Good for animals and folks...

I know it's been a bit since the last blog...but we have been busy with LeaderShape - which is one of the greatest groups to visit us, year in and year out...

LeaderShape went well. Usually I help to facilitate with the teambuilding, which is unfortunate. Rachel, blonde-haired programmite learned exactly why: Generally, organizations want to put products out that are very similar, such as McDonalds (a big mac tastes the same everywhere, right?). the Program Staff here are all very similar in their facilitation skills, too...especially since they are under my tutelage. So, yep, they are pretty similar, until I jump in to the ring. I'm not saying I'm the greatest ever, but I'm certainly the best alive, as Rachel found out. Our "competition" between groups was a runaway...still, she, AJ, and Mea are very, very good at it...I'm just a notch or ten better.

Anyway, on to the title...today and everyday this week, the Forestry Commission is enacting it's fuel mitigation program on our facility. Mitigation basically means to recover. The fuel that they are recovering comes in the form of fallen logs and small standing saplings that are found throughout our facility. As many of you know, three years ago, the Evans Road wildfire caused lots of damage to an important ecosystem and caused air quality problems for much of us north of the flame. This year, the Dare County fire is also causing lots of issues, too. Why? The short answer is that there is too much fuel on the ground...lots organic material that can burn for days...

Nevertheless, through grant participation and hard work, we are taking preventive measures to keep fire away at the 4-H Center. Certainly, fire is important for pocsin ecosystems - it clears undergrowth and helps to open serotinous (needs fire to open and sprout) pine cones. However, as is the case in Dare County, fire can get out of hand. the only fires I have ever known to be on site were controlled burns, which, as you know, are actually very valuable to wildlife. It is very helpful to songbirds and squirrels. Game birds, such as bobwhite quail will appreciate the cumbersome shrubs that prohibit takeoff on dense forests. Turkey, deer, and quail will also love the new shoots that are allowed to grow.

The fuel mitigation is also a great way to "mulch" your forests. Essentially, all of the organic matter, vines, and saplings are reduced to chips and pulp, which will eventually convert into soils or detritus...no hot fires once this is done! And a big, dangerous wildfire could be very dangerous to the Bulls Bay Community. Nevertheless, we are very proactive when it comes to conservation of wildlife, and protecting our neighborhood. The Center is a great "living laboratory" for effective wildlife management...

P.S. - A former staffer has started her own cooking blog - and it's about food. Even though she is Australian, she obviously has a lot of talent...click HERE to check out her blog...and it's name reminds me of a remark I made at 5 years old that my parents won't let go of...

Enjoy the day...