Into the mist
Embarking on a morning canoe ride in the magical cypress swamps of Caddo Lake, we had passed this cypress "tunnel", and on a whim decided to back paddle to it. As we started to row down this waterway, this magnificent scene unfolded in front of us, the lazily rising fog being illuminated by the morning sun, the hanging moss perfectly backlit, and this majestic great blue heron claiming ownership of his territory. As beautiful as this experience was, it was sobering to learn that this otherworldly echo system faces many threats to it's existence, from chemical pollution, including herbicides used in the battle against invasive water plants such as Giant Salvinia, that threaten the natural equilibrium of the lake, to chemical runoffs, poultry and wastewater treatment plants that add dangerous levels of harmful bacteria, and of course the threats brought on by climate change. Even though tourism to a certain degree contributes to some of these negative factors, it also aids in raising awareness to the challenges faced by this natural treasure.
