Wall Springs Park.
October 10th, 2015.

Temperature: 82 degrees F.
Wind: 7 mph W.
Sunrise-Sunset: 7:40-6:49.
Precipitation: 0%.
Humidity: 62%.

We started the day off at a picnic table under a canopy of pine and oak trees. Here we learned of the springs original purchase and conversion into a health spa by a man named Wall in the 1880's. From there the spring spent time as a swimming hole before being slowly repurchased by the city. Our goal at Wall Springs was to examine the Karst topography of the spring as well as the unique ecosystem it creates in the surrounding bayou.

At the spring we took water samples and found the salinity to be 2-3 ppm and the pH to be 7. The crystal clear water of the spring allows for photosynthetic organisms to thrive. These organisms must also be able to withstand the constant low temperatures as well as the low amount of nutrients.

As we moved along the boardwalk away from the spring i noticed the impressive amount of Duckweed covering the surface of the water. This proved to be no obstacle for the ducks as they through it to the cattails and ferns on the opposite bank. 

After crossing a short bridge we found ourselves at the edge of the Bayou. Here as the salt and fresh water mixed we found the salinity to be 17 ppm and the pH to be 6. In this brackish water we found the three main species of mangroves dominating much of the shoreline. Further out still, we saw jellyfish, horseshoe crab, needlefish, and catfish. 

across another bridge we found a large amount of the invasive species Brazilian Pepper residing on the shore. From here we worked our way through a wooded path to a final scenic overlook at the end of the trail. From the overlook we could see mullet jumping in the channel as well as multiple layers of the forest on the other side.

The walk back to our vehicles was shaded and breezy, making for the perfect sendoff. Wall Springs has earned its spot on my list of parks to revisit in the future.