As you walk along the Union Canal Connector Trail, you will see examples of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commitment to environmental leadership.
In many areas along the trail, you will see land-water corridors, where many living things make their home, or search for food. These areas often occupy less than 1 percent of the landscape; yet they are some of the most diverse, dynamic and complex habitats at Blue Marsh Lake. A variety of mosses, ferns, flowers, trees and shrubs provide natural pathways for animals to move between areas for food, shelter, and nesting. Plants and trees growing at the water's edge help prevent erosion, cool the water, provide cover for fish, serve as food for animals, and are perches for birds of prey.Land-water corridors also filter sediment and pollutants from running into streams, protect stream banks and shorelines from erosion, and provide storage areas for flood waters.
The Corps lands and waters reflect a wide range of America's natural heritage. Thousands of miles of waters wind their way through upland forests, bottomland woods, native grasslands, wetlands, and marshes on their way to the ocean. These lands and waters provide a life-sustaining habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including endangered species. The Corps' dedication to biological diversity is much appreciated by all of our partners.