On January 23, 2010 I was finally able to visit the lovely Shoal Creek Preserve Tract nature area. It is a wonderful part of the Alabama Forever Wild series of land purchases and management. I was really impressed by the quality of the trails. The trails were well marked and suitable for use by all age groups. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time so I was able to only walk a short distance up the Red Trail. If I could have walked a little farther- I would have reached Shoals Creek- which is a fantastically beautiful creek that flows into the Tennessee River at Florence, AL.
Although it is still the middle of winter here in Alabama, I was able to spot a couple of wildflowers blooming: Dead Nettle and Shepherd's Purse. The Turkey Tail fungi was also very striking.I am really looking forward to watching the various wildflowers beginning to bloom as Spring advances.Section of the Red Trail (be sure to click on the image to see the full size photo- the trail just draws you to want to see what is around the bend)Judas Ear Fungi Auricularia auricula-judaeTurkey Tail Fungi Trametes versicolorDead Nettle Lamium purpureumShepherd's Purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
