Explore and compare the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp at the Marconi Site in Wellfleet, and the Red Maple Swamp at Fort Hill in Eastham, both Cape Cod National Seashore properties, with Marsha Salett of the New England Wildflower Society.  Rare and globally-threatened, Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) swamps are cool, dark, acidic, saurated wetlands, their hummocks and hollows dominated by sphagnum mosses and other bog species, including sweet gale (Myrica gale), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum), and Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica).  Red maple (Acer rubrum) swamps are more abundant and diverse. At Fort Hill, you should find a wider variety of trees and shrubs including tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) and sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) as well as several species of ferns. Both trails have boardwalks through the wetlands. The red maple trail is fairly easy and level; the cedar swamp trail has several steep stairs and the last half-mile is along an old, soft sand road. Bring sturdy shoes, long pants and long-sleeve shirt, a bag lunch, water, and insect repellent. You will carpool from the first site as parking is limited at the second site.
The cost for this outing is $40 for members of NEWFS, and $45 for non-members. You may register at www.newfs.org.
