Horizon VI: 4,000-350 Years Ago The Return of the Swamp The top layer of peat in the core indicates that by 4,000 years ago, the unusual dry period in Cedar Swamp’s history had ended.  The water table in the basin rose, and wetland species again flourished.  Cedar Swamp was, once again, a swamp, a dense mosaic of mossy and shrubby vegetation. 1. Storm Clouds, Rain Falling on Surface of Water Throughout southern New England at this time there was a change in climate, resulting in moister and slightly cooler conditions.  Water tables rose, and Cedar Swamp was transformed from an open deciduous forest to a forested wetland. 2. Atlantic White Cedar, White Pine, Hemlock and Red Maple Trees As water tables rose and the climate became slightly cooler, Atlantic white cedar, white pine, and hemlock trees became more numerous.  Pollen from the core shows that red maple trees were also present at this time. 3. Raccoon Small mammals and birds ate the fruits of elderberry and other shrubs. 4. White-Tailed Deer Eating Atlantic White Cedar White-tailed deer, which browse on the twigs and buds of Atlantic white cedar trees, were drawn to the swamp. 5. Group of People, Wigwams at Shore of Cedar Swamp Archaeological sites from the first half of this period are large and complex, indicating that sizable groups of people were using the wetlands on a regular basis from 4,000 to 2,000 years ago.  Thereafter, increased use of marine resources along the coast, several miles from the swamp, may have accounted for evidence of fewer and smaller habitation sites found near Cedar Swamp from 2,000-350 years ago.