Bull Neck Swamp Preserves
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Bull Neck Swamp Pond Pine Preserve
The pond pine preserve is located on the Northeastern corner of Bull Neck Swamp and contains the deepest organic deposits. Portions of this preserve are known to be logged for Atlantic white cedar in the early 1980’s (Fox, 1999). The tract currently consists of pond pine and red bay (Persea borbonia) with a shrub layer of fetter bush (Pieris floribunda) and Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica). Atlantic white cedar can still be found scattered throughout the pond pine preserve, but seems to be out-competed by the shrub layer. Due to the current logging prohibitions from the Natural Heritage Trust Fund easement, the pond pine preserve is best managed for wildlife habitat and viewing. Bottomland forests consisting mainly of pond pine have been found to be some of the most productive habitats for wildlife (Noss and Harris, 1990). Animals currently utilizing the pond pine preserve are black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Richardson et al (1993) reports that animals typically found in pocosins dominated by pond pine are Hessel’s hairstreak butterfly, the rare pine barrens tree frog, specialized swallowtail, American alligator, marsh rabbit, and gray squirrel. Clark et al (1985) found pond pine ecosystems in North Carolina to create habitat for the silver-haired bat, eastern cottontail, grasshopper mouse, meadow vole, and long-tailed weasel. Also, it has been found by numerous researchers that older pond pine trees can effectively support red-cockaded woodpecker colonies (Thompson, 1971; Jackson et al, 1979; Zwicker et al, 1999).