Over 90 percent of the land cover on Little Gator
Creek consists of swamp/floodplain and bottomland forest, and pine
flatwoods. The northern boundary of the property encompasses two
short segments of the Withlacoochee River. Gator Creek flows
through the northeast corner of the property.
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Biologists climbing rookery tree to check Wood Stork nests.
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Management
Water levels in the rookery are regulated through a
well and an electric pump to provide optimum depths at various
stages of the wood stork's reproductive cycle. If there is not
enough rainfall, then the electric pump is turned on to increase
the water level. The water at the rookery serves as a protective
mechanism: alligators limit the number of raccoons and snakes that
are able to reach the eggs and nestlings. Yearly drawdowns at the
end of the breeding season in July are required to maintain healthy
cypress for nesting. Mid-story and understory vegetation is reduced
using fire, chemical, and mechanical means as needed. Invasive
aquatic vegetation is also controlled as needed.
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