Deep Creek Preserve

Toured Volusia County’s Deep Creek Preserve this morning with SE Volusia Audubon. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the preserve features a mix of wetlands and uplands, offering a diverse habitat for various wildlife species. The area is particularly known for its rich biodiversity, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and studying native plants.

While the bird species were somewhat limited this morning, we did get fine views of a flock of Cedar waxwings. As they so often do, they were found perched high in a tree with sparse foliage making them easy to see and photograph.

Some of the most interesting natural sightings today were the carnivorous plants were found along the trailsides.

The hooded pitcher plant, scientifically known as Sarracenia minor, is a carnivorous plant native to the wetlands of the southeastern United States. Characterized by its tubular, hooded leaves, this plant attracts and captures insects using a sweet nectar and a slippery inner surface. As the insects slip into the fluid-filled cavity at the base of the pitcher, they are digested by enzymes, allowing the plant to absorb essential nutrients. The hooded pitcher plant typically blooms from spring to summer, showcasing unique flowers that rise above the foliage. Its adaptation to nutrient-poor environments makes it a fascinating example of plant evolution in response to ecological challenges.

Another fascinating carnivore is the Pink sundew. The pink sundew, known scientifically as Drosera capensis 'Alba', is a captivating carnivorous plant native to South Africa. It features rosettes of slender, elongated leaves covered in glistening glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance to attract and trap insects, which are then digested for nutrients. This plant thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soils and typically grows in wetlands, where its vibrant pink flowers emerge on tall stalks, adding a striking visual element to its habitat. The pink sundew's ability to adapt to its environment and its unique feeding mechanism make it a fascinating specimen for both horticulturists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Deep Creek Preserve ….. Hey, it’s a jungle out there!