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 9: Slash Pines and The Grand Opening
The slash pines in this area are capable of reaching 100 feet in height and like the larger Live Oaks, are likely 100 years or older. Given enough room to grow, they can be majestic specimens. The three seen in this immediate vicinity are quite old.
Slash Pines were critically important in the early shipbuilding industry of the country, and are still an important source of lumber.
From an ecology viewpoint, Slash Pines are also important sources of shelter for local wildlife and a favorite spot for Woodpecker sightings (particularly in older trees and snags).
Did you happen to notice the large opening in the canopy just past the Slash Pines? Openings in the tree canopy like this are important for “succession,” where the ecosystem is reestablished after a significant event.
In this case, it appears that a large tree in the center of that area fell, creating the opening. The trees and plants that emerge will likely differ from those in the immediate area. The great circle of life…
Go to Marker 10 Sweet Gum
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.