Conservation Videos and Webinars
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Northern Bobwhite Session #4 “Bobwhite in Pasture Systems”
Session 4 of the “Northern Bobwhite” mini-series was presented by Tanner Patton with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. This session focuses on the Northern Bobwhite Quail in pasture systems. Topics covered include the disadvantages of non-native grass for Northern Bobwhite and livestock, benefits of NWSG to livestock and Northern Bobwhite, and grazing practices that help your livestock operation while simultaneously promoting wildlife.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Northern Bobwhite Session #3 “Bobwhite in Ag Spaces”
Session 3 of the “Northern Bobwhite” mini-series was presented by Dr. Mark McConnell from Mississippi State University. This session focuses on the Northern Bobwhite Quail in agricultural landscapes. Topics covered include landscape changes driven by national trends, land sharing vs land sparing, socio-ecological systems and how to move towards better habitat, and opportunities for quail habitat in ag landscapes using profit margin and yield maps.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Northern Bobwhite Session #2 “Bobwhite Habitat”
Session 2 of the “Northern Bobwhite” mini-series was presented by James Martin from the University of Georgia. This session focuses on the Northern Bobwhite Quail and its basic habitat needs. Topics covered include quail numbers in managed areas, habitat connectivity, landscape scale effect of management practices, 4 basic habitat needs for bobwhites, and habitat heterogeneity.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Northern Bobwhite Session #1 “Bobwhite Biology”
Session 1 of the “Northern Bobwhite” mini-series was presented by James Martin from the University of Georgia. This session focuses on the Northern Bobwhite Quail and its basic biology. Topics covered include species overview across its range, population trends in different areas of the country, bobwhite quail mating strategies, nesting success, and annual survival.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Programs and Partnerships Session #4 “Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas”
Session 4 of the “Programs and Partnerships” mini-series was presented by Laurie Hamon with The Xerces Society. This session focuses on the Bumble Bee Atlas program and how beneficial it is to pollinator conservation. Topics covered include a basic understanding of bumble bee biology, a general overview of the Bumble Bee Atlas program, and a focused overview of the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Programs and Partnerships Session #3 “Power of Partnerships”
Session 3 of the “Programs and Partnerships” mini-series was presented by Derek Wiley, OPJV/TPWD and Thomas Janke, PFQF. This session focuses on the exceptional partnerships going on in Texas and Oklahoma. Topics covered include a basic understanding of joint ventures, the GRIP program, and success stories.
WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar Series: Programs and Partnerships Session #2 “Programs Available to Landowners”
Session 2 of the “Programs and Partnerships” mini-series was presented by Alison Menefee, PFQF and Dallas Ingram, Georgia DNR. This session focuses on cost-share programs available to landowners at the federal and state levels. Topics covered include a basic understanding of federal programs, a brief overview of EQIP, WLFW, CSP, and CRP, and an overview of state-level programs for wildlife, forestry, prescribed fire, and invasives.
WLFW Programs and Partnerships Webinar Series- Session # 1 “What is Working Lands for Wildlife”
This Session of the WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar series was presented by Bridgett Costanzo, USDA’s Working Lands for Wildlife East Region Coordinator and Dr. Jess McGuire, PF/QF’s Working Lands for Wildlife Program Manager. This session focuses on what exactly is WLFW? This is the first session in the new mini-series “Programs and Partnerships.” Topics covered include the definition of WLFW, how it is funded, new frameworks to come, models showing the decision-making behind the frameworks, monitoring on WLFW projects, and a quick overview of the new app “Bobscapes.”
WLFW East Region Conservation Series May 9, 2024
Tune in Thursday, May 9th, at 11:30 am CST (12:30 PM EST) for our first webinar in the new mini-series, “Programs and Partnerships”! This week's topic will cover "What is Working Lands for Wildlife?" with speakers Bridgett Costanzo with USDA and Dr. Jess McGuire with Quail Forever.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 12 Maintaining Pollinator Habitat
Session 12 of the WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar series was presented by Brittney Viers, PF/QF’s Tennessee State Coordinator. This session focuses on how to properly maintain pollinator habitat and is the last session in the pollinator series. Topics covered include the history of Southern Grasslands, designing adequate seed mixes, utilizing native seed banks, planting methods, and management techniques.
