Yates Lake BioBlitz documents 250-plus animal species

David Rainer, Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

On numerous trips outdoors, I’ve often wondered about the extent of the flora and fauna in the surrounding areas, but I don’t have the background to identify all the different species.

On a recent trip to the Forever Wild Gothard-AWF Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area near Tallassee, Ala., I was among a group of Alabama residents who found out, thanks to the biologists from the Alabama State Lands Division, Auburn University, Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association and interested volunteers.