Two Hundred SeventyFourth in the Famous People (FP) Series -
Wally Gator
The
Palmetto Alligator Slough Preserve is a 282 acre habitat for
alligators and other local wildlife, as well as a grove of Palmetto
palms. However, for safety reasons, access is limited by permit to
schools, universities, state and federal agencies for study at this
time. Parking, trails, and boardwalks will be designed at a later
date so that the flora and fauna can be observed without
compromising the habitat and personal safety.
There are known to be at least 27 breeding pairs of alligators in
here. Most are 3-4 feet long but some have grown to as much as 12
feet long. Footprint have been found and measured at 8 inches.
Their nests can often be seen in the spring and they are most
aggressive during this period. Water moccasins, rattlesnakes, and
plenty of good old Texas poison ivy are very common. Cougars,
bobcats, 18 species of turtles, 3 species of mussels, beavers,
mink, and Alligator Gar are some of the other residents that have
been seen in this strange and remote swamp land just south of
Dallas.
Another amazing aspect of this pristine land is the huge lush
forest of Palmetto palms. The forest of palms is said to be an
amazing sight with trees averaging in height from 9 to 12 feet and
growing lush in the muddy black clay. According to Mary Phinney, an
archeologist and administrator for the Dallas County's park and
open space program, this palmetto swamp with 282 protected acres,
is part of a 600 acre swamp that researchers have estimated goes
back anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 years.
Hopefully the public will soon be able to explore
and enjoy this Preserve, but for the time being, there is only a
beach tube in the small parking area. It might be a good idea to
bring along binoculars to watch some of the wildlife too.
Don't forget
because it's such a
long walk back to the vehicle.