WLFW East Region Conservation Series April 11 2024
Tune in Thursday, April 11th, at 11:30 am CST (12:30 PM EST) for our last webinar in the Pollinator Series! This week's topic will cover "Maintaining Pollinator Habitat" with speaker Brittney Viers with Quail Forever.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 11 PF/QF’s Pollinator Habitat Program
Session 11 of the WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar series was presented by Kim Cole, PF/QF’s Habitat Education Program Manager. This session focuses on resources for hosting pollinator events and is the second session on “pollinator outreach” in the series. Topics covered include Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program, Habitat Education Resources, and Milkweed in the Classroom.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 10 How to Do a Pollinator Outreach Event
Session 10 of the WLFW East Region Pollinator Conservation Webinar series was presented by Catherine Beall, South Dakota’s Monarch and Pollinator Coordinating Wildlife Biologist. This session focuses on how to host a pollinator outreach event and is the first session on “pollinator outreach” in the series. Topics covered include the first steps to consider when organizing an event, assembling an agenda, how to advertise, how to prepare the week of the event, things to consider on the day of the event, and follow-up after the event.
WLFW East Region Conservation Series
Tune in this Thursday, February 8th, at 11:30 am CST for the next webinar in our Conservation Series! This week's topic will cover "How to do a Pollinator Outreach Event" with speaker Cat Beall with Pheasants Forever. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ykxskkay
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 9 Pollinators & Forestland-Underappreciated Pollinator Habitat
Session 9 of the WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Kass Urban-Mead, Pollinator Conservation Specialist for the Xerces Society and a Partner Biologist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This session focuses on the relationship of pollinators and forestland. Topics covered include an introduction to bee diversity and forest habitats, how bees and other pollinators use the woods, and forest health and pollinators.
WLFW East Region Conservation Series
Tune in this Thursday, January 11th, at 11:30 am CST for the next webinar in our Conservation Series! This week's topic will cover "Pollinators & Forestland: Underappreciated Pollinator Habitat" with speaker Kass Urban-Mead of the Xerces Society. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ykxskkay
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Series: Session # 8 Pollinators and Livestock Grazing
Session 8 of WLFW East Region Conservation Webinar series, presented by Jason Jones and Katrina Sims, Grassland and Grazing Coordinators in Ohio and Arkansas, respectively. This session focuses on grazing livestock with consideration of pollinators. This is the third of three sessions on “pollinator habitat” in the series. Topics covered include benefits of native grassland restoration, native grazing considerations for conservation planning, pasture conversion and establishment, and grazing strategies.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 7 Do I Need a Pollinator Seed Mix and How to Build One
Session 7 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Kelly Gill, Pollinator Conservation Specialist for the Xerces Society and a Partner Biologist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This session focuses on building seed mixes designed for pollinators and is the second of three sessions on “pollinator habitat” in the series. Topics covered include recognizing whether a seed mix is needed, various seed mix options through NRCS, and specific information needed to build a seed mix such as habitat design and species selection.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Series: Session #6 Planning & Establishing Pollinator Habitat
Session 6 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Celia Vuocolo, WLFW Pollinator Coordinator-East with Quail Forever & USDA-NRCS. Topics covered include a step by step process for planning and establishing pollinator habitat, including site selection, options for restoration and Farm Bill programs planning process.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Series: Session #5 SWAP & Listed Species in the Southeast
Session 5 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Celia Vuocolo, WLFW Pollinator Coordinator-East with Quail Forever & USDA-NRCS. Topics covered include an overview of a selection of State Wildlife Action Plan SGCNs and federal/state listed pollinator species. Conservation planning strategies for planners and biologists.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session # 4 Monarch in the Southeast
Session 4 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Dr. Ray Moranz, Grazing Lands Pollinator Ecologist for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. This session focuses on the Monarch butterfly in the Southeast, and is the second of three sessions on “pollinator species of conservation concern” in the series. Topics covered include Monarch life history, conservation threats & status, management considerations and Southeast region plants species that support Monarchs.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session #3 Bumble Bees in the Southeast
Session 3 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Celia Vuocolo, WLFW Pollinator Coordinator-East with Quail Forever & USDA-NRCS. This session focuses on Bumble Bees in the Southeast, and will be the first of three sessions on “pollinator species of conservation concern” in the series. Topics covered include bumble bee life history, conservation threats & status, species found in the southeast, management considerations and plants for supporting bumble bees.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session #2 Who are the Southeast Region’s Pollinators?
Session 2 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Celia Vuocolo, WLFW Pollinator Coordinator-East with Quail Forever & USDA-NRCS. In the second session of the series, topics covered include an overview of pollinator communities in the Southeast, six native been families in the US, other major pollinator groups and some fundamental planning considerations and recommendations.
WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar Series: Session #1 Pollination Biology
Session 1 of WLFW Pollinator Conservation Webinar series, presented by Celia Vuocolo, WLFW Pollinator Coordinator-East with Quail Forever & USDA-NRCS. In this first session of the series, topics covered include threats to pollinators, plant pollination strategies, pollinator foraging behaviors, and a quick overview of bees of conservation concern.
