A twenty acre tract between Georgia Highlands College and the Floyd County Industrial Park has been set aside as a protected natural wetland ecosystem in effort to preserve valuable biodiversity, improve water quality through natural means, and encourage public interest and education in environmental science. Through cooperative efforts among public and private agencies, a 1200-foot boardwalk** including two observation platforms has been built through previously inaccessible willow swampland. Designed and built by Georgia Highlands College plant operations personnel and funded from various public and private sources, the boardwalk was dedicated in 1996. Since then, student groups of all ages have participated in field trips, water quality studies, and species inventory. The boardwalk also provides an extension to the popular recreational perimeter trail around Georgia Highlands College’s Paris Lake, available to the public. We invite you to stroll among the wonders of wetness and discover the bounty of wildlife secluded within.

On a spring or summer walk from Georgia Highland College’s lakeside pavilion around the perimeter of Paris Lake, you are likely to enjoy the activity of many living creatures as they tend to their seasonal business. You may observe swallowtail butterflies flitting amongst the grassy water’s edge, mockingbirds protecting their territory, and the sudden staccato chirps and flutters of an anxious killdeer mom distracting you from her nesting site. Small fish and turtles break the water at lake’s edge, while waterfowl (both wild and domestic varieties) usher their young from place to place. The dirt path is marked with tunnels and throughways of busy ant colonies. Even the skeletons of dead trees show evidence of shelter to many species. A kingfisher may be perched on a dead branch, startling you with its quick flight as it reacts to your presence. Three species of heron, and an occasional egret use the lake’s edge as their wading buffet.

Stopping atop the dam (north end of the lake), your panorama is magnificent. Directly across the lake to the south is undulating Booze Mountain, named after a family, not an adult drink! Pine trees and typical mixed woodland over the rolling hills give way to patches of the inevitable kudzu. Look to the right and over the stand of pines, and there is Georgia Highlands College campus, dominated by the central tower, which may serenade you with singing bells from time to time.

Turning to put the lake behind you, you see the dam slope to the northeast and fan out to a beaver-modified willow swamp. In early spring yellow and white wildflowers of many varieties carpet this sweep. Yellow pollen forms sheets on the water surface in quiet corners of the lake edge. In summer, you will be tempted by the blackberry bushes with the perfect succulent, ready to drop, thumb-sized berry ripe for your picking, among the yet-to-ripen red ones – and don’t forget the razor-sharp and curved thorns that seem to reach out and grab you!

At this point, with the lake at your back, enjoy the overview of the boardwalk through the GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE WETLAND PRESERVE & OUTDOOR LABORATORY. From top to bottom, your eyes will take in a beautiful sky over the tree-covered Booze Mountain ridge, then homes along Cumberland Drive, the Floyd County Industrial Park and its bordering elevation (remnant of an old railroad berm). Now let your eyes rest on the timber bridge/boardwalk that is your destination. Follow the length of the 1200-foot walkway as it steps through cattail marsh and willow swamp. Slowly walk the perimeter road as it parallels the boardwalk from above. Search the swamp for signs of beaver activity. There are fast-running streams that you will hear, slowly meandering and seemingly still waters, and deeper ponds. There is one very large beaver lodge that should be visible from several points along your path. It is best to find it from above so that you sill know where to look when you are actually on the boardwalk. Another noticeable landmark is a small, old pump house that was used when the acreage was part of a farm. While you are searching with your eyes, make note of the sounds as well. The man-made sounds of traffic, industry, and even the college’s bell tower mix in with the pure sounds of nature. Many different birdcalls can be heard. Maybe you will recognize the calls of the red-winged blackbirds as they defend territory and seek mates; or the soft coos of the mourning doves, and at certain times, perhaps the bobwhite quail song.

The spillway from the lake is your landmark for leaving the perimeter and dropping downward across a pasture to the boardwalk entrance. The old upland forest stand of pines should be your guide, as the entrance is to the north of this. The trailhead is marked with a green painted wooden sign. As you cross the pasture, keep looking and listening, because this is a favorite area for bluebirds, as well as more killdeer nests. The resident great blue heron has even been spotted here perched on a tree limb near the entrance to the boardwalk. At the point where the upland forest meets the stream, you will see a stand of bamboo and a picnic table. Look to the left to find the boardwalk.

As you step onto the boardwalk, the closeness of the industrial park to the right and the college campus to the left seems to fade away. You are enveloped in relaxing shades of green and relaxing sounds of insects, birds, frogs, and running water. You are one with the ecosystem that cleans and filters water and provides oxygen for the freshness of the air we depend on.

Walking the first few feet, notice the dense vegetation on the left. Here, goldfinches play in the spring, and hummingbirds abound in late summer and fall. Rabbits can be seen just about anytime. Sniff the elusive odor of delicate blossoms.

