Pumpkinvine Creek Nature Park

Lots of wildlife to celebrate at the park. What's your favorite animal to see?

We think we're pretty awesome!

This week’s invasive species highlight is the wild hog, also known as feral swine, or wild pigs. Wild hogs are the descendants of escaped or released pigs that were first brought to the United States by Europeans as a food source. They are now spread throughout 31 states and have a population of approximately 6 million. Why is this such a problem? They cause extensive habitat damage through rooting and wallowing, prey on the nests and young of ground-nesting birds and reptiles, and carry diseases and parasites that other wildlife are susceptible to. Recently, Southeastern Trust attended a Feral Hog Workshop where we learned about some of the tactics to help control these pests on some of our own properties. For more information, go to the website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/operational-wildlife-activities/feral-swine.

This week, we are highlighting a plant native to the Central and Southeastern United States, the American Holly, Ilex opaca. These plants can be hard to identify as they look similar to both the invasive Leatherleaf Mahonia as well as Chinese holly. However, its distinguishing dull, dark green leaves that have evenly spaced spines along the edges are a dead giveaway of the native variety. If you are looking to add Holly to your yard, try and find this native version, as it is beneficial to native animals! You can see this plant at almost all of our parks, but this one was seen at Lynne & Charlie D’Huyvetter Nature Park.

Support SE Trust's Mission of Conservation, Recreation, & Community

Pumpkinvine Creek Nature Park is owned and operated by the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land . Here's a little reminder of our mission and commitment to the communities we serve. Learn more at www.stpal.org.

At Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land, we’re dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the southeastern U.S. Through a blend of environmental stewardship, science education, and public recreation, we ensure that wetlands, forests, and open spaces are protected and accessible for everyone. By partnering with communities and leveraging public and private support, we create sustainable landscapes that benefit both people and nature for generations to come.

As soon as fall is in the air, the song of this week's “Feathered Find” isn't far behind. The White-throated Sparrow can be heard singing “oh-sweet-Canada” all winter long across most of North America, where it’s a well-known and loved visitor to yards and feeders. This beautifully patterned songbird can be found on the ground and in brush piles across all of our parks and is often seen in large flocks.

Planning on riding at the park? Check out the trail conditions before you make the trip! Visit https://mtbatlanta.com/trail-status/ to check trail status. Remember, don't ride wet trails and let them dry for 24 hours before trying again.

Also, let us know about trees on the trail by messaging us on Facebook or email us [email protected]. Sharing a map point and a picture really helps us respond to tree issues.