Intro to 'Ted Takeaways'
A welcome video with Ted Coopwood III, President and CEO of Coopwood Enterprises and conservation expert. Ted joined the Landscape Partnership to speak about his leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation. This video accompanies two short podcasts about how to recognize and center diverse voices in conservation and working lands efforts.
Yellowstone to Yukon: Indigenous Leadership in Conservation
Join the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center - Global Change Fellows for a Global Change Seminar: “Yellowstone to Yukon: Indigenous Leadership in Conservation“
Webinar: Working with Landowners to Build Resilience Across the Landscape
This session identified strategies to connect with landowners.
Webinar: Restoration on Private Lands Pt. 2 – Implementation, Biological Control Options, and Restoring for Birds
Part two of this webinar series includes extended Q&A geared towards restoration on private lands.
Webinar: Restoration on Private Lands Pt. 1 – Restoration Planning, Weed Control, and Recommended Herbicides
This two-part webinar series includes extended Q&A geared towards restoration on private lands.
Webinar: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians collaborative research and management of culturally important forest products
This webinar introduces a program on co-produced research and action to manage forests for culturally important plants within portions of traditional Cherokee homelands. Registration is required to viewnon-demand.
Webinar: From data to decision: Pathways for salt marsh conservation and restoration
Learn about conservation and restoration activities led by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary that highlight the interactive nature of monitoring, tool development, and interventions to inform goal-based site management.
SE FireMap Phase II: Developing the Decision Support System Webinar
A free and open webinar for practitioners and the public to learn about the Southeast (SE) FireMap and next steps in its development as an operational decision-support tool for resource managers. In this next phase, the SE FireMap aims to provide up-to-date information to support fire management and conservation efforts. Representatives from USDA-NRCS, Tall Timbers Research, and USGS lead the webinar.
Incorporating the Benefits of Natural and Working Lands in Conservation Planning
Katie Warnell, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, gave this seminar March 22, 2022, as part of our Spring virtual science seminar series highlighting SE CASC funded projects supporting resource management actions across the Southeast.
WLFW Northern bobwhite, Grasslands, and Savannas Framework - Partners’ webinar 3/2/2022
On March 2, 2022 Bridgett Costanzo of NRCS's Working Lands for Wildlife and Jessica McGuire of QF presented on the WLFW framework for NOBO, grasslands and savannas. Ms. Costanzo presented on the content of the new framework document, the priority areas and conservation practice goals set by the 24 NRCS state offices, and responses received from the needs assessment survey. Ms. McGuire presented on staffing and monitoring plans associated with launching this framework.
Stakeholder Webinar: Understanding the Human Dimensions of Private Lands Conservation and Management
Series of speakers on human dimensions of working with private landowners to effect conservation.
Working With Farmers and Landowners in NY to Restore Bog Turtle Habitat Powerpoint Presentation
Approximately 15 minute presentation on conducting bog turtle habitat conservation through Farm Bill programs on private lands, and how to work with private landowners. Presented by Elizabeth Marks of NRCS, an Area Biologist in upstate NY who has extensive experience with this topic.
Introduction to LANDFIRE video series
Through a short series of videos, learn about LANDFIRE: a shared program between federal wildland fire management programs that provides landscape scale geospatial products to support cross-boundary planning, management, and operations. Use LF data for landscape assessment, modeling, analysis, and more.
The Long View: Sustaining Our Oak Forests
This working lands webinar will educate landowners and natural resource professionals on working lands conservation programs intended to benefit wildlife species and promote oak forest diversity. In this webinar, we will take the “Long View” by looking back in time to gain historical grounding that will help us look forward and consider how our actions today can ensure we restore and sustain oak forests into the future. This webinar has been approved for continuing education credits. Hosted by the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society and the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife program.
Working Lands for Wildlife: In Pursuit of the Shifting Mosaic
Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society with Working Lands for Wildlife discuss forests, wildlife, and communities. This webinar described working lands conservation programs and how they can benefit landowners, wildlife species, and promote forest diversity. Meant for landowners and natural resource professionals.
Native Vegetation Investments Pay Conservation Dividends
Viewers will learn about native vegetation’s applicability to a myriad of conservation practices beyond wildlife uses through an exploration of the supporting scientific research applied throughout the tall grass prairie and southeastern grasslands regions. Topics covered will include soil conservation, water quality, air quality, soil health, forage, biomass and wildlife
Maintaining Quail and Grassland Bird Habitat in the Agricultural Landscape
Northern bobwhite quail and many other grassland bird species have experienced significant population declines over the last several decades. Loss of native grassland habitat is one of the primary causes of these declines. The CP33 – Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is a Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice that provides nesting and brooding habitat for quail and other grassland birds on less productive cropland field margins. The CP33 buffer practice can help maintain important native grassland habitat within an agricultural landscape. This webinar will discuss the CP33 practice requirements, their importance on the landscape and how best to establish, manage, and maintain the habitat quality for quail and grassland birds.
