The light cacophony of birdsong that can be heard from the Cypress Wetlands and Historic Walking Trail in Port Royal is mesmerizing. Walking along the beautiful boardwalk, pedestrians can view a variety of winged creatures and other wildlife from a favorable vantage point. As Port Royal Town Manager Van Willis described at a dedication ceremony for the new wetlands park and trail on Tuesday, May 15, “This is a quality of life project that is a real asset to the town.”

[caption id="attachment_6810" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray cuts the ribbon at a ceremony for the Cypress Wetlands and Historic Walking Trails on Tuesday, May 15. From left is Councilman Tom Klein, Town Manager Van Willis and Councilman Joe Lee."]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0571.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-6810" title="DSC_0571" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0571-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[/caption]

Willis recalled all the times he woke up early to meet with Henry Robinson about the project that’s been more than nine years in the making.
As far as restoring the area to its natural state and managing stormwater, Willis said, “We’re pretty proud of what we’ve done so far.”
He thanked all the people and businesses that helped turn this long-term eco-dream into a reality.
The citizens and Town of Port Royal also recognized Public Works employee

[caption id="attachment_6811" align="alignright" width="199" caption="The new Cypress Wetlands and Historic Walking Trails provide tranquil views and the opportunity to see many birds."]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0574.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6811" title="DSC_0574" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DSC_0574-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" /></a>[/caption]

Silas Green for his dedication to the town. The World War II veteran was given a flag and was called “a great ambassador for Port Royal.”
Meanwhile, back in the wetlands, interactive boards contain information about birds of prey, species of trees and the ecological importance of this area. The 0.56 mile trail — a combination of boardwalk, paved trail, and roadside pedestrian and bike trail — is also easy to follow with well-placed markers.