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FL 3. Emeralda Marsh. Acreage: 2500. 



Location: Marion and Lake counties; Emeralda Island Quadrangle; 5 miles NE 

 of Leesburg. 



Description: Extensive open marsh with scattered bay hammocks or islands. Ap- 

 proximately 90% open water 2-3 ft in depth, with sawgrass and water lilies the 

 dominant aquatics. Frequent associates include Eriocaulon, Sagittaria, and 

 aroids. Bladderwort {Utriculuria inflata) is locally common. Bayheads include 

 gums, wax myrtle, and Smilax. Cypress is rare. Shrub belt surrounds shore line. 

 Slash pine occurs on adjacent upland. Egrets are especially common. This is one 

 of the important resting areas for the Sandhill Crane. In 1966, 9 nests and 18 

 pairs were recorded. Waterfowl use is heavy and the diversity of other water- 

 birds using the area is great. Over 90 species of birds have been recorded. 



Encroachments: Potential farm land for truck crops; adjacent area currently 

 being drained ( 1969). 



Ownership: Southwest Florida Water Management District. 



Data source: Larry Shanks, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; 

 W. A. Niering, Connecticut College, New London, Conn. 06320. 



Other knowledgeable persons: B. S. Burton, Route 2, Leesburg, Fla. 32748. 



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EMERALDA ISLAND 





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