The Nature Trail at Sugar Mill Ruins is surprisingly diverse and interesting. At each numbered marker along the way, you can learn a little bit more about the items that make this Nature Trail a Volusia County hidden treasure.
Marker 4: The Importance of Snags
Behind another small Loquat tree you can spot a snag. A snag is a dead tree, and snags like this are critical to local ecosystems and wildlife.
if you are here on a quiet day, listen for area woodpeckers. They spend much of their time in snags where they look for food and shelter. We have seen beautiful Pileated and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers near this spot on the trail. On the opposite side of the trail you will find some fallen trees which serve as shelter for many species.
Other animals thrive in these decaying trees, including many commensal organisms that are reliant on the woodpeckers to create shelter for them. As you scan the ground, you will also notice fallen trees – these also are important for the environment, providing home for many insects, mosses and lichens, as well as shelter for mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Next time you have a tree die on your property, think twice before cutting it down, you just might be missing a great opportunity to bring more nature into your neighborhood.
Go to Marker 5 Yaupon Holly
Thank you to the following folks who generously donated their time and expertise to identifying the plants on this nature trail: Raymond Jarrett, David Griffis, Trey Hannah and Kalan Taylor.