Grassland Trail

In the Pampas region, native grasslands are particularly well apt for cattle-ranching and agriculture, and consequently, they have been significantly altered during the last 400 years. Grasslands represent about 70% of the Uruguay’s land area.

 

Along the Grassland Trail of the Garzón Sculpture Park a sample of the 2000 species that are part of this ecosystem in Uruguay can be appreciated. The first section of the trail is located in an area that was under cattle grazing until recently. The second part (after crossing the third fence) is a patch that has been cattle free for a considerable time, and thus, grassland structure is taller. In this site several individuals of two palm species have been planted: Butiá (Butia odorata) with grayish leaves and Pindó (Syagrus ramanzoffiana), with greener foliage.

palma-pindó

Palma Pindó

clavel del aire

clavel del aire

butiá

Palma Butiá

The trail also has a great variety of native herbaceous plants, among which grasses stand out: “flechillas” (Stipa sp.), “poas” (Poa sp.), “melicas” (Melica sp.), “brizas” (Briza sp.), etc., can be distinguished by their panicles and spikelets. Other common herbs are the “Tres Puntas” (Three Points, Herbertia sp.), the “Margarita Morada” (Purple Daisy, Glandularia selloi) y the “Malvavisco” (“Pink Pavonia”, Pavonia sp.). The “Carqueja” is also abundante; this is one of the grassland species with medicinal properties.

The trail also has a great variety of native herbaceous plants, among which grasses stand out: “flechillas” (Stipa sp.), “poas” (Poa sp.), “melicas” (Melica sp.), “brizas” (Briza sp.), etc., can be distinguished by their panicles and spikelets. Other common herbs are the “Tres Puntas” (Three Points, Herbertia sp.), the “Margarita Morada” (Purple Daisy, Glandularia selloi) y the “Malvavisco” (“Pink Pavonia”, Pavonia sp.). The “Carqueja” is also abundante; this is one of the grassland species with medicinal properties.

butiá

Palma Butiá

Grassland fauna is also diverse. Among the most emblematic species, the Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) stands out; this large non-flying bird that lives in groups. Greater Rheas sometimes visit (and even nest within) the trail surroundings, attracted from nearby ranches to the peaceful and safe environment that the Park offers. The Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) is a poorly known species that roams the grassland in search of food. When disturbed, it will run away rather than fly.

Seriema

Seriema

ñandú

Ñandú

tero

Tero

tijereta

Tijereta

The Red-winged Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) and the Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa) are two other typical grassland species. The former favors tall grassland patches like the ones present along the last part of the trail. Its presence is revealed by a whistled four-note song. The Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) and the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) also inhabit the grassland. While the lapwing prefers short-grass patches, the flycatcher perches on elevated points such a fences and isolated tress, darting out to catch flying insects. The latter is a migratory species that visits our region from September to March.

The Red-winged Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) and the Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa) are two other typical grassland species. The former favors tall grassland patches like the ones present along the last part of the trail. Its presence is revealed by a whistled four-note song. The Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) and the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) also inhabit the grassland. While the lapwing prefers short-grass patches, the flycatcher perches on elevated points such a fences and isolated tress, darting out to catch flying insects. The latter is a migratory species that visits our region from September to March.

tero

Tero

tijereta

Tijereta


Forest Trail

Wetland Observation Points