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Patricia Clements |
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May 28, 2002 |
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Essay #1 |
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My Adventures at the Sandy Bottom Nature Park |
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I recently discovered a hidden treasure, which can easily go unnoticed by the average passerby.� It is accessible to Thomas Nelson Community College and area neighborhoods, which had a wooden walkway that carried me over the new Hampton Roads Parkway extension.� In 1992, Hampton city drew up plans for a wetland mitigation project and it took approximately two years to build.� Sandy Bottom Nature Park was to be monitored closely for an additional five years after completion, but is still being worked on even today. |
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The wetlands are divided into ten zones and each supports different vegetation types.� Water Oak, Fetterbush, Willow Oak, Bald Cypress, Water Tupelo, Bottombush, Overcup, Red Chokeberry are just a few of the zones that I observed.� My hidden treasure is one of Hampton Roads local parks aptly named Sandy Bottom Nature Park and it encases about 456-acres of fringe marsh enclosing Chisman and Crystal Lakes. |
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It unexpectedly has a vast assortment of fun activities.� One of them that caught my attention as I entered the park was the exhibit stand of the Yellow-Poplar tree.� The display had real leaves, bark, flowers, and it gave information about the leaf, bark, twig, flower and fruit of the tree. This exhibit also contained clues for a similar tree, which� sent me on a little tree hunt.� |
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The very first quest that I went on was the Lake trail.� I had ten trails to choose from in various distances: .13 to 2.10 miles, and they were Buck Rub, Black Cherry, Osprey Point, Red Fox, Shelton, Lake, Wood Duck, Fallen Oak, Newmarket and Old Crystal Trails.� Newmarket Creek, Big Bethel Road, Hampton Roads Center Parkway and interstate I-64 encircle the trails. |
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Hidden wooden seats sat nestled in areas perfect for observing the lake's wildlife, or reading a good book.� On taking a deeper stroll into one of the longer trails I really worked up a sweat and felt completely at peace.� Some of the different animals that I observed in this park were the woodpeckers, hawks, beavers, raccoons, ducks, squirrels; and the posted sign warned me about snakes. These charming trails are ideal for taking a leisurely stroll, a quick jog, biking, and walking man's best friend.� |
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You can venture upon the wetlands by paddleboat or canoe and observe the sandy bottom, which used to be clearer before the city planted grasses to help balance the acidity of the water.� A dam is constructed across a portion of Crystal Lake, which has a water control structure. Water levels are crucial in order for vegetation to survive; so the park personnel continue to monitor and/or adjust the water levels. |
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Fishing is allowed off the pier and boats only.� Largemouth Bass, Brown Bullhead, Catfish, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and the American Eel; which populates the two lakes. A few tent cabins with cots provided are available for rental.�� There are sufficient picnic shelters for small to large gatherings, outdoor classrooms, primitive individual and group campsites.� There is a 100 feet long wooden walkway that crosses the wetland to provide access to a 2-story observation tower. |
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When I came upon the children's playground, I stopped a moment to witness the local children playing with the local park's security canine.� The fun they were having made me feel melancholy and wishing I could venture back in time. My next exploration was the Wildlife Center, which had varied exhibits of snakes, turtles, frogs, fishes and shockingly real stuffed animals. I also received a profile on the local endangered species; and there was information of upcoming events such as pruning spring flowering shrubs and trees, mapping underwater grasses, bird and nature hikes, kids fishing and a class on bats and other mammals.� These events are limited to 20-25 participants; and if it's raining registrants must call to confirm.� For such a small building the Wildlife Center held an impressive and informative exhibits of the local wildflowers, fossils and animal skeletons from different area regions.���� |
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I really enjoy my adventures in this nature park because it reminds me of being a little girl in the country and able to hear nature living around me; not the hustle and bustle of the city streets.� I find a new adventure or discovery; every time I visit this nature park. Sandy Bottom Nature Park is just one of many local parks hidden throughout the city, but it is one that I can really enjoy. |
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Sandy bottom nature park |
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