YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Hiking The Tuskegee National Forest
06/04/14 10:53 Filed in: Environment
Audubon Field Trip to Tuskegee National Forest
On a crisp early morning in April, a group of intrepid explorers from the Birmingham Audubon Society arrive at the Pleasant Hill Trailhead in the Tuskegee National Forest. Bird calls ring out high above, which our knowledgable birders identify for the novices as pine warblers, red-eyed vireos, brown thrashers, eastern towhees, northern cardinal, Carolina wrens and a variety of other birds. The blackened areas in the forest show the on going effort by the US Forest Service to restore the longleaf pines by controlled burning of undergrowth.This is because extensive timbering and replanting with loblolly pine during the settlement period of the nineteenth century increased the population of pine beetle and caused a sharp decline in longleafs—and with them the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker that nests in mature longleaf pine forests with grassy undergrowth.
On a crisp early morning in April, a group of intrepid explorers from the Birmingham Audubon Society arrive at the Pleasant Hill Trailhead in the Tuskegee National Forest. Bird calls ring out high above, which our knowledgable birders identify for the novices as pine warblers, red-eyed vireos, brown thrashers, eastern towhees, northern cardinal, Carolina wrens and a variety of other birds. The blackened areas in the forest show the on going effort by the US Forest Service to restore the longleaf pines by controlled burning of undergrowth.This is because extensive timbering and replanting with loblolly pine during the settlement period of the nineteenth century increased the population of pine beetle and caused a sharp decline in longleafs—and with them the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker that nests in mature longleaf pine forests with grassy undergrowth.
Clambering over fallen trees, we come upon a charming pocket of blooming wild irises, pushing out of winter’s golden carpet of leaves.
Our happy convoy winds through the forest service roads, alive with snowy dogwood blossoms and fluttering butterflies, to the Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area. Alas, on arrival we find the gate closed. Making a U-turn, we drive to the alternative entrance, only to find that the bridge over to the trail is broken.
From there we drive to the picnic area for a delicious bbq lunch. Then on to hike the Bartram Traill to explore the most northern Magnolia Beech Forest in Alabama. This area was created in 1959 from land purchased in the 30's under the Submarginal Land Program because of over-farming and poor land management. We could easily see how the sandy soils quickly erode small streams, creating deep chasms.
The west side of the trail parallels Choctafaula Creek, winding through young hardwood forest of birch, magnolias, and oak that grow in low lying areas. Thanks to Maureen Shaffer and Ken Wills for organizing and leading this most enjoyable trip.
Other Links:
Alabama Birding Trails
Bartram Trail
Birmingham Audubon Society
The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: Return of The Red-Cockaded Clan
ALSO FOLLOW MY BLOG POST:
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.
Our happy convoy winds through the forest service roads, alive with snowy dogwood blossoms and fluttering butterflies, to the Tsinia Wildlife Viewing Area. Alas, on arrival we find the gate closed. Making a U-turn, we drive to the alternative entrance, only to find that the bridge over to the trail is broken.
From there we drive to the picnic area for a delicious bbq lunch. Then on to hike the Bartram Traill to explore the most northern Magnolia Beech Forest in Alabama. This area was created in 1959 from land purchased in the 30's under the Submarginal Land Program because of over-farming and poor land management. We could easily see how the sandy soils quickly erode small streams, creating deep chasms.
The west side of the trail parallels Choctafaula Creek, winding through young hardwood forest of birch, magnolias, and oak that grow in low lying areas. Thanks to Maureen Shaffer and Ken Wills for organizing and leading this most enjoyable trip.
Other Links:
Alabama Birding Trails
Bartram Trail
Birmingham Audubon Society
The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: Return of The Red-Cockaded Clan
ALSO FOLLOW MY BLOG POST:
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.