GSWCC Region 5

01/11/2024

01/11/2024

A herd of mini-Brachiosaurus spotted in park...

Hold onto your butts, err, tails? What? Our social media managers were so preoccupied with whether or not they would make a Jurassic Park joke that they didn’t stop to think if they should. But they did.

Come to think, those dinos are pretty fluffy. Although they may look like min-dinosaurs (you can't unsee it), these are in fact, white-nosed coati, also known as coatimundi. Coati-what? Coati are small mammals that are members of the family Procyonidae, which includes ringtails and raccoons. Coati have a long brown tail with rings on it that range from starkly defined like a raccoon's to very faint, not like a raccoon's. They often hold the tail erect and help keep troops of coati together when marching through tall vegetation. (Obviously to look for dinosaurs.) Back in formation! This particular group of coati was spotted at Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona.

Image: A group of various coati with tails standing tall like the necks of a dinosaur. NPS/S. Moody

01/11/2024

Take a hike.

No, really. Like right now. Why not? You're at work? It's cold?

No excuses. With more than 21,000 combined miles of trails, there are plenty of options to stretch your legs in national parks. Hiking is also proven to have many health benefits, ranging from the physical exercise you get when out on the trail, to the emotional or mental relief that comes from being in nature. Unless you're being chased by a bear (hmm, cardio workout is amazing) or just don't like the great outdoors. We do offer plenty of activities for indoor hikes too.

Learn more ways to take a hike at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/index.htm

01/11/2024

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.”

01/11/2024

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.

01/11/2024

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.

01/11/2024

01/11/2024

Nobody:
Your parents describing walking to school in winter:

It was five miles in deep snow with limited wi-fi! Hiking in winter can be a beautiful thing. If you like hiking in winter. It's not for everyone and that's okay. But there's nothing like being out on a trail as a hush falls while snow blankets the landscape.

But remember, when you head outdoors you leave behind the established comforts of home: food and water; shelter from the sun, wind, and cold; and easy access to emergency services. Before heading to your favorite national park in snowy weather, keep these “parents walking to school tips” in mind.

🎿 Snowshoes and traction devices are recommended on ice and snow. In winter, some trails are not always marked or maintained. Route-finding skills are important. Don’t rely on others' tracks which can lead you astray. Think of it as peer pressure with feet.

❄️ Know your route. Snow-covered landscapes look very different than in summer. (Because they're covered in snow.) Snow can be deep once you are off trail. We're not talking philosophical snow here, but the kind that will be up your jacket and down your pants faster than you can say, "darn it." (Or other things.) Fun.

🧊 Keep off the ice. Sticking to rivers and lakes may be safer than chasing waterfalls, but they too can have thin ice and be dangerous to maneuver on and around. Always be willing to turn around. Remember, weather and trail conditions can change quickly as snow falls and melts or ice forms.

🦬 Watch for wildlife. Always keep your distance and practice safe wildlife viewing practices. Also, bison have never heard of turn signals. Figures. Only pass when it's safe.

Image: A line of bison push snow around to make a path, and then play 'follow the leader' to conserve energy at Yellowstone National Park. NPS/Jim Peaco

12/19/2023

And now is the perfect time to start planning!

12/19/2023

Homer: D'oh!
Lisa: A deer!
Marge: A female deer!

You shall not pass! Frodoe, is that you? Deer often travel in groups (fellowship?). If one deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. If driving, especially at dusk and dawn (you’re late!), slow down and keep an eye out for deer darting across your path.

Image: A doe standing in the snow under a canopy of trees at Glacier National Park. NPS/Bill Hayden

12/19/2023

12/19/2023

Check out this virtual workshop hosted by Team Agriculture Georgia!