By Doug Alderson
March 22, 2020–A small group enjoyed sunshine and fresh air while exploring Graham Creek by kayak, following social distancing guidelines. Of great interest were the many twisted and bonsai-shaped cypress and tupelo gum trees that are just starting to leaf out. Many of the trees, some centuries old and hollow, have been battered by numerous hurricanes and riddled with woodpecker cavities. One such tree along a side creek (South Prong) resembles the head of some giant beast, depending on the angle and water height.  
Water levels were high so we were able to follow Graham Creek a good ways into the canopied maze of Tate’s Hell Swamp, literally traveling to hell and back. The upright white clusters of black titi flowers stood out and we spotted a prothonotary warbler, bright yellow against the gray tree trunks and branches. The prothonotary is our only cavity nesting warbler and it prefers cypress and gum swamps and hardwood bottomlands, so look for it from March through mid to late summer. We also collected a water sample from the creek in continuing with our water quality monitoring program.
Graham Creek can be accessed from a launch area beside the Highway 65 bridge, about ten miles south of Sumatra or about 15 miles north of Eastpoint. It has almost no perceptible current in the upper reaches, so it is an easy waterway to explore. A popular trip is to kayak 2.5 miles west on Graham Creek and then turn south on the East River, paddling another 4.6 miles to Gardner Landing. A shuttle is required, but it is only 3.5 miles, so it can easily be done by bicycle. During flood conditions, Gardner Landing can be closed. The FWC put together a description and map for this trip.
Doug Alderson is Outreach & Advocacy Director at Apalachicola Riverkeeper. He can be reached at [email protected]