Freshwater Wetlands

Between the mangroves and the beach are lower lying areas that collect freshwater during the rainy season. The lowest spots, between ridges, may hold freshwater at the surface in all but the driest of times sustaining wildlife not normally able to succeed on drier islands. Rivers otters, bobcats, alligators, a variety of frogs and turtles as well as birds that prefer fresher water plants and foods thrive in this habitat. The islands were once covered with Everglades-like plants. Just remnants remain, carefully managed through removal of invasive species and prescribed burns. Fires ignited by lightening were once natural and reoccurring, sustaining the types of vegetation that are resilient and actually thrive after fires.