Upland Vegetation

Plant diversity is vital to a thriving ecosystem. Live oaks are considered life centers, as they are sources of food, protection, and support to a wide variety of other plants and animals. Many animals feed on the acorns, and oak branches support other plants such as spanish moss and resurrection ferns. Pine trees are an equally valuable part of the ecosystem. Pine seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, and deer can graze on seedlings. Wood-peckers and bald eagles nest in the high tops of pine trees. In addition, pines can stabilize the soil of an area to help prevent erosion.