Ecological Staircase Hike

Earlier this year, Jug Handle Creek Nature Center hosted a small, engaging hike up the remarkable ecological staircase. Led by educators Sue Coulter and Erica Fielder, the hike offered a living lesson in ecological change. As the group climbed, they watched the landscape shift dramatically: from lush coastal growth to more stunted vegetation, culminating in the pygmy forest and its iconic boardwalk loop.

Along the way, participants explored local plant and animal life, gaining a deeper appreciation for how time, soil, and climate shape this rare ecosystem. With clear skies overhead and plenty of curiosity to go around, it was a memorable day of learning, observation, and connection to the land.