Eco-Trail at Camp Casa Mare
Learn about the wildlife that call Camp Casa Mare home!

plants

Hardy Native Pecan

Carya illinoinensis 

The Hardy Native Pecan tree is a large shade tree indigenous to the central and east central US, as well as Mexico. These large trees provide a primary food source for many native species, including the blue jay and the northern mockingbird. The pecan tree is also the state tree of Texas. 



Gulf Coast Muhly

Muhlenbergia capillaris 

Gulf Coast muhly grass, also known simply as Gulf muhly, is a perennial grass characterized by the purple seedheads. Gulf muhly is highly adaptable to different environmental conditions and provides cover for native species of birds, reptiles, small mammals, and insects. 



Niches

What is a "niche"?

A niche is the specific role an organism plays within its ecosystem. While many different species can live in the same habitat or ecosystem, no two organisms can occupy the same niche. If two different species attempt to fill the same niche within a habitat, it will result in competition for resources, such as for food or territory. When this competition occurs the species that is most biologically fit to the environment will prevail and occupy the niche.



Trumpet Creeper 

Campsis radicans  

Trumpet creepers are a vining plant named for their striking trumpet-shaped flowers. The bright red color of the flowers serves to attract pollinators, and the funnel shape is perfect for hummingbirds to collect the nectar. Although beneficial to the ecosystem, Trumpet creepers are almost too well-suited in their niche and can often grow out of control. 



Green Milkweed 

Asclepias viridis

Green milkweed is an herb native to Texas. Milkweed is named for the poisonous white sap the plant produces when damaged. Green Milkweed is most well-known for its correlation with Monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars feed on the plant, making the larvae toxic to potential predators.