Episode Details

The Cumberland Plateau, a southern Appalachian region, is revealed to be more than just forests in a new report. It hosts forty ecological regions, fifteen of which are open grasslands, prairies, savannas, barrens, bogs, and meadows. Wildflowers like Phlox pulchra are at risk of extinction, and a collaboration between the Southeastern Grasslands Institute and Austin Peay State University has mapped these habitats. Historically, the plateau had diverse open habitats, but ninety percent of Tennessees grasslands are now gone due to farming, pesticides, invasives, and lack of natural fires. These grasslands host nearly fifty animals and over three hundred twenty plants of conservation concern, plus birds and butterflies. Grasslands have higher plant diversity and are more resilient to climate change. Researchers have identified prime zones for action, including Catoosa Wildlife Management Area, the Sequatchie River valley, and areas in Prentice Cooper State Forest and Fiery Gizzard State Park. The plan aims to protect, restore, and link corridors for species to thrive.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/c00e17478fac8a8c