Ardmore Students Paddle America’s Amazon


Alabama’s champion cypress is a sight to see. The monster tree rules the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, overseeing an area so rich in biodiversity that it is nicknamed "America’s Amazon." The cypress dwarfs its surroundings, measuring about 28 feet around its base. 

This area has more turtles, more lizards, more mussels, more crayfish, more fish and more species of oak than any other comparable area in the country. That’s why paddling out to the champion cypress was the perfect culminating activity for a group who has been studying the biodiversity of Alabama all year. 

It’s more difficult than one might think to get access to the tree. There aren’t many people willing to share its whereabouts, but we finally found WildNative Tours, who provided kayaks and guides to lead us there.

We started our trip in Rice Creek and paddled our way out to Briar Lake. From there, we crossed the Tensaw and navigated a maze of vegetation out to the cypress. We kept our eye out for alligators and saw some rare birds, which our guides pointed out. 

Normally, the trip out to the monster cypress involves a swamp hike, but the water was so high from the previous day’s storms that we were able (with some difficulty) to paddle right up to it. We didn’t get to see the massive roots, but it was still impressive! 

Our students were able to experience this educational opportunity free of charge through funding from AMV RC&D and The Dekko Foundation. Thank you! 

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