The second workshop in the Alabama Master Naturalist Program series is titled Alabama’s Living Streams and is scheduled for Thursday, August 25.  Alabama’s river systems are one of our state’s most distinctive natural features and is responsible in a great part to the state’s vast aquatic bio-diversity.  Alabama has 17 major river systems that contain an estimated 77,000 miles of waterways and is  second in the nation in regards to the number of fish species.

The Alabama Living Streams workshop will focus on Alabama’s freshwater ecosystems.  During the workshop, we will examine the importance of understanding water chemistry and maintaining a high level of water quality in our state’s rivers and streams.  The workshop will also focus on the vast bio-diversity that exists within our waterways and why it is important to understand and protect our  state’s freshwater environments. This workshop will cover the following  topics:

Cost for the workshop is $35 and lunch will be provided.

To register, go to http://www.aces.edu/forestry/amn/. Upon receipt of your registration and payment, an email or letter will be sent to you to verify your registration. It will also contain additional information about the location for the workshop (in Auburn). The deadline to register for the Alabama Living Streams workshop is Aug. 19.

Some of the objectives that will be covered during the workshop:

Understand the distribution and diversity of aquatic systems in Alabama

Describe the characteristics of the major types of freshwater aquatic systems (rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs) in Alabama

Describe the flora and fauna of aquatic systems in Alabama

Understand how aquatic systems function and the factors affecting this functioning

Understand principles, tools, and methods for management of aquatic systems in Alabama

Understand threats and/or issues relating to aquatic systems in Alabama

Understand the roles of Alabama state agencies in managing aquatic systems

Understand the roles of citizens in the stewardship of aquatic systems in Alabama.

Congressman Artur Davis (D-Bham) officially entered the 2010 Alabama Governor’s race at a kick-off event in Birmingham’s Linn Park on Saturday.  Approximately 500 supporters gathered to hear Rep. Davis’ remarks, as well as a special performance by Alabama native, Ruben Studdard.  “While it has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress, today I officially start a new journey to become the next Governor of Alabama,” Davis said.  “I’m running for one simple reason: to transform Alabama’s economy to attract the jobs of the 21st Century, improve public schools and reform ethics laws to unlock the state’s full potential.”

Watch for more news on all the candidates for Alabama’s next Governor here on Opelika Daily News!