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, 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.