North American Land Trust

It’s #WildlifeWednesday! Today we’re revisiting Wild Turkeys; they're more than a meal! The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is one of North America's largest bird species. Turkey fossils have been unearthed from across southern U.S. and Mexico dating over 5 million years old. Turkeys are part of the Galliforme order and are grouped in the same family as grouses and pheasants. Now, they are widespread across much of the United States and are present in all states but Alaska. Domesticated turkeys originated from the Wild Turkey, native only to the Americas, but were traded across the world starting in the 1500s. It is one of only two species of wild turkey. They typically spend their time in open woodlands and clearings, often as flocks with courting males leading the group in their full display plumage. Males gather to perform courtship displays in early spring. Males have an un-feathered head, covered in blue and red wattles, and large fanned tails with iridescent feathers, which assist in attracting females during the breeding season. Winter groups of turkey can number over 200 individuals! Population numbers declined drastically for years as they were over-hunted, but numbers have rebounded thanks to management and conservation efforts. At night, turkeys roost in groups, perching in trees for safety. Attracting wild turkeys is straightforward and encouraged by practicing sustainable forest management and by planting native nut-bearing or berry trees and shrubs like beech, oaks, and hickories. Wild turkeys prefer mature forests interspersed with edge habitat like open fields and savannas where they can forage for seeds and insects. If you would like to discuss improving habitat on your land with one of our biologists, reach out at [email protected], or visit our website to learn more about our conservation management plans: https://lnkd.in/ec-t2Qzz #nativewildlife #habitat #nativehabitat #birdconservation #wildlifewednesday #wildlife #northamericanwildlife #northamericanlandtrust #landconservation #landpreservation #privatelandconservation #plantnatives #conservationmanagement #wildturkeys #wildlands #wildgame #hunting

Holy moly! Have you ever seen this many Chicken of the Woods mushrooms growing on one tree stump? ?? This one stopped Conservation Biologist, Sara Johnson and our landowner in their tracks! Chicken of the woods is the common name for a mushroom in the genus Laetiporus and are often found on decaying oaks. Recent rains have caused a flush of mushrooms throughout the forest and this KY woodland was no exception. These mushrooms are edible, but some people are sensitive to them, causing mild reactions like nausea and vomiting. Always be sure to get an accurate identification before consuming any wild fungi and always leave some behind for wildlife ???? ??: NALT Conservation Biologist, Sara Johnson

The Gulf Coast of Texas is an important area to target protection for NALT as the region not only contain unique habitats for preservation, but is important as a migration corridor and as a buffer from future climate change impacts in the face of continued development of our shorelines. We are so grateful for all of our partners and landowners in Texas that make conserving over 11,000 acres possible! NALT is in its 32nd year of operation and has permanently preserved more than 138,000 acres of natural land in 24 states, mostly through permanent conservation easements. NALT partners with landowners, municipalities, the real estate community, and other groups to protect environmentally and culturally significant landscapes that otherwise may be lost to alternative uses. Once a property is under NALT’s permanent stewardship, our experienced team of conservation professionals regularly monitor the land to ensure the integrity and longevity of the conservation resource. Reach out today to learn more about our focus areas and our goal to conserve the stunning diversity in these areas: [email protected] or www.nalt.org for more information. #texaslandconservation #texas #landpreservation #conservation #naturepreserve #landtrust #landconservation #conservationeasements #landstewardship #stewardship #biodiversity #nature #wildlifeconservation #NALT #northamericanlandtrust

If the monarch butterfly listing under the ESA is still warranted, a proposed rule could classify monarchs as either “endangered” (at risk of extinction) or “threatened” (likely to become endangered). Each status comes with regulatory protections designed to support the monarch’s survival and recovery. Learn more about the listing process in this recent blog from Farmers for Monarchs https://lnkd.in/gm9KRzEZ #MonarchDecision2024 #EndangeredSpeciesAct #PollinatorProtection

More information coming soon! Stay tuned!

Our "Plant This, Not That" series aims to help you find a native plant instead of an invasive species for your yard. These plants often provide the same look and texture, similar features, and growing habits, all while providing critical habitat for native wildlife. Help improve native plant supply by asking for native plant species! One of the most difficult invasive species to eradicate from natural areas is undoubtedly bamboo. The rhizomatous growth habit of this grass creates thick clusters of stems which quickly take over a site and spread into natural areas, creating dense shade which makes it difficult for native vegetation to compete with. Particularly in home landscaping that abuts natural areas and riparian access, this can become extremely problematic. Rivercane (genus Arundinaria), is a native woody grass that is native to floodplains across the Southeastern United States which provides important habitat for wildlife and also, important cultural value as a fiber. Populations have diminished and become more fragmented over time due to loss of habitat as the plants historic range likely stretched as far north as New York, all the way down to Florida, and as far west as Ohio, south to Texas. Native species that may be a good substitute where available are Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), or Switchcane (Arundinaria tecta). To learn more about North America's native bamboos, check out the In Defense of Plants blog: https://lnkd.in/eXcxbWbV and about non-native bamboo: https://lnkd.in/eGDN5uaU While these plants may not be in your area, send us a message if you would like suggestions for your region. To learn more about eradication of invasive species on your property, improvement of your habitat with native plants, or other habitat management questions, reach out to us at [email protected] and www.nalt.org.

??BIG NEWS!?? The North American Land Trust teamed up with the City of Naples, FL and The Athens Group to forever protect 105 acres in the heart of Naples, FL, totaling over 80% of the land on site, for recreation and open space. Instead of overdeveloping this area for commercial purposes, this area will remain as relatively natural habitat, neighboring the Naples Beach Club, providing a mix of benefits for the community. By working with a land trust like NALT, the City of Naples has made an example of how municipalities and developers can come together to effectuate conservation goals, by incorporating and prioritizing land protection, and aim for balance in future planning. https://lnkd.in/ewWebz63

Across the Eastern United States, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) or what the Lenape call "sesaphikan," is beginning to bloom. This plant is present throughout moist, but well-drained rich soils throughout the Midwest and east coast. In Lenape ethnobotany, there are numerous useful parts of the Witch Hazel, which are widely available in the commercial trade. The bark is utilized for making an astringent for use on the face and skin. Also, a tea made with leaves and twigs is said to help with colds and sore throat. Outside of its potential medicinal properties, it is an important plant for pollinators when little else is in bloom during fall and winter. The seeds provide food for many bird and animal species. Check out the newly published "Ethnobotany, Book One: Herbs and Flowers" by Shelley DePaul at the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania online shop: https://lnkd.in/eA4-wCuT ** This guide is meant to provide background regarding historical and cultural use of plants by the Lenape nation, and is not meant to be a guide for methodology on plant preparation or use in botanical remedies without thorough research or medical guidance. NALT also does not promote the removal or use of plants from the wild. ** This book also features images from NALT staff members! Thanks for your support. ?? : NALT Conservation Biologist, Sara Johnson #ethnobotany #flowers #summerflowers #wildflowers #blooms #flowers #medicinalplants #nativeplants #nativewildflowers #protectnativeplants #landconservation #landpreservation #landprotection #plantsoftheeasternunitedstates

NALT recently attended the Urban Land Institute's fall meeting where we able to catch up with many partners who have created conservation oriented communities. NALT continues to work on finding a balance between conservation and development, charting pathways to educate and engage developers, planners, and homeowners. ??: NALT Southeastern Programs Manager, Patty Kennedy

We can't wait to share more information on this project we have been working on in Horry County with Coastal High School! Get a teaser at the link below!