Rebecca’s school had an event today, on the picnic grounds between the Zoo and the successional forest by the Jewel Box, and since it has been a while since I explored the swamp and woods there, decided to park and wander rather than just drop her off. Besides, the forecast was for more rain this week, so I wanted to seize the day.
Being situated between two hills, the ravine by Carr Lane Drive naturally serves to transport some of the huge amounts of water that fall each month on America’s premier urban park. A series of dams creates swampy areas where cattails and other aquatic plants grow. A trail leads into the woods and a narrow footpath meanders through the trees and exits north of the Jewel Box and near the exit from the upper Muny parking lot. I followed this path down to the water by the Muny (it actually flows beneath it in a culvert), where I found dogwoods and other flowering trees in full bloom. I don’t think I ever tire of spring!
I take the path less traveled by. Click on image for more photos.