Protecting Alabama's Dry Creek | The Nature Conservancy

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Get Involved:

Alabama

Dry Creek

This preserve protects one of only a handful of populations of the endangered leather flower.

Leather flower (Clematis viorma) blooming in Smoke Hole Canyon. Smoke Hole Canyon, often called simply Smoke Hole, is a rugged 20 miles long gorge carved by the South Branch Potomac River in eastern West Virginia, USA. It is part of the Monongahela National Forest's Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. © Kent Mason

About

This preserve in St. Clair County protects one of only a handful of populations of the federally endangered Alabama leather flower (Clematis socialis). This site is critical for the preservation of this species that is now known to grow at less than 7 sites in Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia. In addition, upland rose gentian, prairie dock and other native plants reside, and along the creek bank are upland oak/hickory trees, as well as bottomland hardwoods.

This preserve serves as a critical site for migratory and nesting songbirds and supports a healthy population of beaver.

Location
St. Clair County in central Alabama

Size
26 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
As one of only five populations, our preserve is key to the preservation of the Alabama leather flower.

What the Conservancy is Doing
The Nature Conservancy is currently monitoring this species to determine if any specific management activities are necessary for long term preservation.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
This preserve can be visited by prior arrangements only. For further information, call (205) 251-1155 or e-mail ktassin@tnc.org.

Things To Do

Plants
The federally endangered Alabama leather flower, upland rose gentian, prairie dock, and other native plants can be observed at this preserve. The preserve contains upland oak/hickory forest and bottomland hardwoods along the banks of Dry Creek.

Animals
Dry Creek supports a healthy beaver population. This preserve is also an important site for migratory and nesting songbirds.

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

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