Throughout the natural life of a river, it will constantly change its course. A wide bend may be cut off so the river runs straight. A pile of sediment and logs may force the river into a deeper curve or cause the river to become wider and shallower. The locations where rivers once flowed are visible for hundreds of years and these land areas are given special names. An oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water left behind by a river that has taken a shorted course. A river scar is an oxbow lake that has since filled in with sediment. These areas are diverse wetlands, which often have scattered trees and wetland plants but sometimes consist of deep tupelo cypress swamps. Phinizy Swamp contains many river scars of the Savannah River, and the River Scar Trail passes by some of them. The River Scar Trail begins at the signpost and completes a clockwise circle around one constructed wetland cell. You will be walking on a berm with no shade, so please carry water.

As you begin the loop, look into the marsh of the constructed wetland cell. The most abundant plants are cattails, needle rush, and phragmities, all excellent nutrient absorbers. Now compare this to the natural wetlands on your left. The area just past the edge of the berm was impacted when the wetland cells were made and is now filed with young Red Maple. In 5 or 6 years, these trees may shade this trail. As you walk further you may notice the maple trees being replaced by Black Willow, possibly indicating an increase in soil moisture. Beyond the young trees are tall cypress trees that delineate the edge of an oxbow lake visible from the trail between the equalization pond and the constructed wetlands.

Look to your right at the constructed wetland cell you are circling. This 30-acre cell is part of the tertiary wastewater treatment for the city of Augusta. The constructed wetlands consist of 12 cells with each functioning separately. Each constructed wetland cell consists of a series of marshes and ponds. The water flows into each cell from the distribution canal (inside the chain link fence), and pours into the front marsh through pipes located around the bend ahead. Walk around the bend and see if you can find or hear where the water rushes in.

The marshes of this cell were planted in April 2001 with nutrient-loving plants that help absorb some of the pollutants in the wastewater and provide homes for "nutrient-eating" microorganisms. As the wastewater moves through the marsh, the nutrients are broken down into more natural elements. The water then enters the pond where anaerobic microorganisms further break down the nutrients. By the time the water exits the last marsh it has been cleaned and is ready to enter the Savannah River.

As you enter the first large curve around the marsh, look at the natural area on the other side of the trail. The area is a dry peninsula surrounded by oxbow lakes and river scars. One of the most abundant bushes is Sea Myrtle or Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia), which is not native to this area. In the fall you can identify it by its fluffy white seeds. If you were to walk through this area, you would also notice small trees coming up through the brush. These trees are almost all marked and rubbed by deer, which are numerous in this area. This deer damage may prevent this area from becoming forested.

Continue around the curve and you will soon see where the marsh transitions into the pond. In the winter this pond may be filled with some of our many waterfowl. Look for Double-crested Cormorant, Pied-billed Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, and many others. A complete list of these waterfowl can be found on the Nature Park's bird checklist located at the Phinizy Swamp Campus near the front of the park

Look to the other side of the trail at the natural wetlands. Straight across is one of the older river scars at the Nature Park. Down the trail another quarter of a mile, you will be straight across from a second river scar that is slightly more recent, and more forested than this first one. Take the time now to observe this river scar closely so you can compare it with the second one!

Near the middle of the constructed wetland pond you will notice another berm going off to the left. This berm leads to a newer cell that was planted in the summer of 2002. If you follow this berm you are leaving the River Scar Trail but will be rewarded with great views into the backside of the river scar ahead. Get your bearings now, though, because by following this berm you are headed to the far backside of the park!

Continuing on the River Scar Trail you come to a bench. Take a moment here to enjoy this scenic view of the second river scar. This is a classic tupelo cypress swamp, the picture that comes to mind when you hear the word "swamp." Look into the swamp and notice the swollen bases of the trees. This is an adaptation the trees have to aid in support. Some of the trees growing on the edge of the swamp, which is drier ground, are Silver Maples. Silver Maple is a more northern species that is slightly out of range in this area, but seems to be growing well here in Phinizy Swamp. Look into the swamp and see if you can spot a Wood Duck, egret or heron in the water. In the summer you may hear a singing Prothonotary Warbler or Northern Parula Warbler.

As you continue to walk, you will pass a second marsh and come to a right turn, which you should take. Feel free to continue straight, but be aware that you are heading to the back of the park and should be prepared for a long walk. To keep your orientation, always look for the tall, thin silver tower (a wind shear tower for the airport) and head towards it if you get lost.

Continuing on the River Scar Trail you will be walking between two marshes. The marsh on your right is the end of the wetland cell you have been circling. Look for the two weirs (concrete boxes), where the water exits the cell and heads to the Savannah River. Water travels into, through, and out of the cells by gravity. The marsh on the left is part of another wetland cell.

At the “T” with the next berm, turn again to your right and head down the "home stretch." The distribution canal is on your left behind the chain link fence. Notice the weirs along the canal. These weirs carry the treated wastewater to each of the wetland cells. The floating plants with the silver-dollar-shaped leaves are called Pennywort and are common throughout the park. If you look ahead on the fence, which makes a great perch for birds, you might find something interesting.

Our wetland cells provide excellent habitat for many of our wetland wildlife species. As you walk the trail, see how many species you can hear or see. Snapping and other water turtles are common in this cell. If you are very lucky, you might see an American Alligator, River Otter, Raccoon, or even a Beaver. Check muddy areas to see if you can find any of the prints left behind by our numerous White-tailed Deer. Also be on the lookout for "scat," animal poop!

At almost any time of day or year, you will be rewarded with at least some bird sightings. In fall, winter, and spring the marshes are filled with Soras and Marsh Wrens, both secretive birds more often heard than seen. Clap your hands and see if you get a response from the rails. In the winter, large numbers of blackbirds use these marshes as roosting sites. The grassy edge zone all along the berm provides great habitat for many birds such as sparrows, warblers, buntings and grosbeaks. Be sure to check the skies overhead. All year this trail provides excellent viewing for our many birds of prey. Most common is the Red-shouldered Hawk, but watch for Bald Eagle in winter. Spring may bring Mississippi Kites and late summer brings the Wood Storks.

We hope you have enjoyed the River Scar Trail! Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have. You may reach us (Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy) Monday - Friday from 8 to 4 at (706) 828-2109.