Story by Kit Martin

Ebenezer Swamp is just 6 miles from campus.

Located off HWY 119, this 60 acres of wooded wetlands is home to numerous species of fungi, plants, and animals.

Greeting you at the entrance are sculptures made by University of Montevallo students.

The boardwalk is over two hundred and fifteen yards, and extends into the swamp for better chances of seeing birdlife and wetland plants.

The forest is home to mostly tupelo gum trees with the occasional red maple, tulip tree and sycamore. Animal inhabitants include the beaver, turkey, timber rattlesnake, water moccasin, copperhead, raccoon, opossum, and various freshwater clams.

The preserve is also home to numerous herbaceous plant species, including three species of orchids and a rare species of cone-flower.

Not only is the swamp a great place to explore, it’s also a place for hands-on experience for biology and Environmental Science courses at Montevallo.