Swamps might seem like a scary, uninhabitable place with their dark waters, shadowy trees, and mosquito-filled air—but they’re actually bursting with life. Hundreds of plants, animals, and insects thrive within these ecosystems. While the black water may look intimidating, the deep color actually comes from tannins released from decaying plant matter that is slowly breaking down at the bottom of the swamp. branches) that are slowly breaking down at the bottom of the swamp. These tannins naturally dye the water a deep, tea-brown to black color. Many fish, amphibians, and some mammals will also develop darker scales, skin, and fur to better camouflage themselves from predators! 📍 Taken at a TLC-protected property in Newton County 🐊 Jamie Hooker, East Texas Program Director (fb)

Texas Coastal Guardians: Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans) Black Mangroves are resilient ecological engineers vital to Texas coastlines. They stabilize shorelines, improve water quality through filtration, and provide feeding, breeding, and nursery habitats for birds, fish, invertebrates, and other wildlife. Thirivng in sandy and muddy shores, Black Mangroves tolerate saltwater by excreting salt through their leaves. This vital species reproduces via vivipary, a process in which the seeds germinate before they detach from the parent plant. 🐍 Ashley Burke-Muraida, Stewardship Specialist (fb)