Biodiversity of Alabama's Journal

Journal archives for March 2017

March 1, 2017

iNaturalist Hike @ Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Pinson, AL - March 12, 2017

https://www.facebook.com/events/1831911650416916/

As new technology is developed, scientist are provided new ways of collecting information about our natural world. Many of these new technologies have been adapted so that an average citizen can collect real, certifiable data.

This Naturalist hike will highlight an application for smartphones called iNaturalist. This app allows anyone with a smartphone to document species by taking a geo-referenced photograph. From here, you can attempt to identify the object in the photo, or allow it to be described through crowdsourced species identification. This gives you the opportunity to have your own personal naturalist resource whenever you decide to go. Well, that is as long as your battery is charged!

The goal of our Naturalist hike is to inspire people to look deeper into our natural areas, and put names to faces. Flower faces, salamander faces, bird faces, and more. This informal naturalist lead hike is focused on introducing you to familiar species, as well as those lesser-known ones. We encourage questions and participation! These hikes are offered to you free of charge, but as a Non-profit, nature preserve we encourage participants to support the preserve and the programs we offer by donating. Thanks for supporting Turkey Creek Nature Preserve!

Download the free app from the app store (Iphone) or google play (android) before our hike. We encourage all participants to download the app, create a user name, and make one observation before the hike. This way we can minimize the time we spend on initial set up and focus on hiking and exploring the app.

Other important reminders:
Charge your phone, or bring an external power source.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Bring water!
Please arrive 15 minutes early so you can sign in and get comfortable before the hike begins.
If you would like to bring binoculars, please do!
Parking will be inside the green/red cattle gate on the right of Turkey Creek Road BEFORE you enter the formal preserve entry gate (black).
Donations are greatly appreciated!

The duration of the hike will be about 1.5 miles over two hours. This hike is rated as easy, but we will be off trail at certain times. We welcome all who want to join but this hike will be best suited for those who can hike up hills and uneven terrain.

Follow us on facebook Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
if you would like to leave a donation follow this link:
(https://turkeycreeknp.com/support-2/contribute/)

Thank You, and see you soon!

Posted on March 1, 2017 04:52 PM by friel friel | 0 comments | Leave a comment

March 9, 2017

Early Spring Wildflower Walk - March 12, 2017 2-4 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/752216224928662/

Join us on Sunday, March 12 as we explore the University of Alabama Arboretum's collection of native wildflowers. Executive Director Monica Moss Watkins will take us on a guided tour through a stunning woodland habitat that showcases some of the Southeast's finest flora right here in Tuscaloosa. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

The Alabama Wildflower Society has helped us prepare for this event by weeding and working on invasive species in the garden.

Sightings might include various types of Shooting Star, Trillium, Fairy wand, Alabama croton, Lenten rose, Wild ginger and other beloved native flowering plants.

We will meet at the Pavilion. The tour will begin at 2pm and conclude by 4pm.

Registration is limited to 20 participants. Please call the office to reserve your space. 205-553-3278 or send an email to ua.arboretum@ua.edu

Posted on March 9, 2017 09:42 PM by friel friel | 0 comments | Leave a comment

March 16, 2017

Bioblitz @ Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Auburn, AL - April 1, 2017

https://www.facebook.com/events/1305232259561306/

Join in BioBlitz 2017! Ever wonder how scientist know what plants, animals and other organisms live in a certain ecosystem? Be a part of the bioassessment for the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on April 1, 2017 and find out.

Participation Fee $5.00/person for ages 10 years and up. The fee includes an "Explorer's Kit" full of scientific information and fun!!

Posted on March 16, 2017 02:56 AM by friel friel | 0 comments | Leave a comment