Woods for Wildlife: Native Plants of the Longleaf Pine Forest and Active Management of Early Successional Plant Communities
Learn about the high diversity of plant species in the longleaf pine ecosystem and how to actively manage land to preserve this diversity. The presenters discuss how to maximize wildlife management goals through active management of early successional plant communities. Commonly referred to as early successional habitat, these plant communities benefit a vast array of wildlife species including the northern bobwhite quail, monarch butterfly, and red-cockaded woodpecker.
Virtual tour: Native Warm Season Grass Grazing
Join a tour of pasture lands that use native warm season grasses to provide good grazing for livestock and invaluable habitat, food, and shelter for native wildlife. The video highlights the benefits of different native grasses and how quickly these grasses can benefit working lands. Developed and provided by Ohio NRCS, Ohio State University Extension, the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District, and Quail/Pheasants Forever. Released September 2020.
Producer Adoption of Native Grass Forages
Pat Keyser (Center for Native Grasslands, University of Tennessee) describes opportunities for practitioners to better partner with livestock producers to adopt native grass forages and advance working lands conservation. What is good for the cows is good for native species too. This webinar was presented as part of the Mississippi Flyway Summit in September 2020.
Landscape-scale Conservation Planning
A basic overview of the principles and methods for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative, including a discussion on the major goals of landscape conservation.
The 5 Principles of Soil Health
Presented by Tony Richards, a conservation planner in Tremonton, UT.
Forest Innovation Reviews (FIRz) - 2019
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities hosts the Forest Innovation Reviews to share innovative ideas about forests, forest management, forest products, and forest-rich communities. Features short TED-talk like presentations on topics like blockchain for illegal logging and creating a new wood to replace plastic.
How To Use The LP Expertise Search
This video will introduce you to the Landscape Partnership Expertise Directory. The Expertise Directory is a searchable database that simplifies the process of identifying collaborators for research, funding, and projects. It provides users with access to nonprofit leaders, scientists, academics, conservation agency staff, farmers, and landowners. In this tutorial, you will learn how to: create your profile to showcase your own expertise, use the Profile and Map Search to find contacts for your projects, and export a spreadsheet of your search results.
Carol Denhof: The Longleaf Alliance
Carol Denhof, President of the Longleaf Alliance, discusses landscape-level conservation of longleaf pine ecosystems across the Southeast and the role of collaboration between the Alliance, landowners/farmers, NRCS, and others.
Addie Thornton: Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability
Addie Thornton, Project Manager of the Southeast Regional Partnership for Planning and Sustainability (SERPPAS), discusses how diverse stakeholders from the military and conservation space can learn from one another and work together to achieve meaningful outcomes at a landscape level.
Peter Stangel: U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities
Peter Stangel, Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, discusses the importance of landscape-level conservation and partnerships as well as his vision for future collaboration.
More Quail Per Bale: Precision Conservation for a More Sustainable Future
How farming and quail management can be compatible on working lands.
Forest Certification and Quail Conservation: What’s the Intersection?: Paul Trianosky
Paul Trianosky speaking at the WLFW Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas National Partnership Meeting. February 23, 2021. Paul is the Chief Conservation Officer at Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Partnerships in Conservation: Linking economics and wildlife habitat in on-farm program delivery: Kira Everhart-Valentine
Kira Everhart-Valentine speaking at the WLFW Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Partnership Meeting. February 23, 2021. Kira is the Sustainability Director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever: The Habitat Organization: Ryan Heiniger
Ryan Heiniger speaking about precision agriculture at the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW): Northern bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas National Partnership Meeting. February 23, 2021. Ryan is the Director of Agriculture and Conservation Innovation at Pheasant Forever/Quail Forever.
Precision Agriculture and Conservation Opportunities: Dr. Mark McConnell
Dr. Mark McConnell presenting at the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW): Northern bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas National Partnership Meeting on February 23, 2021. Mark is an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Mississippi State University.
Planting Native Grasses: Missouri Forage and Livestock Series
Pat Keyser (University of Tennessee) and Rick Rath (Missouri Department of Conservation) share about establishing and managing native grasses on pasture lands. Native grasses benefit not only livestock, but wildlife too. This webinar can help practitioners and landowners alike. Filmed January 20, 2021 - Missouri Forage and Livestock Series
Conservation Innovation Grants: Successful Grazing Lands - Innovation to Implementation
Join pasture specialists, local graziers, and NRCS staff to discuss the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) on Grazing Lands and the benefits of establishing and grazing native warm season grasses for livestock and ground nesting wildlife. See how NRCS is helping more farmers establish and utilize good grazing techniques on their farms. Featuring Dr. Pat Keyser (Center for Native Grasslands Management), J.B. Daniel (NRCS Virginia), and Keith Tuck (Virginia Grazier).
