Headwater Swamp

Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park is situated in an unusual habitat - a "headwater" swamp. This swamp differs greatly from the more common "backwater" swamps. Found within the floodplain zones of large streams and rivers, backwater swamps respond to fluctuating water levels with alternate periods of flooding and drying. In contrast, headwater swamps, usually located in the upper reaches of streams or rivers, seldom flood deeply, yet rarely dry up.