Sarracenia alabamensis subsp. alabamensis in cultivation. |
Sarracenia alabamensis subsp. alabamensis is now at a higher threat level in 2010 than in recent years. Cheaper land prices have led to quickened land acquisition and draining of surrounding habitats. It is now as important as ever to do our part as carnivorous plant enthusiasts to insure future well-being of this magnificent species.
First described by Fred and Roberta Case in June of 1971, Sarracenia alabamensis is known only to a few rapidly disappearing areas in central and northern Alabama. The Cases devoted their whole lives studying and researching this beautiful plant, which ultimately led to its protection. S. alabamensis is listed as an Endangered Species and is also on Appendix 1 of the CITES list. Their remaining habitats are also constantly under threat from dense overgrowth from lack of prescribed burns and general land maintenance for these dwindling sites. Also equally important, are the maintenance of the surrounding longleaf pine ecosystems which support these areas. Their overall well-being is truly...in our hands.
As the record shows, The ICPS has been very much involved in the maintenance of endangered carnivorous plant sites and has partnered now and in the past with The Nature Conservancy to ensure that the tasks involved in such maintenance practices are fulfilled. The ICPS S. alabamensis Conservation Project is a re-activation of our prior 2003 S. alabamensis Project in order to continue ensuring their well-being during these tough times. We definitely do not want to lose the ground we have gained, which can easily be done within a few wet growing seasons 'in situ' and no fire maintenance of their habitats. I personally travel to and inspect these funded sites to make sure things are happening. AND they most definitely are!
We need your help. If we pull together as a team, we can help to preserve these rare remarkable plants for our future generations! |
UPDATE- On 2/20/2010, Keith Tassin, Science Steward of TNC writes:
Thank you, ICPS!
TNC greatly appreciates your continued support! We burned 275 acres
at Splinter Hill Bog last week. Our seasonal fire crew gets here next
week for three weeks and we hope burn the Canebrake pitcher plant
sites then. I will get the fire crew again in late April or May for another
three week stint. We hope to do a large growing season burn at Splinter
Hill Bog as well. I'll keep you informed on our progress as we move
along!
Keith Tassin of TNC. |
Also as an added bonus, donatees who donate $350.00 or more (min. 3 donatees required) will receive "The Splinter Hill Night in the Bog" Package which includes:
1) A full-day guided CP tour of Splinter Hill Reserve led by myself and Keith Tassin, Science Steward for TNC. Truly the "mecca" for 5 species of Sarracenia and other CP, you'll be blown away by the pristine unspoiled CP and their habitats. You'll definitely want to bring your camera for this one!
2) A one nights stay at the research facility house deep within the Reserve with all of the comforts of home, including a seafood boil and barbeque. After dinner, there will be a slide show lecture by myself on CP Conservation, followed by a lecture on prescribed fire and land maintenance by Keith. Then, it's off to the massive S. leucophylla stands which surround the house for "A Walk amongst the Sarrs" at dusk. And the moonlight does make every single one of them glow! Also, imagine waking to have your coffee or tea, closely surrounded by Sarracenia colonies as far as the eye can see. The extra-large screened-in viewing area makes it a reality.
Persons interested in the "A Night in the Bog" package must contact me by no later than March 25th, 2010.
A sneak peek at what one may encounter at "A night in the Bog" can be found at ICPS conservation videos.
Donatate at the ICPS Members web site (you don't have to be a member to donate).
Thanks for your help!
Brian Barnes
ICPS Director of Conservation
|
