Hike the trail along the East side of the pond at Southwood Nature Preserve (2651 Holloway) to learn how to identify ten floodplain trees before they burst bud in the spring. Most tree species are unable to survive frequent flooding, but a few species specialize in this habitat type, particularly:
- cottonwood
- silver maple
- box elder
- black willow
- green ash
- American elm
- basswood
- swamp oak
- river birch and
- big-toothed aspen
These trees, with extensive, shallow root systems, help to stabilize creek, pond, lake and river banks by holding the soil tightly and preventing excessive erosion.