Below:
The knees of cypress trees
have a certain mystique
about them. GRAM GRAM
Left:
Cypress trees can grow
and even thrive in or near
water and areas prone to
flooding.
of the Babcock Ranch, which
was once part of the historic
Crescent B Ranch near Punta
Gorda on Charlotte Harbor a
little south of Tampa Bay, is
now a protective preserve for
regionally important water
resources, diverse natural
habitats, scenic landscapes and
wildlife, along with historic
agricultural and cultural
resources, including Cracker
Cattle and cypress stands.
(See the Travel section of the
September/October 2018 issue
of Tampa Bay Magazine.)
Our cypress trees are among
Tampa Bay area’s many
natural treasures. In addition
to beautifying our natural
forests and landscapes, these
fire-resistant trees provide the
wood for buildings, posts,
shingles, boats and more,
plus shelter and homes for our
wildlife. 9
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 141