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5/20/13 10:23 AM
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program - Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership - Home
Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program
Connect with APNEPSoundingsView previous posts and newsletters from APNEP. GrantsView a list of open grants. Citizens' Monitoring NetworkThe APNEP Citizens' Monitoring Network (CMN) is a network of private citizens who monitor water quality in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary and its tributaries. |
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SoundingsA fresh take on the region's salty affairs A stomp in the swampBy Jim Hawhee, APNEP Policy & Engagement Manager A few of the 10,000 Atlantic white cedar trees planted in the swamp The name “Dismal Swamp” doesn’t exactly evoke images of a breezy and bright spring afternoon. Perhaps it should. On a radiant April day, APNEP joined park staff, volunteers from Friends of Dismal Swamp State Park, and members of the local Boy and Girl Scout troops to plant thousands of Atlantic White Cedar trees in the park. The trees were planted to restore areas burned by the 2011 Lateral West fire, which was fueled by trees felled from Hurricane Isabel and the peat soils characteristic of the area. |
EchoesNews and information from the Albemarle-Pamlico region and beyond
Fireflies (also known as lightning bugs) are under consideration by APNEP as an invertebrate indicator of ecosystem health in our region’s upland areas. These insects provide a “cultural” ecosystem service, specifically the aesthetic appeal of their glowing and flickering torsos during warm season evenings. Like other insects, fireflies also have an important role in the region’s carbon cycle. When fireflies die and decompose, a large proportion of the resulting organic material is carbon. A fraction of the carbon works itself into the soil matrix, thus facilitating productive soils. Another portion of this carbon is taken up by water flowing over the landscape. This non-living carbon can be a food source for flora and fauna in our streams and rivers, ultimately finding its way to the estuary and the species living there. If only the estuarine waters could flicker like a firefly as a result! Have an idea?APNEP can help get your environmental initiative off the ground, whether it is related to restoration, science, education, engagement, or policy. The first steps? Take a look at our CCMP and learn about our program, approach, and priorities. Then, contact a staff member to discuss ways that APNEP and its partners can support your efforts. |
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Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership • 1601 MSC Raleigh, NC 27699-1601 • apnep@ncdenr.gov • (919) 707-8632 • Fax: (919) 707-8632 |
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N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
NC
27699-1601
USA
Headquarters (Environment and Natural Resources Building):
217 W. Jones St.
Archdale Building:
512 N. Salisbury St.
Toll Free:
(877) 623-6748