To the right of the trailhead is the first of several easily visible beaver dams. The beaver activity is constant, and the exact status and position of the series of dams along this stream varies. The water flow is constantly re-routed – in part due o the beaver engineering, and in part due to changes in the water sources. There are two major sources of water. One is the Prentis Creek stream, supposedly fed by springs from Booze Mountain. This is the stream that you see modified by the beaver dams to the right of the boardwalk. The other is the spillover from Paris Lake, fed by Prentis Branch. During drought conditions, the lake source may diminish, but the stream source seems relatively constant. Therefore, these wetlands are always wet! However, the direction of the current changes regularly. Take note of the direction the reeds are bent.

The best times to catch the beaver in action are early morning and twilight. They will come and go from dam to dam along the terraces (which they created) of the streambed. As they slip over each dam, you may catch a clear view of the characteristic flat tail. If you startle them, they will do likewise with a sharp slap of the water and resulting splash. During midday, you are unlikely to see beaver at work, but muskrats are plentiful, and seemingly unafraid. They come and go along the stream, occasionally stopping to munch on a cattail root.

Facing the stream: look to the right upstream to see two stream branches converge. The terraced look is provided by a series of low beaver dams. These may shift in depth and position from visit to visit. Much of the time dense and verdant parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is evident at the water’s surface. This plant is not necessarily natural to the area – it is typically introduced from upstream. However, it is well-established and certainly contributes to the ecosystem. In the winter landscape, its brilliant green contrasts sharply with the grays and browns of the leafless willow limbs and dried cattail stalks.

There are many insects buzzing and/or flitting about. Here a drifting butterfly, there a darting dragonfly. Across the stream, bark ripped off of a small pine tree. Someone has munched this tree to the point of endangering its life. A harmless water snake with shades of red-brown splotches swims rapidly downstream, and another feeds among the parrot feather. There are signs of careless humans – an empty soft drink bottle is lodged across the stream out of reach.

In the fall, the beautiful cardinal flower makes its appearance in several spots nearby.

On the opposite side of the walkway, dense underbrush and willow trees provide perfect habitat for hummingbirds. There are dead trees among the living. This is the "scrub-shrub" territory. In late summer and fall, buttonbush blossoms attract various butterfly species. Their bright orange color makes Viceroy and Gulf Fritillary easily seen. In late fall the brilliant purple blossoms of tall ironweed may tower above your head on either side of the boardwalk. Bumblebees visit the various seasonal blossoms; large rabbits crunch through the underbrush as they make their getaway from the creature on the boardwalk – you!

Facing the stream, the narrow paths cut through the parrot grass by various swimming mammals are clearly evident. Also, access to the stream by beaver and deer from several directions have cleared entrances through the underbrush in several directions. There are several stumps of freshly cut trees on either side of the walkway. The stumps show the characteristic sharp point, indicating beaver-tooth engineering. It is said that the beaver will cut trees even when they don’t need the lumber – just to keep their teeth sharp. Minnows disturbed by your shadow will ripple the water as they quickly change directions.

Now begin to notice cattail growth among the willows. The growth is very dense here. Minnows abound in the shallow, calmer pools. There is a touch of orange in the mud and water due to the growth of certain mineral-influenced microorganisms. Near this station, the water flow from the two sources (spillway and stream) converges under the boardwalk. Twenty paces downstream, the water flow then diverges from beneath the boardwalk. Just before Station #4, you can stand at one spot and notice that strong water currents pour from beneath the boardwalk in completely opposite directions. Notice the interesting and artistic design of the algae and grass growth as influenced by these diverging currents. Who knows what obstacle hidden beneath the boardwalk has created this hydrological phenomenon?

Here you will see the remains of a beaver dam built about the same time that the boardwalk was being constructed. Another is a few paces onward. Look carefully and you will see that the beaver skillfully installed purloined scrap lumber from our project. As the boardwalk was being built, the existing beaver dams were deliberately breached in order to drain the area and allow construction (with approval of the US Corps of Engineers, of course!). Each weekend, the beaver would use lumber scraps to repair their dams and re-flood the area. This battle over construction rights went on for several weeks. When the project was finished, the beavers were right behind in re-establishing their superiority.

Thus far, the boardwalk has followed what was Paris Lake Road in times past. The bridge you are standing over now is an original part of that road. This bridge spans the stream at the point that it turns to the left, heading into a wide cattail marsh area. This is a bottleneck for the water and the animals. Standing here, you may see fish, beaver, muskrat, or river otters pass by. Early morning or late evening near twilight is the "rush hour". The shade here will allow you a respite of cool before heading into the open marsh area. Bird chatter from the overhanging trees reminds you that you are an intruder. A spider may drop near you, suspended by its invisible like. Snakes? Maybe!

