Chestnut Research Highlighted in Birmingham News

An article in today's Birmingham News features Dr. Stacy Clark's research on the American Chestnut. Her test plots on the Bankhead National Forest are included in the article celebrating Arbor Week. The article is linked here:

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/02/naturalists_hope_fledgling_ame.html

Tree Sale Success!

The Winston County Natural Resource Council held their annual Tree Sale on Monday, February 23, 2009. The sale was a huge success again this year and I'd would like to thank everyone who participated. The Council's expense for the trees, fruit and shrub this year was $865.00, and our profit netted us $846.00! These funds will be a great asset to the council in paying for our expenses toward the educational programs we provide each year in Winston County.

Auburn University Biomass Gasifier in Fultondale

Yesterday, at the Woody Biomass to Energy Workshop hosted by the Walker County Soil and Water Conservation District, Mark Hall made a presentation about Wood Chips to Electricity. Mark is the Extension Renewable Energy Specialist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. He's created a video about a unit that is being tested by Auburn University and the City of Fultondale. The unit generates electricity from municipal yard waste, such as tree limbs, leaves, and grass clippings.

2009 Tree Sale

The Winston County Natural Resource Council will hold their annual tree sale beginning Monday, February 23 at 9:00 am. The sale will be held at the Alabama Forestry Commission office in Double Springs in conjunction with Arbor Week.

Species available this year are Sawtooth Oak, Shumard Oak, Red Maple, Crepe Myrtle, Longleaf Pine, River Birch, Japanese Maple, Redbud and Chinese Dogwood. We will also have a limited amount of Blueberry and Muscadine Plants in 1-gallon pots, Oak Leaf Hydrangea in 3-gallon pots and large Sugar Maples.

Prices will vary so call 205-489-5014 for more information

Fighting the Invasion of the Land Snatchers

I was glad to see this article in the Birmingham News about the damage privet is causing to our landscapes. This easy-to-understand article can help more citizens realize privet is becoming an environmental nightmare. The map on the right gives a good indication how Birmingham is a hotspot of privet infestation. Maps of other invasive species infestations are located at this Princeton Unversity website.

Storm Watcher Class in Double Springs

James Burnett, Winston County Emergency Management Director, tells me that the National Weather Service will hold a Storm Watchers Class on Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Winston County Courthouse at 6:00 p.m. Participants will be trained on how to spot wall clouds and other severe weather indicators. Those attending the training will be certified as Storm Watchers by the Weather Service. James tells me that they will offer the basic weather spotter training at this class. An advanced class may also be taught on this evening, but the arrangements are not finalized. If you would like more information, call James Burnett at (205) 489-2747.