Explore the East End Lagoon! 

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Notable Resources for the Nature Trail!
Audubon Society : https://www.audubon.org/#

Donate to the East End Lagoon Nature Park and Preserve : http://www.eastendlagoon.org/support

Welcome to the East End Lagoon ADA trailhead!

Welcome to the East End Lagoon Nature Trail! You are probably wondering; what is a lagoon? A Lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by barrier islands or reefs. The East End Lagoon runs parallel with the Galveston Seawall along the east end of Galveston Island. The only outlet runs under Bodecker Drive, emptying into Bolivar Roads and the entrance to Galveston Bay.

The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve is dominated by the open waters of the lagoon and by the surrounding alt marsh. Salt marshes serve as the transition from the Gulf of Mexico to the land, an area where fresh and saltwater mix. The protected waters of the lagoon, fed by dead vegetation from the bordering salt marsh, create a perfect nursery and refuge for many types of marine life such as fish, crabs, and shrimp. Therefore, the lagoon teems with a diversity of sea life. 

Fishermen often wade in the shallow waters at the mouth of the lagoon, and the calm waters are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Birdwatchers and photographers discover spectacular birds such as the roseate spoonbill and the brown pelican, and there is never a day in the year when the surrounding flats, marsh, and prairie are not ablaze in wildflowers. Enjoy your walk along the trail and remember that nature changes every day. To get to know the Preserve you will need to visit again, and again!

Cabbage Palm
As you walk along the Trail, you will see palm trees. These are cabbage palms (Sabal Palmetto). Cabbage palms are shown to be native in Texas only in Cameron County, but they have become naturalized along the Galveston coast. These hardy pals thrive in Galveston's hot and humid summers, they are immune to salt spray, and they are freeze tolerant down to 10-15 degrees. 

Queen Butterfly
The Queen Butterfly (Danaus Gilippus) is our local version of the well known Monarch. Monarch Butterflies do migrate through our area, and a smaller number even stay through the winter. The common milkweed butterfly in our area is the queen and they can often be seen along the Trail feeding on vine and milkweed (Cynanchum angustifolium).

Large Milkweed Bug
One of the vines that proliferates along the trail is the Vine Milkweed (Cynanchum angustifolium) The Milkweed vines attract butterflies and other insects that feed on the leaves. You may spot large milkweed bugs as you walk along the trail. 

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