SePPCon 2020 was held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden from March 2-6, 2020. Pre-conference workshops were held in the Garden’s new Southeastern Center for Conservation, home to the Conservation Genetics and Micropropagation Laboratories. The workshops included training in IUCN Red Listing & NatureServe Ranking, Conservation Horticulture, and Seedbanking & Micropropagation. Two keynote speakers set the…
An Update for Sandy Bottom Preserve
To view the full article by K. Chávez, Asheville Citizen Times, click here. Sandy Bottom wetlands to receive protection for ‘national ecological significance’ Karen Chávez, Asheville Citizen Times Published 5:00 a.m. ET Jan. 14, 2020 ASHEVILLE – Do the thousands of drivers who zip down N.C. 191 through Bent Creek each day know they are passing…
Protecting Photographs Prevents Poaching
In this day and age, social media absorbs just about everything and everyone. I mean, why wouldn’t it? It’s such a conveniently fast, educational, and artistic way to share ideas and information with others. Even within small circles of botanists, horticulturalists, conservationists, and plant enthusiasts alike, we all want to share our excitement and new…
Guest Post: Pitcher Plant Flies by Peter Kann, Eastern Carolina University
What do you think of when you think of flies? Annoyance at picnics or in the house? Maybe you think of the itching bites that some species inflict? In reality, flies are an extremely diverse group of insects that lead complex and often dangerous lives. Flies can be predators, pollinators, pest-controllers, blood-suckers, herbivores, and even…
Highlights from One 2019 Work & Learn Field Day
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…
“Thorny Problems in Tennessee” article
The Nature Conservancy’s magazine/Fall 2019 issue includes a piece that many readers here will relate to: online version. Enjoy!
Pitcher Plant Podcast
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
Controlled Burn at Cedar Mountain Bog
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!
Range-Wide Bog Turtle 2018 Symposium
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…
Poaching Threat is Serious Business
We came across this article recently and thought it was worth reiterating the importance of concealing wetland locations.
Save the date for SePPCon 2020
The second Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation Symposium & Workshop will be held March 2-6, 2020 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s new Southeastern Center for Plant Conservation. More details will be available soon – please check the ABG website.
Understanding Bog Turtle decline in the Southern Appalachians. Guest post by Mike Knoerr
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…
