EXTENSION REPORT

Saving Our Urban Landforms

Whenever we talk of altering the land in any form or fashion there are several consequences from our actions.  As world population grows the need for housing development and infrastructure also increases, pushing forest and agricultural land further back. Sometimes it may appear that wildlife is inhabitants of our backyards, but in truth and in fact humans are building their homes closer to wildlife than ever.  It is a pleasant sight to see birds in the backyard or a squirrel searching for acorns. This presence of wildlife provides an outdoor opportunity for urban youth to recreate.  This is just one of the things we would hate to lose when developing our land.  Issues of this magnitude call for great debate between ecologist, protecting the environment and economist, trying to save money.

These articles address a few of the consequences that occur when we alter the land. The issue is not where we build, but to mitigate the changes in land when we do build.  Urban areas are rapidly developing, encroaching on forest and agricultural land, establishing malls, shopping centers, apartment complex, etc. Some of the biggest form of land alteration includes clearing of land and draining of wetlands. These activities reduce wildlife habitat, threaten water supply and wash away fertile soil. This breaking up of land into smaller patches is known as fragmentation, large areas of land is now disconnected leaving smaller areas with insufficient space  to support wildlife.

Another consequence of changing our land forms is soil erosion. The entire clearing of trees, exposes the land to weathering causing the lost of fertile soil needed for producing food. This may sound far- fetched, but if these processes continues for a long time the amount of food produce will be less and more expensive. People will now seek cheaper food sources which may not necessarily be the healthy route. Not only will the farmers suffer an economic lost, but a decline in the availability of fresh produce will have a negative effect on the community’s health.  Forest areas protect the soil with cover from fallen leaves and branches enriching the soil with humus. Trees also bind the soil together with their extensive root system and their canopy prevents the direct impact of rainfall. When trees are removed from an area these important soil conservation properties are also eliminated.

Coral reef provides critical ecosystem functions.  Along the Gulf Coast Region coral reefs protects us from the full strength of hurricanes and shield our beaches from strong wave forces. If we continue to allow our soil to be washed away into streams, rivers and finally into the sea, the adverse impacts will be realized sooner than we think. Coral thrive best in warm, clear water, receiving sunlight to grow. Dirty water with sediment and other chemicals prevent sunlight from reaching the coral, thus inhibiting its growth. Secondly, chemical present in the sediments can poison coral reef.

We can`t control the rain and in most cases we are thankful for the rain. However, protecting the soil immediately after or before we clear cut our property is a key element in preventing land lost. The urban areas do not have as many trees or ground cover as the rural lands, but it is the area with the most development and traffic. To maintain our urban landforms we can identify sources of pollution or soil erosion and establish programs using sustainable soil conserving practices. 

If you need any additional information or are interested in establishing a soil conservation project, contact Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent at 251-574-8445 or 251-259-1265 or mnm0001@auburn.edu.

Got Wild Hog Problems?

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System-Auburn University, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, and the University of Florida will be hosting a ½ day seminar on managing wild hog and deer crop loss (agricultural, forestry, etc).  The seminar will be held at the Perdido River Farms Conference Room, 5535 Poarch Road, Atmore, AL on Tuesday, March 25 from 8:30am to 2:00pm. 

This seminar will feature talks from several professional hog and deer biologists from Alabama, covering topics such as wild hog biology and ecology, wild hog trapping techniques and trap designs, non-lethal methods for reducing crop loss, managing deer populations, regulations regarding removal of animals, and development of cooperatives with adjacent landowners to effectively manage wild hog and deer damage.  There will be an onsite demonstration of hog trap construction, design, and use. 

This seminar will provide practical information for landowners and natural resource professionals for reducing wild hog and deer damage.  Cost for “Managing Wild Hog and Deer Damage: Practical techniques for reducing crop loss” is $20/person and includes coffee, donuts, lunch, and handouts.  Pre-registration is required.  To register, contact Kelly Knowles, ACES-AU by phone (334-844-1010) or email (knowlkw@auburn.edu).

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability