"Pitcher Plant" Letterbox

Warren, Texas Tyler County Eastern Texas Pineywoods Region
Big Thicket National Preserve

Date of Placement: 3/9/03
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance to letterbox: About 100 Yards (one-way)
Placed by Baby Bear


The Big Thicket Ntl Preserve has multiple units in eastern Texas.
Each of these protects a diverse part or nature. The Turkey Creek
Unit contains a Wetland Savannah, which is an open grassy flatland
dotted with widely scattered longleaf pine trees. The ground is
covered with an array of grasses, sedges, rushes, and wildflowers;
including four species of carnivorous plants, which includes the
Pitcher Plant. The Pitcher Plant, with its long, narrow funnel-
shaped leaves, represents a pitfall type trap. The outside surface
of each leaf is dotted with nectar glands which are most numerous at
the funnel's opening. The nectar attracts an insect to the opening
and once inside it finds it difficult to escape. Lack of foothold
and downward-pointing hairs prevents escape, and the insect falls
into fluid that collects in the base. The plant then digests the
insect for food.


Directions:

The "Pitcher Plant" letterbox is located in the Turkey Creek Unit of
the Big Thicket Preserve, just east of Warren. From Beaumont, Go
north on Hwy 69/287 (from I-10) to Warren (about 40 miles). Turn
right on SH 1943, and go 4.3 miles. Turn south on a county road and
continue for 1.9 miles to a parking area on your right.


To the letterbox: