Mangrove trees have dense root systems that trap organic material and small creatures feed on this plant matter.
These distant relatives of the spider and scorpion haven’t changed much in the last 350 to 400 million years!
In 1539, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto made his first New World landfall at the mouth of the Manatee River, where the fresh water of the Manatee River flows into the salt waters of Tampa Bay. Imagine the Spaniard’s amazement when he saw the giant wading birds and tangles of mangroves bordering the Manatee River. 
Braving the mosquitoes, no-see-’ums and snakes, de Soto and his army set up a campsite near a lush mangrove swamp, which visitors can still see today as they walk along the half-mile nature trail. Be careful: Although much has changed since de Soto visited the area, many things, such as the pesky mosquitoes, have stayed the same.
You will find many plants and animals in the murky waters of the estuary. Mangrove swamps and other salt-resistant plants create hiding places for nesting birds, hungry fish, curious raccoons and sly snakes. You’ll also find a variety of other salt-tolerant plants, such as sea privet, sea purslane, saw palmetto, cabbage palm, Spanish moss and sea grape. As the tide begins to ebb, you’ll probably come across an ancient-looking creature that looks like a brown helmet. This relative of spiders is called a “horseshoe crab.” Looking up, you may see a large black bird with pointed wings and a forked tail riding the high wind currents. This is a magnificent frigate bird. Swooping down on smaller birds, such as sea gulls and terns, the magnificent frigate bird steals his fishy meals.
Next stop: Palma Sola Bay