|
|
|
|
| |
Welcome
to the virtual tour page of the Wetlands Walk. The tour consists
of four 360 degree views from four positions along the boardwalk.
How to use: First, you must
have QuickTime on your computer. To obtain a free download, click
here. Next, click on the "ENTER" link or on the image
shown. A new browser window will open up if you are a PC user. Guests
using a Macintosh computer will view the tour with a QuickTime viewer
window. To begin viewing the virtual tour, hold down your left-click
mouse on the center of the image and at the same time, drag your
pointer (which now appears as a circle), left or right. On your
screen you will notice arrows pointing in the direction of the movement
of the mouse. If you would like a closer view of the image you are
seeing, click on the "+" symbol below the image. If you
have questions or comments, please email
us. |
| |
|
| |
Click on the image above or on ENTER
to the right to begin a virtual tour.
|
The
entrance to the Wetlands Walk is filled with exhibits and information
about the biotic life found in this area. Your virtual tour will
begin at a location just beyond the entry kiosk. Looking first west
(left), you will see the Balcones Escarpment hillside above a large
body of water known as Spring Lake. The lake is the result of a
dam constructed downstream. Spring Lake remains at the constant
temperature of 22° C or 72° F due to the fact that it is
fed by the natural underlying springs of the Edwards Aquifer. As
you continue turning left, you will be facing South and begin seeing
the slough portion of the wetlands - a stagnant swamp or pond associated
with an inlet, or backwater. The slough is formed by a combination
of the water from Spring Lake, contained by the dam, and the flow
of water from Sink Creek. Facing East, you see the continuation
of the boardwalk through the slough. Moving back toward the entry
kiosk you are able to see the riparian zone along the shoreline.
ENTER
|
| |
|
| |
Click on the image above or on ENTER
to the right to begin a virtual tour.
|
This QuickTime virtual
tour is of the Bird Viewing Platform. The Aquarena Center Wetlands
is home to both resident (local) and migrant (visiting) bird species.
Nearly half of all North American bird species nest, feed and rest
in wetlands. For some birds, wetlands are merely a rest stop on
their way north or south, while other birds live here year-round.
Over one hundred bird species have been documented in this area,
including such neotropical migrants as painted buntings. Interpretive
signs in the platform area discuss the details of some of the more
commonly seen birds and examples of their vocalizations may be heard
by visitors from the audio portion available on the signs.
ENTER
|
| |
|
| |
Click on the image above or on ENTER
to the right to begin a virtual tour.
|
Shallow waters
of the slough, (seen from the Outdoor Classroom in the picture to
the left), support an large array of aquatic plants. Here, one can
see cattails, a willow tree, and invasive species such as the elephant
ear (Colocasia esculenta) - vibrant green plants behind
the boat. The elephant ear is native to India and southern Asia,
and was brought to the Americas for use as a staple food source
- taro. This highly invasive species lines river banks, crowds out
native plants and decreases habitat quality for native fish. Exotic
species are plants or animals living outside their natural geographic
range. Many aquatic plants were brought into the San Marcos River
by the commercial aquarium trade which intended to harvest and sell
the plants. As a result of these introductions, approximately 25
percent of the species in our wetlands are exotic.
ENTER
|
| |
|
| |
Click on the image above or on ENTER
to the right to begin a virtual tour.
|
The last segment
of the wetlands tour is the Riparian Trail. No definable lines divide
wetlands from dry uplands. Instead, these two habitats are linked
by riparian zones, transitional areas that are known for their lush
plant growth and their rich diversity of plant and animal species.
Riparian zones are important because they help reduce the speed
and erosion effects of moving water. Plants in this zone trap sediments,
slow runoff from upland areas and absorb some pollutants before
they reach the wetlands. Riparian zones are vital habitat to many
animals that could not survive in the uplands or the wetlands. In
this wetland, most of the animals including raccoons, salamanders,
rodents and snakes are active by night. Many spend the day sleeping
in burrows and hollow trees and logs, emerging at night to forage
for food and to mate. These nocturnal animals leave behind signs
of their presence, such as tracks and scat, or droppings, on the
boardwalk and in soft mud.
ENTER
|
| |
|
|
