If you continue walking the main path you will reach the first of the string of small pools on El Pilar Creek. The community project constructed crossings to make the trail easier to use. Much of the water from the numberous springs spreads out and sinks into the ground in the lower reaches below and to the north. The stone above and to the south traps water into deeper and larger pools. Walk along the trail quietly and you are almost assured to see wildlife: agouti, peccary, armadillo, as well as their predators use the creek. You will also encounter a variety of birds.

"These two tall trees that you are observing stand as symbols of the type of broadleaf forest that once existed in in this area. They are survivors of the forest fires, and represent a passageway or green corridor for wildlife species. Green corridors are recognized as critical connections in areas where natural systems have been dramatically altered. Howler monkeys, kinkajous, and other arboreal species are known to use these corridors searching for food and habitat.

On both of these trees you can observe some of its native occupants...the orchids, bromeliads and strangler figs. Orchids and bromeliads 'climb' on these tall trees in order to receive moisture. At least 250 orchids have been identified in Belize, including the national flower, the Black Orchid.

The strangler fig on the other hand begins as an epiphyte when the seeds are dropped by animals from the forest. Then from the ground the roots of this tree begins to wrap around the host and eventually "strangle" the other tree.

What do you think would have happened if these trees had disappeared in smoke and ashes? Right, their demise also would have meant the disappearance of many other types of plants and animals. It is not surprising then to see how many species are prone to become extinct when habitats are altered, particularly tropical forests." -- EP Community Creek Trail Guide