The spotted salamanders known for their annual migration in Homewood could have more help from a familiar neighbor. Samford University is preparing to expand restoration efforts along Shades Creek, protecting breeding sites and creating additional wetland habitat for amphibians and fish.
For more than a decade, Samford faculty and students have studied the watershed, where wetlands and seasonal pools provide a home for a variety of wildlife. According to the university, financial support from Samford and outside sources will help build on that work.
The university owns property within the Shades Creek flood plain, including areas that remain natural or have seen relatively little human disturbance. Those places provide habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians while giving students an opportunity to study the environment close to campus.
Betsy Dobbins, director of Samford’s STEM Scholars Program and a professor of biological and environmental sciences, hopes students take away an understanding of how closely people are connected to the places they live.
“Our health and well-being depend on both human and environmental communities,” Dobbins said. “Misuse of God’s creation affects our spiritual, physical and mental health.”
Dobbins has devoted decades to teaching and research at Samford, and her care for the environment extends into the community. She has long been involved with Friends of Shades Creek, Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Cahaba River Society.
Samford’s efforts include working alongside community partners to reduce erosion and protect and restore the local habitat. The planned expansion will support restoration of native habitat around spotted salamander breeding sites and provide wetland nurseries for other amphibians and fish.
The university also plans to support native species and create more opportunities for students and community members to learn from the natural environment. For Samford, that work is connected to the university’s faith as well as its research.
“Environmental stewardship is an important expression of Samford’s Christian mission and a key component of our Fidelitas strategic plan,” said Colin Coyne, Samford’s vice president for finance and business affairs.
Shades Creek stretches approximately 54 miles and flows into the Cahaba River. Along Samford’s property, researchers can study how past changes to the landscape have affected the area and what restoration could do to help.
For Dobbins, caring for that land and water carries a biblical responsibility.
“In Genesis 1, God creates the lands and waters and each ‘is good,’” Dobbins said. “Humans are given the responsibility to maintain this earth, and that requires maintaining the ecological communities that support the land and water.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