The boardwalk angles slightly to the left and begins to elevate.

You are leaving the scrub-shrub area and approaching the cattail marsh (leaving one habitat for another). At this point, you can appreciate the size of the dam holding Paris Lake in place. Remember your orientation perspective from the top of the dam. Look toward the now invisible lake whose water surface is high above you. Listen to the many bird sounds. Notice how the birds land sideways, grasping and swinging on the cattail stalks. The red-winged blackbird builds its nest among these stalks. Dragonflies are numerous. A very large anthill is in view. Watch for animal tracks (deer, raccoon, etc.) in exposed mud.

This is your first view of the pond. As the cattail population expands year to year, the exact position of the open pond varies. Cattail is termed the "Supermarket of the Swamp" as all parts are useful in some way. Bacteria in symbiosis with the roots are responsible for cleaning/filtering the water that slowly flows by, as organic materials are broken down and recycled. The roots provide food for many heterotrophs, large and small, and shelter for reptiles and amphibians. The stalks provide shelter and protection for nesting birds. Humans have used the young pods for food and the seed fluff for bedding.

Turtles sun on any exposed woody debris. Looking on the opposite side from the pond, you may get a glimpse of a deer dappled with the shade of the underbrush as he stares back at you, feeling securely camouflaged. Or, several deer may bound away quickly, showing you only their backsides for an instant, as you look after them by reflex.

Now you have reached the most elevated part of the boardwalk and you are overlooking the landscape in panorama once again. The emergent cattail marsh is giving way to deepwater habitat. Looking over the pond toward the lake dam, there is a cluster of living and dead willows, centered and just to the left of your observation point. This site holds one of the older beaver lodges, which seems not to be fully active. It is possible that beavers in favor of a more secluded spot abandoned it, yet it seems that muskrats come and go from here, probably as sub-lets. Waterfowl nest nearby and occasionally you’ll surprise a wading heron, if he doesn’t surprise you first. The stairs access the ground level surface and are available with permission for research studies, inventory and analysis of wetland fauna and flora. Don’t explore alone, and wear snake-proof boots!

Remember the large new lodge you viewed from atop the dam? Now, go to the corner of the observation deck where there is a natural screen of willow growth. Use the screen for camouflaged observation of activity in the pond. Looking slightly to the left of the corner, about halfway between your position and the lake dam, seek the pile of mud and bleached wood debris that marks ths large lodge. It is clearly visible in winter and spring, but summer and fall foliage may obscure this view. You may get another chance at STATION #10 and just beyond. Woodpecker may be heard tap-tap-tap while standing here.

Here is another camouflaged view from behind a willow screen. To the left are turtles sunning, to the right are more nesting waterfowl. Sometimes the great blue heron hides here, away from the recreational activities of Paris Lake. Your observational skills are well-practiced by now. You will pick up on many wetland sights and sounds that are now familiar. Even look up into the open sky and you may see a red tailed hawk on a surveillance flight, hunting in open country.

Just past #10 is another view of the large lodge. Soon the boardwalk angles for the last time. You are also coming down in elevation.

Halfway between the last bend and the dead-end of the boardwalk is the old pump-house that served the farm of yesteryear. This whole area of Floyd County has numerous springs and sufficient groundwater to support wells successfully. That is one reason that these wetlands are well supplied with water even during over-all drought conditions. You are back in scrub-shrub territory now, and some exposed mud has the orange tones of certain microbial species. There are some dogwood interspersed with the willows here. Mosquitoes are few, as the slowly moving water and many insectivores diminish their numbers (contrary to popular belief about swamps).

The boardwalk dead ends into the second observation deck. A few stark, bleached dead trees mark the landscape. Observe these trunks for the many holes serving as homes for wildlife. Sometimes flocks of birds chatter among the highest branches, on their way to or from their seasonal homes. Even the felled, rotting logs are important due to the recycling of their nutrients through fungal decay as well as providing homes for rodents, snakes, lizards, and insects. Here is a second emergent cattail habitat and waterfowl enjoy this very secluded pond. The exit of the stream from the Georgia Highlands College property is near, yet obscured from view. You may hear the water running over a beaver dam at this point, and looking toward the sound, you may distinguish the stream bank by its border of trees. There is a beaver lodge right at the stream bank where two tree trunks form a V. This one is not close enough for direct observation. Beyond is an exclamation point emphasizing the technological presence of human ingenuity – a cell phone tower!

Now you are on your own – reverse your footsteps and observe freely. You will add many more sights and sounds to your nature inventory.

Return to the lake directly as you came in, or by following the old Paris Lake Road between the pine forest and the stream. This latter path cuts back to the lake perimeter just after passing the trees. (Bear to the right across the field).