Partnerships on Working Lands
Across the West, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is working with ranchers, federal and state partners, and other non-profit organizations to support conservation on working lands.
Appalachian LCC Integrating Cultural Resources Research Webinar
Presentation by Dr. Tim Murtha of Penn State University on a collaborative research project sponsored by the National Park Service and the Appalachian LCC, which seeks to integrate cultural resources, such as historic bridges and Civil War Battlefields, into landscape conservation planning and design to emphasize both natural and cultural resources in defining conservation priorities.
The eDNAtlas and Archive for aquatic taxa in Western North America
The ease, efficiency, and sensitivity of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling of species in aquatic environments is leading to an explosion in its use across North America.
"Riparian" Episode 309 | Tennessee Uncharted
With 2016’s devastating wildfires and learning about riparian zones feeding Tennessee’s waterways, host Erick Baker discovers that sometimes it takes science to restore faith in our ability to take care of our fair state.
Haywood Waterways Kids in the Creek
Kids in the Creek was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority and brought to Haywood County in 1997. The purpose is to expose 8th grade students to hands-on activities that raise awareness of the importance of clean water and the issues that could degrade water quality. The students rotate among four stations: the EnviroScape watershed model, water chemistry, fish, and benthic macroinvertebrates. At the fish station, the students collect data for a classroom exercise that ties everything together.
Haywood Waterways Watershed Restoration 2015
A look into restoration efforts in Haywood County, NC from the Haywood Waterways Association.
Saving Southern Appalachian Brook Trout
The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) is working with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and other partners to save wild populations of Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. This species is Tennessee's only native trout species.
TN Wild Side - Conservation Fisheries...Saving Our Fish
Over the years we've encountered some very special people and organizations dedicated to preserving the Wild Side of our great state. All have the common goal of ensuring a more certain future for wildlife and their habitat. That's why we like to tell you about the good work being done by groups like Conservation Fisheries Incorporated. C-F-I is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of our rivers and streams, often working to save small fish eliminated or badly harmed by pollution or habitat destruction. Wild Side Guide Alan Griggs tells the story of Pat Rakes and J.R. Shute, two University of Tennessee students who took their passion for our natural waters to a new level, in the process creating a better world for us all.
TN Wild Side - Hiwassee Land Preservation
These days, there are a lot more people trying to live on the same amount of land. That's certainly the case here in Tennessee, where our population is growing faster than the national average. Right now over 6 million people live in our state, a number expected to grow to over 7 million within the next 15 years. Which means the struggle to balance development and preservation is only going to get harder. That's why it's becoming even more important that all of us get involved in helping protect biologically, historically, and visually significant parts of our state. Wild Side Guide Craig Owensby takes us to one such place along the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga, where the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, The Land Trust for Tennessee, and community volunteers worked together to protect a Tennessee treasure.
TN Wild Side - Brook Trout Restoration
The Southern Appalachian Brook Trout is small... so small in fact that a trophy fish is only nine inches long. This beautiful fish, vibrant with shimmery, bright colors is considered a prize catch, largely because the brook trout is a rare and elusive resident of Tennessee waters. It's the only trout native to our state and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and others are trying to make sure it doesn't disappear. Wild Side Guide Alan Griggs takes us to the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, where some young brook trout are returning home after nearly being wiped out in their mountain habitat.
TN Wild Side - Salamander Survey
They're slithery and slimy and so shy we rarely see them. But to those who know about them they are beautiful sights. That's because salamanders are an indicator of just how healthy their home is. Since their home is the woods and water, that's just about everywhere. In this case, we mean the Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Franklin County. That's where you'll find Barking Frog Swamp, some hard-working Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency biologists, a slew of salamanders, and Wild Side Guide Alan Griggs, all trying to learn more about these often overlooked creatures.
TN Wild Side - Duck River Cleanup
The Duck River is one of the most beautiful and aquatically diverse streams in North America. As it meanders through Middle Tennessee it's used for fishing, boating, and even as a source for drinking water. That's why it's important to keep the Duck clear of trash and natural debris. It's not easy. Uncaring people can easily pollute rivers like the Duck with discarded tires, old boats, and even a shopping cart or two. But thankfully there are volunteers like the ones we met near Columbia, Tennessee whose love for the river includes getting down and dirty. Wild Side Guide Janet Ivey tells us more.
