April Meeting
The Hemlock trees are dying, what can be done?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
7:00 P.M. to 8:45 P.M.
Homewood Library, Room 101
Downstairs
Presentation by:
Dr.Fincher, professor at Samford University
Eastern hemlock, a keystone species in the streamside forests of the southern Appalachian region, is experiencing widespread decline and mortality because of hemlock woolly adelgid (a tiny nonnative insect) infestation. The pest has the potential to kill most of the region's hemlock trees within the next decade. As a native evergreen capable of maintaining year-round transpiration rates, hemlock plays an important role in the ecology and hydrology of mountain ecosystems. Hemlock forests provide critical habitat for birds and other animals; their shade helps maintain the cool water temperatures required by trout and other aquatic organisms in mountain streams. One tiny insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid, is to blame. The Asian insect first appeared in the eastern U.S. in Richmond , Va. , in the 1950s. In 2003, it crossed the river from South Carolina and started feeding on Georgia trees. But, now there is new hope in saving the trees from attack. Our program will talk about what is being done to save hemlock trees.
Come early for refreshments
Hike - Walls of Jericho
Saturday, April 28 , 2012
We will meet at Shades Cahaba School on Highway 31 in Homewood at 6:50 A.M. The drive up is about 2.75 hours. Please RSVP with us at 541-7244.
Next Canoe Trip
Cahaba Lily Trip - Sunday, June 3, 2012, 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Call 541-7244 for details
May Meeting
Thursday, May 10, 2012
6:00 PM, meet at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a tour and talk about the Japanese Gardens.
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Homewood Salamander Story
http://www.thisamericanland.org/
(Go to Gallery/ Check for more catagories/Wildlife/Spotted Salamander)
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A restoration and stabilization project on the banks of Shades Creek has been finished. This project is near the Samford soccer fields and along the Shades Creek Greenway Trail. Professor Greg Jennings from North Carolina, a river restoration expert was the consultant on the project. We are very excited about the project and how it will help to stabilize the banks of Shades Creek.
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