Check out this new feature by Sydney Bezanson, Creative Content Manager for The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/animals-we-protect/bog-turtle/ “The bog turtle is North America’s smallest turtle, growing only to 4.5 inches in length. Easily recognized by the orange patch on either side of its head, the bog turtle favors open, groundwater-fed wet meadows and…
Author: Jennifer Lamb
I am the Southern Blue Ridge Conservation Coordinator in The Nature Conservancy's Asheville, NC office.
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…
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.
Trending in the Right Direction: Green Pitcher Plant Monitoring
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. …
Job opportunities that may be of interest to BLN members
Three positions with the Natural Resources Program of North Carolina State Parks are now open. According to BLN member & NC State Parks Inventory Biologist Ed Corey, these positions will close fast, so don’t delay! Mountain Regional Biologist: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/northcarolina/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=2030924 Fire Specialist: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/northcarolina/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=2030875 Restoration Specialist: https://agency.governmentjobs.com/northcarolina/job_bulletin.cfm?JobID=2030312
The Seeds of Success East partnership is conducting an online survey of Native Plant and Seed Use in the Eastern United States — your responses will help support the development of a native plant materials program based on the real-world needs of land managers, restoration ecologists, and other conservation/horticultural professionals. This survey is open to all professionals…
NC Plant Conservation Program: 2017 Year In Review
Lesley Starke, Plant Ecologist for the NC Plant Conservation Program, shared this report with highlights about protection efforts, volunteer opportunities and events, and management activities. Check it out: 2017 PCP Year in Review