Coldwater Research Career Connection: North Carolina Triploid Trout Project
Recently, Coldwater Research Coordinator Jacob Rash with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission spoke with Christine Muth, a biology teacher with the N.C. School of Science and Math, to discuss about stocking triploid trout (sterile) into North Carolina's mountain trout waters. They also discussed careers in fisheries to share with students at the N.C. School of Science and Math. This video provides an overview of how and why the Commission produces these sterile fish. In addition, there is discussion about the field of fisheries science and how folks can become involved. Video by the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
Flexing Their Mussels - Restoration of the Cheoah River
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's (NCWRC) mussel breeding program helps augment some declining populations and save others from extinction. There are about 17 places in the United States that grow freshwater mussels, but many of those are for research purposes. The Marion facility has held 17 of the approximately 50 species in North Carolina and has propagated seven species to bolster local populations throughout the state. Biologists Rachel Hoch, David Deaton and Peter Lamb are leading the effort in Marion with the help of the NCWRC's Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Program staff.
Partnering to Connect Citico Creek
Dam removal projects are best done in partnership and one of the best examples is the Upper Citico Creek dam removal project in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest highlighted in our short film Connecting Citico Creek. American Rivers teamed up with two federal agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service, to achieve the common goal of restoring aquatic habitat. Each partner brought their expertise and resources to the table to produce an efficient, high quality, low cost victory in the Little Tennessee River watershed.
Spot fin Chub Spawning in Tellico River
For a little more than 10 years, Conservation Fisheries has been working to re-establish spotfin chub into the Tellico River in eastern Tennessee. These spectacular, turquoise minnows (only the males develop this color and only during summertime spawning), are highly specialized and closely associated with clean, current swept, bedrock habitats. During spawning season, the males become very territorial and stake out crevices in the rocks where the females will ultimately deposit the eggs. While males vigorously defend these territories, they do not provide any direct care to the eggs and larvae. The spotfin chub is federally threatened.
Citico Creek Buffalo Run
At this point, the buffalo, Ictiobus spp. (Probably mixed crowd!) along with some nice big silver redhorse, Moxostoma anisurum, were milling around the creek in pretty good numbers. No spawning events were seen and the schools appeared to be primarily males.... just waiting on the females to arrive! This spectacular event takes place in early April every year in Citico Creek and other numerous other streams in our area. Citico Creek is located on the Cherokee National Forest and is perhaps one of the nicest medium-sized streams in the southern Appalachians! Film by Conservation Fisheries Inc.
Snorkel Survey in the Tellico River, Cherokee National Forest
On August 15, 2013 Conservation Fisheries, Inc. snorkeled the Tellico River in search of some of the imperiled fishes they have been working to restore to this river. This was the first time they ventured out with a new GoPro Black Hero 3. This video captures great numbers of spotfin chubs, Erimonax monachus, Smoky madtoms, Noturus baileyi and Citico darters, Etheostoma sitikuense. Some of the male spotfin chubs were spectacular! Enjoy!
Floating the Conasauga or Just Another Day at the Office
No, all of our days are not this nice, but this one was a pretty good one! A beautiful July day, not too hot, clear blue sky and pretty good water conditions! The Conasauga is one of our favorite rivers to work! It originates in North Georgia, flows north into Tennessee, then flirts with the state line until finally turning back south into Georgia. Video by Conservation Fisheries Inc.
Happy Holidays from CFI
Just a short video from the Conservation Fisheries Inc. of some of the beautiful rivers and streams in this part of the world. You may recognize some of them! Happy Holidays from all of us at CFI.
A Deeper Creek - The Watchable Waters of Appalachia
A virtual dive into some of North America's richest rivers, and a fun look at an innovative river snorkeling program that has brought thousands of citizen snorkelers to the vibrant waters of Southern Appalachia. Video by Freshwaters Illustrated.
Bringing Back the Brooks - A Revival of the South’s Trout
Freshwater Illustrated and the U.S. Forest Service serve a poetic look at a forgotten native of Appalachia, the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, which is being brought back from the brink… by hand, bucket, and hoof.
Drought Prompts Endangered Fish Rescue
The Tennessee Aquarium and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service launched a fish rescue on November 22. The historic drought conditions had reduced the number of locations where the federally endangered Laurel Dace are found. Most of the streams where these brightly colored fish are found have dried up, leaving only a few shallow pools. Only 18 Laurel Dace were recovered and brought back to the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute for an "ark population," in case this species disappears in the wild. Hopefully these 18 fish will reproduce in the spring allowing scientists an opportunity to bolster the diminishing populations of Laurel Dace in Tennessee.
Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute - Freshwater Biodiversity
The warm waters of the southeastern United States are home to an amazing diversity of animals and habitats. The Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute (TNACI) works to protect and sustain the region's natural treasures and bring people of all ages closer to nature. Help us celebrate and care for these riches in our backyards.
