PAGE 2 April 2022
Wildflower Saturday Set For May 7
BORDER SUMMIT Alabama was one of eight southern states represented at the recent Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Southwest Border Summit. The event was held for the state and local agencies to discuss ways to better combat the increased crime coming from the U.S.- Mexico border. “Border security and crime stemming from illegal immigration cannot be neglected, plain and simple,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “Failing to secure our Southern Border puts Americans – young and old and from all walks of life – at risk. I am proud that members of our Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are taking steps to combat the increase in crime coming from the U.S.-Mexico border. We in Alabama are continuing to do our part to protect our citizens,” the Governor said. Participants listened to a briefing from the Texas Department of Public Safety and discussed the current situation as it relates to the crimes coming from across the border and the impact on our local communities. Those attending shared law enforcement investigative efforts and challenges, crime trends and ways to utilize partnerships between state law enforcement agencies to address the crimes. “Bysharing intelligence and resources, we can more effectively curb the flow of drugs, human trafficking and gang violence coming into our states from the southern border, said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.
is marked for its difficulty level. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear & bring along water & snacks along on the hikes. Throughout the course of the day you will be able to choose from 3 separate hikes during the day, each hike with different leaders. The Hiking Trails include: The Azalea Cascade Hike : (Easy to Moderate) This trail starts on DeSoto's Azalea Cascade Boardwalk and ends at the Country Store. This one meets behind DeSoto's Country Store on the deck at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Azalea Cascade Hike has the easiest terrain, suitable for people with limited mobility or younger children. Starts out along the Talmadge Butler ADA- Accessible Boardwalk Trail & continues along for both an elevated & ground-floor view of the hardwood forest. Ends at Azalea Cascade, with an option to venture off the boardwalk on a trail that ends back at the country store. Various plants to see include Pink Lady Slipper, Mountain Laurel, Wild Ginger, Catesby’s Trillium, Galax, Trout Lilly, Sweet Shrub, Mountain Honeysuckle, Yellowroot, Dwarf Iris, New York Fern, Wild Geranium, Cucumber Magnolia and more. The Rhododendron Trail Hike: (Moderate to mildly strenuous) – This trail goes from Country Store towards DeSoto's pool area and down the yellow trail, ending at Indian Falls. Meets at DeSoto's Nature Center at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The Annual Wildflower Saturday will be held the first weekend in May 2022. Wildflower Saturday is an annual event held in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne. DeSoto State Park 30th staff & guest speakers will be on hand for a weekend of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain. Those attending can choose to stay the whole weekend, or just come for the day to enjoy the hikes and programs. The weekend starts off with a welcome social and guest speaker program on Friday night (May 6), a day full of hikes to choose from and a guest speaker on Saturday night. (May 7). Saturday’s events will start at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast at DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant. At 9:00 a.m. the Hikes start at DeSoto’s Country Store with three different hikes heading out. Following a 11:30 a.m. lunch DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant, Hike’s will leave out at 1:00 p.m. from DeSoto’s Country Store. There will be another Hike at 3:00 p.m. Dinner is at 5:00 p.m. followed by a 7:15 p.m. Presentation on Lodge Deck (speaker TBA). The event is free and open to everyone. No pre- registration required. The State Park is requesting that groups over 10 people RSVP in order to help make everyone's wildflower experience better. DeSoto's trails can vary from fairly flat terrain to slightly steep inclines & rocky ground. Each hike
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail at DeSoto State Park
Bluets, Galax, Sweet Shrub, Fringe Tree, Partridgeberry, and more. The Little River Hike: (Moderate to mildly strenuous) – This trail starts at Indian Falls, follows the yellow trail and circles back to Indian Falls. It meets outside DeSoto's Country Store on grass at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Little River Hike starts at Indian Falls & goes down a slight incline to follow along the West Fork of Little River. Terrain is rockywith someminor rock- hopping next to the river. Trail curves around & starts
a gradual curve up to the bluff above Little River and ends back at Indian Falls. Various plants to see include Mountain Honeysuckle, Mountain Laurel, Catawba Rhododendron, Nuttall’s Rayless Goldenrod, Yellowroot, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Indian Cucumber Root, Wood Sorrel, Tag Alder, Ashy Hydrangea, Oxeye Daisy, Coral Honeysuckle, Flatrock Onion, Neverwet, Royal Fern, Joe Pye Weed, Cinnamon Fern, Rattlesnake Plantain and much more. All presentations and hikes are free.
The Rhododendron Trail Hike is classified as moderate to mildly strenuous because of the length and slightly rocky terrain; this hike is great for walking under the forest canopy & among flowing creeks. Follows along the bluff line overlooking the West Fork of Little River, and ends at scenic Indian Falls. Various plants to see include Catawba Rhododendron, Wild Camellia, Rhododendron, Yellowstar Grass, Wild Huckleberry, Mountain Laurel, Trailing Arbutus,
MISS POTATO PAGEANT The Miss Potato Festival will be held on May 7 at the Sylvania High School lunch room. The pageant is open to girls 18 years old or under and are residents of Jackson County or DeKalb County. Entry fee is $40 and pageant forms can be picked up and dropped off at Sylvania City Hall. For more information, contact Tara Kirby at 256.657.6994.
The pictures below were made at the Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger)
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