Cat Island
Hike
Saturday, November 22, 2014
9:00 for carpooling
10:30 hike leaves
Trail Head.
Come and hike with us at Cat Island
National Wildlife Refuge near St Francisville known for its old growth cypress
trees. The weather has cooled a bit. Its a good time for a hike! We will
meet at Campus Credit Union at Perkins Rd and Quail Dr for carpooling. Contact Gwen Pine 272-5207 if you plan to
attend. We may need to reschedule
or make alternate plans if roads are too wet. The Refuge is home to the
largest tree of any species east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The
tree is a Bald Cypress tree 100 feet tall, 17 feet in diameter, and 53
feet in circumference. It is estimated to be 800-1000 years old.
However, it is only the largest of many large Bald Cypress and other old
growth trees we will see in the Refuge. The leisurely walk to the
tree on the Big Cypress trail is less
than a mile round trip. It is an easy
walk because the trail is level and has just been improved. After viewing the tree and surrounding area,
we will head to the 2.8 mile Blackfork Walking Trail to observe other
interesting flora and fauna. If you
prefer, you may opt for a shorter walk, or none at all. There are no facilities on Cat Island
National Wildlife Refuge. Bring mosquito
repellant.
More information on Cat Island Wildlife Refuge can be found on this website:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Cat_Island/visit/plan_your_visit.html
photo from
http://stfrancisville.us/images/com_sobi2/clients/21_img.jpg
