Peaches and Carp- Southern Invaders
What do carp, Kudzu, and peach trees all have in common? They are all invasive species that have crowded out native species in America’s southeast creating economic and ecological impacts.
Beginning with the early pioneers and explorers, well-meaning people have introduced invasives that have slowly changed ecological habitats of the Tennessee River watershed’s plants, animals, and vertebra. It was Spanish Explorer, Hernando Desoto who introduced peaches, one of the first non-native trees to the South which quickly naturalized. While peaches have not created an ecological crisis, other noxious plants introduced for landscaping and erosion have had deleterious impacts.
Notorious for overwhelming native habitats, Kudzu and privet are two noxious plants that have crowded out native plants across the Tennessee River Valley. The choking effect of the spread of these plants not only impacts the visual landscape but that of the habitats of birds and animals. The rapid growth of kudzu can quickly kill trees and shrubs due to the heavy shading that occurs as the plant wraps around larger plants. Introduced by state and federal agencies to stop top soil erosion, the inadvertent net effect was naturalizing a plant that spreads rapidly, kills native plants, and is almost impossible to eradicate. Similarly, privet out competes native plants for nutrients. Introduced as an ornamental landscaping shrub, privet invaded forest riparian space, shading forest floors and crowding out propagation of native species. The net result was a less diverse landscape of trees and shrubs that are critical habitat for birds and small animals.
Equally notorious are the bad guys of the waterways, zebra mussels and Asian carp. Their voracious feeding is disrupting fisheries on the Ohio, Mississippi and most recently, the Tennessee River. With few natural predators, the populations of both have crowded negatively impacting sport and commercial fishing.
To help prevent the spread of invasives in the Tennessee River Valley:
- Boats: Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area. Power wash your boat and allow to dry before launching in another body of water.
- Fish using native baits
- Don’t carry in firewood from other locations.
- Camping gear: Sweep tents of debris. Clean your tarps and other equipment of dirt and leaves.
- Talk to local nurseries before selecting landscape plants.
- Report observation of invasives.
- Participate in an event to help remove invasives.
A Sense of Place and Geotourism
Early Native Americans respected the land, water, and forests with a reverence and respect that is inherent in geotourism principles. In the Tennessee River Valley, geotourism is at the heart of preserving and protecting the rich assets of the region. Today, geotourism thought leaders also know that sustainability and “sense of place” challenge leaders in vulnerable rural communities to vision in holistic ways that are not solely focused on short term economic gains.
Rural Challenges:
The TRV Stewardship Council is well versed on the struggle for rural communities to protect their cultural identities as the outward migration of young people leaves a vacuum of future vision and leadership. Data shows that the impact widens the economic gap between urban centers and rural centers. However, the southern Appalachians have experienced in-migration from retirees and individuals seeking scenic and/or recreation lifestyle amenities. The benefit of the in-migration is that property values increase without an increase demand on community services such as schools. But in-migration can also detract from the sense of place as newcomers repopulate small communities and bring new stories that can dilute the authenticity of that place’s heritage.
Opportunity Geotourism:
Recognizing the importance of preserving the identity of the region, the Council launched five cultural/heritage trip plans that were designed using Geotourism Principles: 3- Market Selectively or seek tourist segments with the best cost/benefit ratio, and 5- Insure Visitor Satisfaction by providing authentic experiences that will increase demand for the destination. Principle 3 is not mass marketing. It is attracting visitors who are most likely to appreciate the authenticity of place. The trip plans were launched at the TravelSouth International Showcase held in St. Louis. The three partners represented the geographic footprint of the ExploreTRV mapguide and were matched with writers and international tour guides who are interested in cultural or heritage experiences. The three day event provided an opportunity to educate the international community about the history and heritage of the Valley. The feedback from the attendees was positive and supported geotourism as an opportunity for rural communities who are willing to invest in preserving a “sense of place.”
A Habitat at Work: Winter Grasslands and Marshes
In the distant past, the landscape of the Tennessee River Valley was a system of deep forested valleys, highland bogs, grasslands, prairies and savannas which provided a rich habitat for wildlife and native people. These grasslands also created an important ecosystem sustaining the watershed by filtering nutrients, wastes, and sediments. Imagine the early pioneer who saw this fertile soil as place to set down roots. As the land was homesteaded and eventually developed into urban areas, much of the native landscape disappeared. Only pockets remain around cities such as Huntsville that were once resplendent grasslands.
In the Tennessee River Valley, winter is an optimal time to see a “grassland” area at work. Each year, Sandhill Cranes descend on marshy areas across the region- Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to feed on seeds, berries, cultivated grains, insects, and small mammals. The National Wildlife Refuge created by the formation of Kentucky Lake offers visitors a glimpse of the early natural landscape of southeastern grasslands. Overwintering waterfowl feed on native seeds, grains, and mudflats rich with nutrients. The winter’s quiet hum of foraging wildlife and rustling of dried grasses is in direct contrast to the nesting season when the songbirds arrive.
Today, groups such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Southeast Grasslands Imitative are playing important roles in restoring the health of native grasslands in the Tennessee River Valley. Their work not only improves the condition of existing grassland, but improves the overall river system that is providing drinking water and recreation for the Tennessee Valley communities. It cannot be said enough that this system is a region, and that each of the individual counties is linked by the river.
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