Saturday, July 24, 2010

9:00 a.m.

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This special hike to visit 2 signigicant glades in the Bankhead National Forest will be led by botanist Kevin England. Both glades are part of the restoration project in the Bankhead.  Late July is the time summer glade flowers are in bloom.

The limestone glade at Indian Tomb Hollow will be the first stop.  This habitat consists of exposed limestone and very thin, alkaline soils.  The plant life found here consists of very specialized species; some having thick and fleshy leaves while others survive the harsh conditions by a very large taproot.  Plants that occur here include Eastern False Aloe (Manfreda virginica) and Eastern Prickly-Pear (Opuntia humifusa).

The second stop will require a short hike to the Balls Mountain sandstone glade.  Here we will see exposed snadstone and soils that are thin to none at all.  These plants have adapted to live in very harsh, acidic conditions.  Plants that will be seen here include Menges' Fameflower (Phemeranthus mengesii) and Small-Head Blazing Star (Liatris microcephala).

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company (11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL) at 9:00 a.m.  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  Please don't park anywhere near the diesel pump (causes trouble for the big trucks).  Kevin will conduct a brief orientation at the tables in the center of the store at 9:00.

This hike is free, but we do gratefully accept donations!  There will be a donation jar near the sign-in sheets.

Bring lunch, snacks, and above all, plenty of drinking water.  You can count on it being HOT.

Other things to bring:  camera, bandana, hat, notebook and pen, field guide to plants.

There may be a dip in the Sipsey River at some point, so be prepared to get wet if you care to cool off in that way.

All ages are welcome.

Hiking distances are very short, about 1 mile total.

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