Swamp & Wildlife

What is a swamp and what lives in it?

A freshwater swamp is simply a flooded forest. The presence of trees that tolerate periodic flooding is what distinguishes a swamp from an ordinary forest. Cypress Gardens is composed of approximately 80 acres of open swamp. Bald cypress and water tupelo are the primary trees found in Cypress Gardens’ swamp. Much of the forest on the remaining higher ground is composed of pine/hardwood/black gum mixed forest. This provides a diverse habitat for a number of wild species.

During the proper seasons, wood ducks, hawks, herons, egrets, various woodpeckers, songbirds and even the occasional Wood Stork or Bald Eagle can be spotted. Warblers, vireos, gnatcatchers, owls and hawks are among the spring and summer nesters here at the Gardens. Many species of butterflies are abundant during the spring, summer and fall due to the plantings made specifically for them and the many wildflowers found in the more natural areas. Deer, raccoon, oppossum, bobcat and fox tracks are a reminder of lively nocturnal wanderings. Otters are often seen playing in the black waters, as turtles bask on logs in the sun and an occasional snake slips by. Of course, let’s not forget the alligators.

We have maintained lists of butterfly, bird and reptile observations since the early 1980's.