Landmark Cypress № 9 - “Green”

Landmark Cypress № 9 - “Green”. Landmark Cypress. , Green , The "Rhett Green" is an iconic, massive tree., In 1960, Hurricane Donna knocked the top 30 feet off both trunks of this tree. The broken limbs left cavities at the top of the tree that gather rainwater. This creates unique, high-up places for wildlife and plants. , Draped at the base of this tree grows a strangler fig tree. Its roots are wrapped around the trunk and may have even started growing in one of those treetop ponds. Migratory birds and other animals return to this tree each spring to eat the figs. , Rhett Green , Rhett Green was an Audubon warden first hired in 1912 to protect birds like egrets, herons, and Roseate Spoonbills from poachers who wanted their plumes , He camped in the pine flatwoods during the breeding season and risked his life as he patrolled the swamp, or the Corkscrew as Rhett called it, with his Winchester rifle. , Along the boardwalk, remarkable bald cypress trees are designated as "Landmark Cypress.". With these trees as ambassador, our Landmark Cypress Program tells the story of Florida's natural history and conservation, while recognizing philanthropists who continue to help Audubon safeguard this special place today.