One of our favorite places to go for a walk is the Green Cay Nature Preserve. On a sunny, cool day, the resident alligators can easily be spotted seeking the sun’s warmth on the banks of the wetlands. In the late afternoon or early evening, large water birds return to roost: herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills to name a few.
Ted and Trudy Winsberg worked the land at their Green Cay Farm for 40 years, producing the finest bell peppers around. Through the years, surrounding farms in the area were converted to large-scale developments, but the Winsbergs had a different vision for their land -- the Green Cay Wetlands. The Winsbergs' love for this land and untold generosity have resulted in world-class constructed wetlands. Prior to becoming farmland, this land consisted of an open prairie with wetland areas. By transforming it into the Green Cay Wetlands, the land's natural beauty has been restored, and an oasis of green space has been created within the suburbs.
One anhinga spreads his wings to dry in the sun
In addition to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public and habitat for wildlife, the Green Cay Wetlands have been designed to naturally filter several million gallons of highly treated water each day from Palm Beach County's Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility. The wetlands also help to recharge groundwater resources and keep water in the earth's water cycle. To accomplish this, Green Cay incorporates 86 different species of trees, shrubs, grasses and aquatic vegetation.
A 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk includes two loops that wind throughout the wetlands. Along the way, visitors can stop and enjoy the view and learn more about South Florida wetland species through informative signs. Green Cay emulates the Everglades ecosystem with a wide expanse of marsh habitat and intermittent tree islands and cypress hammocks.
No comments:
Post a Comment