#7 - Lighthouse Pool

Lighthouse Pool (on the west of Lighthouse Road) is the last man-made pool along the tour. No fresh water enters this pool except rainwater. To the west of the pool is the 24 hour saltwater boat ramp and parking lot. Take a walk on the Cedar Point trail accessed from this parking lot. To the south is the man-made levee leading to a rock jetty, popular with bank fishermen. This is marked as the Levee Trail, and a round trip walk out to the jetty is about .4 mile. A leaflet in the box at the trailhead informs visitors of the many uses of the trail's plants by wildlife and humans. Marsh rabbits are often seen on this trail in the morning and afternoon. Pelicans, cormorants, gulls and shorebirds are easy to spot on the bay side, while alligators may be out sunning on the large grassy islands in the pool.

Rails, bitterns, ducks, herons, egrets, and ibises all use the Lighthouse Pool. Sago pondweed, marsh grass, and wigeon grass provide an abundant food source for many of these birds and the standing vegetation in the pool provides both cover and protection for the more secretive species. The view from the observation deck adjacent to the Lighthouse points out the contrast between the open marsh and the managed pool.

On your left, opposite the number severn signpost, is good vantage point for photographing the lighthouse. Be sure to watch your footing.