Drought of 2024

Throughout later part of summer and the majority of fall of 2024, the drought has caused not only forest fires but also causing some of the swamps to dry up. Many of the swamps in Franklin Parker Preserve get its water through canals from other sources. When those sources can't provide water, the swamp will dry up completely. Like in the photos, you can even see the canals inside the swamps. It is a channel system that helps keep the swamp full of water but a drought can override all of that.

Swamp almost empty

Skeleton forest during drought

Irrigation channel system -- swamp floor

Swamp remains -- miniature river

Drought affects on the swamp

Grass island after drought