April 13, 2023 Blog Environment
Plant life at Coal Creek has abundant diversity which support a vibrant animal population. Documented by researchers are 76 birds, 526 insects, 19 arachnids, 6 mammals, 5 centipedes and slugs and a fish. Yeah, there’s more, we’re sure but that is a great starter count. Two new species were found, too, one grasshopper and one sunflower. NEW SPECIES! Fingers crossed, researchers will find some more.
April 25 2023 Blog Environment
Some scientists estimate that native grasslands have declined by as much as 99 percent. By some estimates, this resulted in three billion fewer birds on the landscape than 50 years ago. This has harmed both the eastern meadowlark and the bobwhite which are both found on Coal Creek.
April 20 2023 Blog Environment
Historically, open savannas and woodlands were largely maintained by periodic fire, which served to remove dense blankets of accumulated leaf litter from the ground and promote the growth of fire-adapted trees, such as shortleaf pine. Due to the loss of periodic fire, it is estimated that at least 90% of shortleaf pine-oak savanna has been lost.