William H. Wiley
402-875-1809
bill@wmwiley.com
1221 Rockhurst Dr.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Rising tall from dark, murky waters, the bald cypress tree is a stately symbol of the swamp. Associated with the bayou, Spanish moss, pelicans, egrets and alligators, the bald cypress can grow for thousands of years and reach heights of 100-150 feet. The largest pond cypress, called “the Senator,” was estimated to be 3,500 years old, making it the ¬fifth oldest tree in the world. Old-growth bald cypress are sought after for their heartwood—the cypressene oil they contain is a natural preservative, making the wood resistant to both rot and insects. While the trees are prized for both their construction and ornamental values, they also play a vital role in wetland ecology. The buttressed trunks and knees of living cypress, as well as the fallen, dead trees, provide habitat for fi¬sh. Eagles and ospreys nest in the crowns. The seeds are a food source for squirrels, wild turkeys, evening grosbeaks and wood ducks.
Taken on the Iowa side of the Missouri River, a summer sunset displays a brilliant range of red, orange and yellow colors.
Aspen trees have the widest range of any tree in North America. They are very important to the forest ecosystem, as they are usually the first trees to grow after a forest fire. Known for their bright golden-yellow leaves in autumn, aspens provide valuable forage for deer and elk, while the underlying plants provide food for mice, rabbits and voles. In turn, these small animals attract bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions. Around ponds and streams, beavers usually eat aspens before any other trees.
