Unique trees protect and support communities, wildlife, environment.
Mangroves, the Marvelous Coastal Trees of Hillsborough County, are not only a sight to behold but also play crucial roles in protecting and supporting the communities, wildlife, and environment around them. These unique trees, growing in saltwater, filter out up to 90% of the salt, enabling them to thrive in water up to 100 times saltier than other plants can tolerate. Their almost alien-looking root system visually sets them apart and makes them indispensable for the local environment.
Mangroves have adapted to thrive in harsh conditions, including saltwater, unstable soil and sand, and low-oxygen environments. Some types of mangroves have specialized roots that grow downward for anchoring in waterlogged earth and upward to absorb oxygen directly from the air. These intricate systems have evolved to benefit not only the mangroves themselves but also their surrounding ecosystem.
Life thrives among the mangroves, making it nearly impossible to walk or row through them without encountering a diverse range of wildlife. Birds such as egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills can be found roosting and foraging among the groves. Below the waters surface, the tangled roots provide a perfect nursery and feeding grounds for numerous types of fish, while turtles, crabs, snakes, and other animals reside within the exposed and submerged root systems, attracting predators.
The benefits of mangroves extend beyond wildlife. These trees also help protect the land, water, and air. Their complex root systems stabilize shorelines, reducing erosion and preventing damage from tidal surges. They also play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of flooding and wind during extreme weather events. Moreover, mangrove roots act as natural filters, trapping contaminants like fertilizer, pesticides, and sediment, purifying the surrounding water and decreasing the chances of algae blooms.
One of the most impressive features of mangroves is their ability to store carbon. These trees can hold three to four times more carbon dioxide than forests on land, known as “blue carbon.” Just one square mile of mangroves can contain as much carbon as the annual emissions of 90,000 cars, making them a vital component in combating climate change.
For those interested in observing mangroves up close in Hillsborough County, several parks offer opportunities. E.G. Simmons Conservation Park features native mangroves, open land areas, and intertwined waterways, including a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park boasts the Bobcat Trail, a mangrove-lined boardwalk along the Double Branch Creek, providing a scenic experience. Cockroach Bay Nature Preserve offers mangrove tunnels and islands, allowing visitors to explore the marked canoe trails amidst the abundance of marine creatures.
Mangroves truly are a marvel, with their unique adaptations and crucial role in supporting the environment. Witnessing their beauty and experiencing their benefits firsthand is a must for residents and visitors alike in Hillsborough County.
(source: hillsboroughcounty.org)
