In order to improve land management skills and foster a sense of community among those involved in southern Appalachian bog conservation, the Bog Learning Network periodically hosts work days in area bogs. This May workday, at a site owned by the state of North Carolina, was dedicated to knocking back invasive plants that compete with…

The Nature Conservancy’s magazine/Fall 2019 issue includes a piece that many readers here will relate to: online version.  Enjoy!

Check out this podcast featuring Dr. Jess Stephens, Conservation Coordinator & Research Scientist at Atlanta Botanical Garden — many will know her as a presenter at our recent BLN annual meeting. http://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast/2019/4/28/ep-210-pitcher-plants-a-world-unto-themselves  For more info you can also visit her website: http://www.sarraceniastephens.org

Last week, the Southern Blue Ridge Burn Crew (The Nature Conservancy – North Carolina chapter) partnered with the NC Department of Agriculture’s Plant Conservation Program for a controlled burn at their Cedar Mountain Bog. TNC-NC’s Dean Simon was burn boss on this small but very important burn, which went really well!

This December 4-5, 2018 meeting in Richmond, VA is offered at no charge to bog turtle partners. See draft agenda: BT Meeting Draft Agenda 09.26.18 To register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdC7iIaceWytheSs1MzyNwU3DvfdLpp-buf2dyCDhwNM-KcFg/viewform To reserve a hotel room, make your reservation by November 3 to get the discounted rate. Be sure to tell them you are with the Bog Turtle…

We came across this article recently and thought it was worth reiterating the importance of concealing wetland locations.  

  Endangered Bog turtles exist in southern Appalachian mountain bogs. These wetlands are incredibly rare and increasing isolated on the landscape. Thankfully, The Nature Conservancy has acquired and actively manages several of these wetlands for rare plants and animals, including the small and secretive bog turtle.  Mark-recapture data and population level analyses suggest that many…

Last week, USFWS and TNC teamed up to do survey green pitcher plants (Sarracenia oreophila) at the only remaining Low Mountain Seepage Bogs in western North Carolina.  We’ve been observing population trends for this species since TNC acquired the site in the late 1980’s and started a controlled burning interval of once every 2-3 years. …

Great new article appearing in The Transylvania Times by BLN Member, Owen Carson.  Nice job Owen!