Mapping our Rivers in High Definition
A project video produced by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for Trutta Consulting LLC High Definition Stream Survey (HDSS) of the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam. The project was supported by the Cumberland Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and TWRA. We also worked with TWRA fisheries sampling crew to video and GPS their trout surveys that were completed at the same time as the HDSS project. This allows us to see the conditions that the fish were captured and determine what areas of the river are best for trout at different flow conditions.
Sentinels
Monitoring the Little Rivers of the Tennessee Valley. Video by Freshwaters Illustrated in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Endangered Mussels Released into the Clinch River, Largest Release in Eastern US
Biologists from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), and partners from Virginia Tech, the Nature Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stocked thousands of mussels into the Clinch River, Russell County. The Clinch River has more species of endangered freshwater mussels than any other river in North America. Elementary school students from Cleveland, VA, participated in the event, and learned about the many functions of mussels, including providing habitat for fish, becoming food for many other animals, and filtering and cleaning the water in our streams and rivers. Over 3,500 federally-endangered mussels were produced at the Department's Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, Virginia.
Managing Forests for Birds Video Series
A new video series by the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative highlights the importance of proper forest management in improving a diversity of habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Tangible Landscape as a tool for modeling and science communication
In this webinar the Conservation Biology Institute introduce Tangible Landscape, a technology that links an interactive physical model with GRASS GIS through a real-time cycle of interaction, 3D scanning, geospatial computation, and 3D rendering.
Interactive Conservation Planning for the Appalachian LCC: Appalachian NatureScape
The outcome of the Appalachian LCC Conservation Planning & Design consultative process and modeling is a dynamic ‘Conservation Blueprint’ or 'Landscape Conservation Design' called NatureScape. This is a dynamic or living design envisioned as an ongoing consultation with the conservation community - continuously incorporating new information and datasets as well as engaging subject-matter experts and committed stakeholders.
Conserving Imperiled Aquatic Species in the UTRB
A team of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service scientists, with assistance from U.S. Geological Survey, have developed a collaborative conservation strategy examining cost-effective approaches for efforts to conserve and manage 36 imperiled freshwater fish and mussel species in the 22,360 square-mile Upper Tennessee River Basin.
Environmental Educator Broadcast: Landscape Conservation Cooperatives
On August 26th, Appalachian LCC Coordinator Jean Brennan, National LCC Coordinator Elsa Haubold, and National LCC Communication Coordinator Laura McClean participated in a live broadcast that provided an update on the work of Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) to environmental educators.
Assessing Vulnerability of Species and Habitats to Large-scale Impacts
New vulnerability assessments for 41 species and 3 habitats in the Appalachians are now available. The conservation community can view and search each of these assessments by vulnerability scores, conservation status ranks, state and subregion of assessment, and higher taxonomy. In addition, principle investigators NatureServe compiled the results of 700 species assessments previously completed by other researchers as well as assessments on several habitats.
Classification and Mapping of Cave and Karst Resources
Cave and karst systems are unique environments that occur throughout the Appalachians. They provide habitat for a diverse array of species and are an important source of domestic water supply for Appalachian communities. However, a lack of classification and mapping information on these ecosystems creates a significant barrier to conservation. In order to develop and deliver landscape-level planning tools, it is essential to develop an Appalachian-wide map depicting where cave and karst habitats and resources occur across the landscape. Researchers from an array of organizations were funded by the LCC to develop a series of deliverables, including data tables, geospatial information layers, and maps on these ecosystems.
Riparian Restoration Decision Support Tool
An innovative riparian planting and restoration decision support tool is now available to the conservation community. This user-friendly tool allows managers and decision-makers to rapidly identify and prioritize areas along the banks of rivers, streams, and lakes for restoration, making these ecosystems more resilient to disturbance and future changes in climate. It will also help the conservation community invest limited conservation dollars wisely, helping to deliver sustainable resources.
Stream Classification System for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative
Stream classification information is essential to develop and implement flow standards and water management recommendations that will sustain aquatic biodiversity. Unfortunately, standardized information was lacking for the Appalachian landscape. The goal of this project was to develop a state-based, consistent stream classification system for aquatic ecosystems in the region. Unifying state-based stream classifications into a single consistent system, principal investigators at The Nature Conservancy developed a hierarchical classification system and map for stream and river systems for the Appalachian LCC that represents the region’s natural flowing aquatic habitats.
Energy Forecast Mapping Tool Tutorial
This video presentation by Judy Dunscomb, Senior Conservation Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, provides a detailed overview of how to use the Energy Forecast Mapping Tool.
Assessing Future Energy Development
Assessing Future Energy Development across the Appalachian LCC uses models that combine data on energy development trends and identifies where these may intersect with important natural resource and ecosystem services to give a more comprehensive picture of what potential energy development could look like in the Appalachians. A web-based mapping tool allows policy makers, land management agencies, industries, and others to see where development may likely occur and intersect with important natural values to inform regional landscape planning decisions. Ultimately this information is intended to support dialogue and conservation on how to effectively avoid, minimize, and offset impacts from energy development to important natural areas and the valuable services they provide.
