The Zig-Zag bridge and Wetlands Walk: Two of the most interesting paths at Boxerwood!

The zig-zag bridge takes you from below the Great Oak (or from the path by the spring) to the dam on the far side of the wetlands... but be careful of all those turns -- don't fall in!

While crossing this wild bridge, take a moment to stop and check out the creek as it leaves the second spring and flows into the wetlands. On the other side of the wetlands, there is the same creek exits but the water is different, as it has been filtered by the wetlands' natural sponge action -- nature's clean-up crew in action again!

Our bridge is featured in Wikipedia!

A practical marsh bridge
at Boxerwood Gardens

"A zig-zag bridge is a pedestrian bridge composed of short segments, each set at an angle relative to its neighbors and usually with an alternating right and left turn required when traveling across the bridge. When constructed of wood, each segment is formed from planks and is supported by posts, while a stone bridge of this type will use short slabs set upon stone footings."

Look off to the side and you'll see the wetlands -- although in spring the daffodils & cattails might block your view! Why does the water look pale green? That's the duckweed on top -- nitrates in the water from fertilizer run-off often causes an overgrowth of plants; luckily, our wetlands filters out these nitrates before they are carried downstream to Wood's Creek.

The more daring explorers might choose to use the wetlands walk instead of the zig-zag bridge. This secret path made up of stumps, logs and other wood is often overlooked by all but the most curious visitors. One end connects to the trail on the Great Oak side of the wetlands (turn left as you come off the springs trail and look to the right), the other end joins with the zig-zag bridge just before the stairs. Follow the wetlands walk to get a real frog or turtle's eye view of this glorious habitat.

	Continue across the zig-zag bridge and then up the stairs to reach the dam on the other side of the wetlands. Be sure to listen, smell, see and feel the growing life all around you --- wildflowers, azaleas, magnolia blossoms, birds, frogs and more!