| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 35.08 |
| Liaison | Dr. Jill Wicknick |
| Submission Date | July 24, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Montevallo
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Susan
Caplow Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Behavioral and Social Sciences |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
Yes
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
"The University of Montevallo's Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve on Spring Creek in Shelby County is 60 acres of wooded wetlands used for teaching and research. Located approximately six miles from the University, Spring Creek and Ebenezer Swamp form a portion of the headwaters for the ecologically diverse and environmentally sensitive Cahaba River Watershed. The diversity of the Cahaba River's fish population is greater than any other temperate river its size. Recognized as one of "Alabama's Ten Natural Wonders," the Cahaba is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama and has received attention from environmentalists throughout the nation." (Beverly Crider, http://blog.al.com/strange-alabama/2012/04/ebenezer_swamp_an_ecological_g.html)
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Yes
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
No
If yes to either of the above, provide the following:
Dr. Mike Hardig, UM's resident botanist, has conducted botanical surveys in Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The forest is home to mostly Tupelo Gum, with the occasional Red Maple, Loblolly Pine, Sweet Bay, Tulip Tree and Sycamore. Animal inhabitants include the Beaver, American Woodcock, Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Timber Rattlesnake, Water Moccasin, Copperhead, Raccoon, Opossum, and various freshwater clams. The preserve is also home to numerous herbaceous plant species, including three species of orchids and a rare species of cone-flower. (from http://blog.al.com/strange-alabama/2012/04/ebenezer_swamp_an_ecological_g.html)
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
The area is protected by the University; the University Foundation took legal action in years past to block the digging of a limestone quarry which would have drawn water out of the swamp, negatively impacting all species in the Swamp.
Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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