Mysterious Ways of the Mangrove
We’re all familiar with the beauty of the beaches, and most of us take advantage of the many opportunities to sight-see and bird watch throughout Pinellas, but one of the ‘Burg’s many treasures may be a little more hidden. If you haven’t already, grab your paddles, hop in your kayak, and take a trip along the Blue Ways.
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The Downtown Waterfront Blueway extends from North Shore park, and directs paddlers down to the end of Coffee Pot Bayou, where manatees have been known to breed and raise their calves, and where informally named "Bird Island" acts as an Egret hatchery in the narrow waterway between Snell Isle and Old Northeast. Each designated trail has parking facilities, designated landings and shorelines open to the public. Maps also indicate the presence of facilities such as picnic areas, restrooms, ramps, and canoe and kayak racks.
At one point, he’d even waive the rental fee when kayakers come back with a bag full of trash. He still takes those who wish to join him on regular–and free–clean up trips of the mangroves.ADVERTISEMENT
One of Kurt’s most moving experiences has been seeing the results of the clean up efforts he and other conservationists have undertaken. "Seeing a manatee pod return to the area that was formerly crowded with trash, fishing line and crab traps…. watching a manatee cow give birth…It’s a life changing experience."
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| Images courtesy of Kurt Zuelsdorf |
Kurt likes to share that experience with others. "When people see what kind of a gem we have here, they think twice about [things like] changing their oil near the bay, leaving their fishing line behind, or just over producing trash."
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