Live Oaks

"... she probably meant the trail through the live oak forest ..."

Is there one through the dead oak forest?

"... the wood from live oak trees was used to build Old Ironsides ..."

How did they keep them alive?

"... the British claimed all the live oak trees as property of the king ..."

Who got the dead ones?

-- Rangers at the Cumberland Island National Seashore

-- Thoughts of yours truly

Southern Live Oak, Quercus virginiana

Until recently, I was unfamiliar with the term "live oak". So when the friendly rangers at the Cumberland Island National Seashore used the term, I figured it was a colloquialism.

Rene Noe, a Friendly Ranger

So when I asked Rene, who had been a ranger at Cumberland Island for thirty years, what species they were and she responded, "live oak", it was a bit of a "who's on first" moment. Eventually we got it sorted out. "Live Oak" is a term used to describe any oak that is evergreen, keeping its leaves year round. Southern Live Oak is the common name for the species on the island.

The trees have huge squat trunks and a massive system of branches, some which grow down to the ground for support, spreading widely. Great for climbing! (Of course I did.)

Branches

More Branches

So while I understand the name, trees without leaves appearing dead, while those with leaves appearing live, I think live is a doubly excellent name because these trees are alive with other organisms.

The most notable example is Spanish Moss, an epiphyte, that while not a parasite can have ill effects on the host tree. It blocks the light that would otherwise reach the tree's leaves and can add a substantial weight load, devastating in a hurricane.

But it sure is pretty.

Just Add Water

Ferns, such as this resurrection fern, and mistletoe also find a home on the branches. Adding to both the biomass and beauty of the tree.

The dead parts of the live oak also support life, fungi as shown here, but also insects, squirrels (I had one very upset with me for some reason. Alas it wouldn't pose for a picture.), and woodpeckers (I heard, but did not see, pileated and red-bellied).

An Easy One

Other birds make use of the trees. (I delighted a group of birders from Michigan by ID'd a mocking bird, an apparently rare bird in them there parts.)

Delighted Birder

There are even plants growing in the ridges in the bark.

Gnarly

And the forest is home for a variety of animals. Including ...

Horses.

Armadillos.

~~~~~~~~~~

I spent the better part of seven hours exploring and experienced so very little of the island. There are great sandy beaches, empty of people, populated with only birds. Miles and miles to walk in splendid solitude.

The center of the island is a natural area, no road, no cars, no bikes, no homes. I could spend several days wandering there.

There are wetlands to kayak.

Ruins and historical sites to visit.

There is even a bed and breakfast on the island. (Pricy though, cheapest room $395/night. Maybe when I win the lottery ... ). So next visit it'll be the camp ground for me.

I can't wait to get back and explore some more.

Come On, Let's Go