In late 2023, I enrolled in the Master Naturalist program at the Chattahoochee Nature Center to do some continuing education in the field of naturalism. It has been a pleasure to connect with people with similar passions through the program and to get to meet so many specialists in adjacent fields.
Above is a photo of Dr. Leslie Edwards, co-author of The Natural Communities of Georgia.
Some of the key takeaways from this program that stood out to me are:
Habitat loss and a lack of controlled burns are the main contributors to the endangerment or extreme population loss of countless native arthropods, bats, amphibians, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Much of the research, field studies, captive breeding and release, habitat restoration, major land acquisitions, etc. are made possible primarily by small donation backed non-profit organizations, federal grants, and volunteers. Protecting nature really does feel like a grass roots movement and there are tons of ways you can be involved.
Plant diversity equals insect diversity which in turn equals bird diversity and so on.
Educating the general public is an important part of this advocacy work. If people don't know there is a problem, they can't help.
Above is a photo of the endangered gopher frog.
I'm not gonna lie, there were several lectures I have attended in this program that brought half of the class to tears from the devastating losses nature and our wildlife have endured, but we have to use that passion and love to fuel us to do something to help. So, if you find yourself asking, "what can I do?", here is a list of ideas and resources to help you on your path.
Above is a photo of native seedings, getting ready to be planted.
Ways to care for our local ecosystem:
Send a letter to the governor to help protect the largest blackwater wetland in North America.
Make a pollinator garden.
Create a mini-wetland.
Volunteer at a local greenspace to cultivate habitat for native plants and wildlife.
(Lake Claire Community Land Trust, Deepdene Forest, Fraser Forest, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Woodlands Garden)
Construct a bug hotel, or don't rake your fallen leaves when possible. Leave out small amounts of moving water or water that will evaporate throughout the day to provide a water source to insects without breeding mosquito.
Protect, cultivate, propagate, and report any rare or endangered plant specimens.
Participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (Aug 23-24,2024)
Plant or protect an oak tree (they provide habitat and food for over 550 species of pollinators alone).
Build a bat house by a pond, lake, or stream (12–20 feet above the ground and should be 20–30 feet from tree lines, structures and other obstacles.)
Familiarize yourself with local threatened/endangered flora and fauna.
Local conservation organizations to get involved with or donate to:
It all feels like a lot, but just start with whatever sounds the most interesting or exciting to you! It should be fun and not a stressful chore. The more you can engage with the natural world the more care we can all cultivate.
Ways to Continue Learning:
In case you are curious, here's the agenda of material and lecturers through the Master Naturalist Program at the CNC. Check with the UGA extension office to see what the closest master naturalist or master gardener programs are to you.
September 13th from 9am – 4pm
Nature awareness, what is a Naturalist? Keeping a Naturalist Journal
by Christie Hill, Naturalist Manager
October 11th from 9am - noon
Georgia Eco-regions Presentation
by Dr. Leslie Edwards, co-author of The Natural Communities of Georgia
October 11th from 1pm - 4 pm
Insects and plant relationships, Pollinators
by Henning Von Schmeling, Horticulture Curator, Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)
November 8th from 9am - noon
Tree Morphology with a Tree ID Walk
by Dave Long, ISA Certified Arborist, Georgia Forestry Commission
November 8th from 1pm - 4 pm
Mushrooms
by Sam Landes, GA Mushroom Club
December 13th from 9am - noon
Bats
by Maggie Hunt, Wildlife Biologist, DNR
December 13th from 1pm - 4pm
Rock & Mineral ID Workshop
by Dr. Bill Witherspoon, Geologist
January 10th from 9am - noon
Lichens Presentation and field study
by Malcolm Hodges, Naturalist
January 10th from 1pm - 4pm
Water Study with Macroinvertebrates in a freshwater system
by Mike Kahle, Cobb Water
February 14th from 9am - noon
Frogs and Amphibians
by Mark Mandica, Amphibian Foundation
February 14th from 1pm - 4pm
Snakes & Turtles of Georgia
March 13th from 8am - 9am
Bird walk at CNC
March 13th from 9am - noon
Birds – Introduction to Ornithology
by Georgann Schmalz, Birding Adventures, Inc.
March 13th from 1pm - 4pm
Birds of Prey
CNC Staff member
April 10th from 10am– 3pm
Field Trip - Granite Outcrop and Wildflowers meet at park
by Henning
May 8th from 10am – 2:30pm
Chattahoochee River Study