Ecosystems of Lumbee Cultural Center

Cypress-gum swamps are ecosystems that are prevalent throughout North Carolina (Hall and Howard 2021). These swamps are biodiverse, supporting a massive group of animals and plants. The two main species of plants that reside in these swamps are the bald cypress and pond cypress (Hall and Howard 2021). Other trees that can be found in the Cypress-gum swamps include swamp gum, tupelo gum, and willow oak (Stilling 2007). Pileated woodpeckers, minks, white-tailed deer, alligators, and turtles, among other animals, all live in these swamps (NHPBS 2021).
 

Trees serve as habitats and shelter for many of these animals. The swamps are often flooded (engulfed by water) for long periods of time. Fire plays a key role in the development of cypress trees (NHPBS 2021). After a fire, the trees grow rapidly and have a chance to grow before any other type of tree can, so they have an advantage. While being abundant in the land, the gum swamps in the Lumbee Tribe Cultural center act as a sacred area for cultural and recreational use (U.S. Department of Homeland Security 2020). The lake and swamp area has continued to be a place where smudging, praying and other important spiritual rituals take place. Recreational activities such as walking nature trails and fishing take place there as well.

References

Hall, S., and T. Howard. 2022. Habitats of North Carolina [Internet]. Raleigh (NC): North Carolina Biodiversity Project and North Carolina State Parks. Available from https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/habitat/index.php.
 

New Hampshire PBS. 2021. Swamps. Accessed on 10 November 2021.
https://nhpbs.org/wild/swamp.asp#:~:text=Animals%20like%20white%2Dtailed%20deer,often%20found%20in%20cypress%20swamps. New Hampshire PBS.

Stilling, Glenn Ellen Starr. 2007. Lumbee Voices: North Carolina's Lumbee Indians in Literature, Art, and Music. Accessed on 10 November 2021. https://lumbee.library.appstate.edu/lumbee-voices#robeson. The Lumbee Indians.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 2020. Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Lumbee Cultural Center Dam Repairs. Accessed on 10 November 2021. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_lumbe-cultural-center-dam-final-ea.pdf. Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV 3003 Chamblee Tucker Road Atlanta, GA 30341-4130.