Post Ian

This might be a good time to talk about the post-Ian Nature Preserve (NP) Trail. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the NP has a different feeling. The main trail is now open and unobstructed over its full 1000-foot length. The scenery reminds me a little of pictures of the South Pacific Islands after WW2. Many palms are broken or bent. The large Laurel Oak, a favorite of Dr. Dunston and pointed out during his walking tours, did have a fatal fall during Ian and presently provides a fantastic walk-under just before the swail (the dip mid-trail). Just preceding the Laurel Oak underpass is another walk-under beneath a large Slash Pine which is low enough that I must watch my head. For me to maintain the trail, I had to construct a bypass to the left. The side trail to “Oak Grove” no longer exists due to the oaks that have fallen. Cleanup is continuing and improvements will probably occur even before this is published.

Both paths from TW Blvd. into the NP are walkable and presently join shortly after entering. Use some care if entering from the smaller right hand entry as the uprooted pines and the drainage culvert under TW Blvd. complicate footing. The narrow secondary path that was the extension of the right-hand entry point and parallels the right of the main trail is not yet open. That path ran past the Strangler Fig (which survived) then rejoined the Main Trail. I will likely have to redesign this path to avoid unnecessary large tree cutting. Also, all other secondary side trails are only partially cleared. Care should be taken if attempting those. I have walked these since Ian but be ready to turn around or get lost in the jungle. Luckily, it is a most friendly place to get lost.

It will be some time before all the features of the NP are up to speed and available for a relaxing walk. Activities needed include opening the secondary trails, and gathering up and removing the Styrofoam and aluminum.

All of those broken and damaged trees will remain as Ian left them. There are already many game trails visible, and the birds and critters really like the redecorating of their woods. It will provide many locations for new dens and nests. Excessive clearing now will only disturb them. Branches and trees will be made safe for us as needed. Eventually, I hope to reopen the Main Trail extension from the Far Bench to Route 776 including the jump over the tiny stream that comes from Oak Forest.

Just before Christmas, I began reinstalling my trail cameras. Those game trails I mentioned will hopefully provide great locations for them. Hopefully, and when successful, I’ll post some videos to the TW-Friends group on Facebook maybe even before you read this article in Tangerine Topics.

.