■51- 



Due to the patchwork ownership pattern, the swamp forest occurs in 

 a mosaic of ages that disclose successional processes in swamp systems. 

 All areas seem at least 20 years old. 



The floodplain soils are mucky histosols and make for messy walking 

 during the winter wet season. The soil stays saturated during this time 

 and frequent, but irregular inundation of the floodplain occurs in 

 conjunction with winter rains. 



The system stretches between the towns of Creswell and Colubmia, 

 yet the river is small enough and the forest corridor wide enough that 

 the visitor is rapidly removed from the intrusions of 20th century life. 

 It is a small yet intimate place, a perfect setting in which to appre- 

 ciate nature. 



Feature 



10. Significance Summary (categories represented and descriptions) 

 b. Description of significant feature c. Comparative Assessment 



High quality wet 

 land plant commu- 

 nity 



Nyssa sylvatica / Cyrilla racemiflora 

 Itea virginica/Osmunda regalis - 

 Saururus cernuus 



Best example of riverine 

 swamp forest in county. 



Outstanding aqua- 

 tic feature 



Small lower coastal plain river 



Only example in county. 

 Very scenic due to second 

 growth swamp forest. Short 

 length would make ideal canoe 

 trail. 



