To your left as you enter the Pines Lake Drive West parking lot is an area ideally suited for the Wetlands Garden. Water covers the soil or is present at or near the surface for varying periods of time throughout the year, and vegetation adapted to these wet conditions has found a home here. A stand of river birch, whose bark curls in paper-thin scales, and thick sprays of fountain grass dot the area. Native American beautyberry, with its electric violet berries, adds a dash of color while attracting hungry birds. Other plants that thrive in this habitat include morning light maiden grass, native chokeberry and leucothoe.
A raised wooden walkway offers the best view of this unique habitat, where an interpretive sign highlights key plants.