Data Needs Assessment Research Update
This presentation from Dr. Robert Baldwin of Clemson University provides an update to the Steering Committee on the Appalachian LCC funded research project. The Data Needs Assessment project is evaluating existing spatial data, assembling public data in geodatabase, defining conservation planning tasks that can be accomplished, identifying problems to address if data gaps are filled, interpreting uses of data, and conducting analysis of ongoing planning efforts.
GIS & Conservation Planning Portal Overview
Dr. Paul Leonard provides a general overview of the GIS & Conservation Planning section within the Appalachian LCC Web Portal.
NJ Landscape Project Training and Information Sessions
Designed to guide strategic wildlife habitat conservation, the Landscape Project is an interactive ecosystem-based mapping tool that assists government agencies, planners, conservation groups, the public and others in making decisions that will protect imperiled and special concern wildlife.
GIS & Conservation Planning Portal Overview
Paul Leonard provides a general overview regarding the new GIS & Conservation Planning Portal within the Appalachian LCC Web Portal. This new area of the website is intended for broad dissemination of conservation literature, tools, and other resources to help guide land managers with on-the-ground conservation action throughout the region. Users can also find a framework that supports a systematic conservation planning effort. This framework ranges from setting conservation targets to ultimately measuring conservation success. The tab structure of this portal is meant to progress in an intuitive manner which fosters an environment of informed and strategic planning. In addition, tools such as a web-enabled map viewer and decision support models can be dynamically executed.
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments Project Update
This presentation from Lesley Sneddon of NatureServe provides an update to the Steering Committee on a Appalachian LCC funded research project. Research is compiling climate change vulnerability assessments and other relevant information on vulnerable species and habitats, discerning the various methodologies and criteria used in these assessments, and using a team of expert peer reviewers to recommend the most efficient, effective, and appropriate methods for adoption by the Appalachian LCC for conservation and adaptation planning. The recommended method will then be deployed, resulting in vulnerability assessments for a suite of key species/habitats selected in consultation with partners of the Appalachian LCC.
Presentation of Review of Species and Habitat Selection for Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Meeting on 1/14/14
On January 14, Lesley Sneddon of NatureServe presented this webinar to interested conservation and cooperative partners of the Appalachian LCC to present the process for the selection of the 50-75 species and 3-5 habitats proposed for assessment of climate change vulnerability. The selections were informed by the wealth of assessments already completed in all or part of the LCC region to date. The meeting generated good discussion on the process, species, habitats, and possible avenues for future research.
Conservation Planning Process
Conservation planning identifies and prioritizes lands that encompass important natural or cultural resources across the landscape (e.g., critical watersheds, habitat for rare or threatened species) and develops protection and management strategies for these lands. It is a process where science is at the core of planning, but the science is informed by groups of stakeholders using their on-the-ground knowledge and expertise. Dr. Robert Baldwin of Clemson University explains in this video the steps involved in the conservation planning process.
Planning for Growth and Open Space Conservation Webinar Series
In 2012, we embarked on a project to help inform natural resource professionals, land use planners, private landowners and others about the issues facing our forestlands – both public and private – and to help them learn about opportunities and strategies to conserve open space through a series of monthly webinars. Below is the archive of these webinars. We hope you find them interesting!
Conservation Planning
Conservation planning identifies and prioritizes lands that encompass important natural or cultural resources across the landscape (e.g., critical watersheds, habitat for rare or threatened species) and develops protection and management strategies for these lands. It is a process where science is at the core of planning, but the science is informed by groups of stakeholders using their on-the-ground knowledge and expertise.
South Atlantic LCC Natural Resource Indicator Process
Rua Mordecia, Science Coordinator with the South Atlantic LCC, provide an overview of the process the South Atlantic LCC took to identify Natural Resource Indicators.
Assessing Regional Connectivity in Current and Future Landscapes
Connectivity among conservation reserves has long been recognized as necessary for long-term persistence of populations and continued evolution in anthropogenically-dominated landscapes.
John Tirpak PPT Presentation pdf
This webinar discusses the background and challenges to Conservation Planning Atlases (CPA), potential solutions, specifics of a CPA, and current progress and next steps.
The Conservation Resource Webinar
Dr. Kenneth Elowe, Assistant Regional Director US Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Office, Assistant Regional Director, Science Applications.
Landscape-scale Conservation Planning
A basic overview of the principles and methods for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative, including a discussion on the major goals of landscape conservation. Dr. Rob Baldwin, Professor, Clemson University
