31 Jul 2021 The simple symmetry of swamps

Posted at 6:08 PMh in Travel by

Photos and story by Linda Henderson

I have a confession: I am snake-phobic. The funny thing is I keep finding myself with my camera in Arkansas swamps, where every log looks like an alligator and every stick looks like a snake. 

A swamp is defined as a poorly drained wetland. The wetland can be freshwater or saltwater. It can be wooded or grassy and may be covered with open water. According to Anyplace in America, there are 38 swamps in the counties that make up the 501. 

Many people are afraid of swamps. They find swamps to be wet, scary places only inhabited by snakes and mosquitoes. How many horror movies are set in swamps? Despite the reputation of swamps, they are areas of great biological diversity. Many swamps are filled with many varieties of plants, trees, animals, fish, reptiles, birds, wildflowers and insects. 

The cypress and tupelo trees are the most recognized Arkansas swamp trees. These trees have adapted well to the swamp’s waterlogged soil. Their “bell-bottom” lower trunks provide stability for the long periods they spend submerged in water. Cypress trees over time will grow knees, which are part of the root system and can reach several feet above the swamp water. 

Tupelo trees do not have knees but have deep taproots that thrive under the swamp water. The root collects nutrients and helps support the tree. Tupelo trees are the most gorgeous in the early fall when their leaves turn a bright, golden yellow. A beautiful stand of tupelo trees can be seen between Menifee and Conway on Interstate 40. 

Wildlife abounds in Arkansas’ low-lying lands. Swamps serve as home for many migratory songbirds and waterfowl. When I spend time in the swamp, I always hear many more birds than I see. The watery woodlands of the swamps serve as a wintering home for ducks, eagles and osprey. My favorite swamp bird is the snowy egret. Swamps are a habitat of these animated fishermen. They gracefully dance through the tea-colored water, gathering fish and crawfish in their long beaks.

There are several swamps in Central Arkansas that are located close to towns and cities in the 501. One wetland area is the William Kirsch Preserve. It borders Pinnacle Mountain State Park. It is 234 acres of field, forest, wetland areas, open grasslands and the Little Maumelle River. There is also a wonderful sunset view of Pinnacle Mountain. The preserve is maintained and owned by the Nature Conservancy and is open to the public. 

So, plan a field trip to a swamp near you and enjoy the cypress and tupelo trees. Follow the interpretive signs along a trail. Spend a little time on a boardwalk. Listen for the songs of the birds, the chorus of the frogs, watch for snakes, but do not let your fears of the mysterious wetlands prevent you from enjoying the quiet peacefulness of an Arkansas swamp.

Linda Henderson
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