University of Florida
Wetlands
Club
H.T. Odum Cypress Dome Wetland
In 1999, Dr. Howard T. Odum (1924–2002) donated a 15 acre wooded parcel, including a 6 acre cypress dome, to the University of Florida. It was Dr. Odum’s wish that the property (and especially the dome) be used for education and research. The property has since been adopted as part of the University of Florida’s Natural Area Teaching Lab (NATL), such that access is guaranteed for posterity.
In 2004, the University of Florida Wetlands Club (WC) began an effort to make the cypress dome more accessible by creating a trail, and developing plans to construct a boardwalk into the center of the dome.
A monument at the edge of the dome, honoring Dr. Odum, was unveiled in March, 2005, at a dedication ceremony. Guests were given cypress seedlings as mementos; many of which were planted by the dome.
Current Status
Donations from the dedication will cover the construction of approximately one-quarter to one-third of the 260 feet to the center of the dome. One 15 foot section has already been constructed and the rest of the first phase will be constructed in early 2006.
The Wetlands Club plans to propagate seeds collected from the dome and sell the seedlings to support the boardwalk project.
