Cattail swamp

Overview

2-3 acre wetland consisting primarily of cattails and jewel weed. The area supports a population of burrowing crayfish (species not identified).
Jewel weed is a good source of nectar for hummingbirds that utilize it during their fall migration.

It is part of St. Vincent County Park and adjacent to UMSL South Campus. The area is accessible from south campus by entering the park from the gate on East Drive by the Daughters of Charity cemetery. Follow and informal trail downhill and to the left to find the swamp.

The site is near the former pond on the Lucas estate. The Lucas family had a 540 acre country home and horse farm on lands that became UMSL campus and St. Vincent Park. In January 1907, one of the Lucas daughters and two of her friends drowned in the pond after they fell through the ice while skating.

CHERP - St Vincent Park - UMSL Green Map
updated 09/2011 by JenFruend