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Arbus Magazine July - August 2012
Organization Awards Recognition to Two Local Projects
Bird Island Park Eco-System
One of Ponte Vedra's most beautiful public parks, and the only ecological park of its kind along the A1A Coastal Byway, Bird Island Park is a microcosm of the complex ecosystem of the First Coast. Visitors of every age get to experience three of the distinctive habitats that make North Florida unique - the Freshwater Marsh, Upland Hammock, and Coastal Dune.
Bird Island Park, at the northernmost section of the A1A Byway, presents a snapshot of animals, plants and migratory birds in one small four-acre area behind the Ponte Vedra Library. Listen to the new Bird Island Park Mobile Audio Tour to bring life to your park visit while you explore the interesting environmental treasures - so alive and animated! You will take away images of the natural Old Florida wild as you view beautiful mosaic's in the Storytelling Area of the park. Take advantage of your time to learn more!
The Freshwater Marsh
The Freshwater Marsh habitat relies upon a combination of native vegetation and naturally occurring weather events. The smaller bodies of water in this habitat often disappear during dry periods but are restored to their splendor after a rainfall. The freshwater marsh habitat also depends on fire to maintain its natural state, as it has for centuries.
Wading birds such as the Great White Egret and the Roseate Spoonbill flock to freshwater ponds to search for food and to hide in the thick marsh grasses. These birds are joined by reptiles and mammals such as the American Alligator and the North American River Otter.
