and exciting! Some of the signs are infromative, while others are quotes from famous people around the world.