GSWCC Region 5

What was one of our most popular posts of 2023?

Chasing waterfalls, of course.

As we head into 2024, remember, waterfalls in parks are popular places for viewing and taking photos. While beautiful to see, they can pose risks to unprepared visitors. Slippery rocks, steep slopes, ‘90s nostalgia, and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall.

What’s the rush? (Besides the water.) If you’re exploring a waterfall, make sure to know the potential hazards. Keep a safe distance from the edge, avoid slippery rocks, wear stable shoes (flippy floppies may lead to sloppy slippies) and always watch your footing.

Image: Screenshot of National Park Service tweet that reads, “Don't go chasing waterfalls...cautiously approach and be careful of slippery conditions. In fact, you may just want to stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to.”

New year, same trash 🗑️

Trash is not only aesthetically displeasing, but it can be lethal to fish and wildlife for years after being improperly discarded. This longnose gar was recently captured by WRD staff at West Point Lake. Upon closer inspection, the gar’s mouth was almost completely sealed shut by an old pull-style metal tab. Pull-style tabs like this fell out of production in the mid-1970’s in favor of the tab design commonly seen on cans today. It’s uncertain how the tab ended up around the fish’s mouth, but one thing is certain, it would have resulted in the fish’s eventual starvation and death.

The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest…

What does the fox say? Five more minutes, please. With its exceptional hearing, the red fox can detect a small animal scurrying up to three feet under the snow. (Also, Bill's remark about having to email you again for those progress reports. You'll get them when you get them, Bill.) They will dive into the snow in an attempt to surprise their prey. (Diving will not help send those emails any faster.) Do they always catch something? Nope. Do they get up and try again? Yes! Especially if someone's watching.

Learn more about red foxes at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/red-fox.htm

Image: A fox with feet in the air after diving head-first into the snow at Yellowstone National Park.

Check out this virtual workshop hosted by Team Agriculture Georgia!