New species of oak, Maartin Vanderguesen examines a new species of wild azalea – finding new plants to Alabama and the maples are all mixed up. These Southern Cumberlands are remarkable in their diversity.

Dr. Anny Chung, a Professor with the department of Plant Biology and Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia brought some top notch soil communities grad students to see the Paint Rock property.

Of all the things that Mike Dalen is working on – I managed to get him to join me on a photography trip one foggy fall morning. I was pretty lucky that day.

Mike Dalen brought the incredible folks from the North Alabama Land Trust to visit the Paint Rock census plot in late October. What a great group of folks! Their level of interest in the science, the forest and area was refreshing. And they are just fun folks! BMF

Some of the smartest people make the best photographers. I am certain these two are far more advanced technologically in photography than I am. What a great day and place to focus on what you love.