Mississippi Floodplain

Mississippi Floodplain. Banking on Trees and Roots. , The trees that line the river are protecting the soil from the mighty Mississippi, and that takes some doing! Fast water is constantly trying to wash the banks away, and every once in a while a flood comes along and submerges most of this woodland., Cottonwoods, willows, silver maples, and red-osier dogwoods are the front-line soldiers in protecting the riverbank. They grow well in the rich, well-watered soil., Huge harvests of logs were floated down the Mississippi River to sawmills powered by the river in the 1880s., Natural Gadgets , And a Better Chance of Survival, If you lived in or near the water, what would help you live and eat better? Do you want webbed feet to help you swim like a duck? Or clear eyelids so you could dive underwater like a beaver? What about having a natural snorkle, or breathing tube, like mosquito larvae that float just below the surface?, Animals have adapted in many ways to make life possible in their watery habitat. Can you discover more of these on your walk today?, A River of History, As long as people have lived in this area, they have used the river. Over the years it has provided water to drink, fish and good things to eat, and a way to transport all sorts of stuff. It has set the scene for quiet thoughts and lots of family fun., Be sure to visit the Interpretive Center to find out more about people and the Mississippi River in this neighborhood., Walk All the Trails in North Mississippi Regional Park, This park has preserved a slice of nature along the river to help you visualize what the land looked like about 200 years ago. Follow the trails to see restored prairie and floodplain forest along the banks of the Mississippi River., Discover the plants and animals that have found this natural haven and live surrounded by freeways and neighborhoods., Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open, Along the Shingle Creek Loop Trail: , · Watch for birds that wade, swim, dip or dive for their dinners , · Discover insects that fish could eat , · Look for tracks in the mud or snow of animals that visit the river , · See how people are using the river today, and think about your reasons for visiting, Three sets of wayside tiles will introduce you to some of the plants and animals that live along the river. For more fun, pick up a Shingle Creek activity booklet at the Interpretive Center.