ACES - Forestry, Wildlife, & Natural Resources

ACES - Forestry, Wildlife, & Natural Resources We provide Alabamians with information needed to wisely & effectively manage their natural resources

Don't let this tree blend in! Tree-of-heaven is a fast-growing invasive species of increasing concern in Alabama. Use th...
05/31/2026

Don't let this tree blend in! Tree-of-heaven is a fast-growing invasive species of increasing concern in Alabama. Use these clues to identify this plant and control it early before it spreads.

🌿 Compound leaves can grow up to 3 feet long, with 10-40 leaflets.

🌿 Leaflets are arranged oppositely (or nearly oppositely) along the leaf axis.

🌿 Leaflets have smooth margins other than 1-4 coarse teeth near the base of each leaflet, with a gland (extrafloral nectary) on the underside.

🍃Female trees produce clusters of seeds with a flat, papery wing (samara), often twisted.

🌳 Young trees have smooth gray bark, which becomes rough and “cantaloupe-like” as they age.

📍Can be found statewide, although more common in northern Alabama and urban or disturbed areas, though now entering more intact forests.

⚠️ Tree-of-heaven propagates through wind-driven winged fruits (samaras) and extensive root suckering. Sometimes confused with other species including native sumacs, black walnut, or American elderberry.

Coming soon: New ACES article on tree-of-heaven identification, look alikes, and control options.

05/29/2026

Green treefrogs (Dryophytes cinereus) are an abundant and adaptable treefrog species found in much of Alabama. In the right conditions they can occur at high density, as shown here with the cacophony of males chorusing. A Cope's grey treefrog is audible in the background

05/27/2026

Welcome to the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest 🌲

In Part One of our reel series, take a quick tour of this unique Extension outdoor learning space and discover how the forest supports education, research, best practices for forest landowners, and hands-on experiences. Stay tuned as we explore more of the property in upcoming reels!

05/27/2026

Mudsnakes (Farancia abacura) are uncommon and highly specialized aquatic snakes found in swamps across much of Alabama. Only feeding on large aquatic salamanders, they are very cryptic and unusual to find despite their bright color. Completely harmless to humans, they are uninclined to bite.

Mimosa trees are hard to miss this time of year. Have you spotted this non-native plant near you? 🌸 Mimosa trees produce...
05/24/2026

Mimosa trees are hard to miss this time of year. Have you spotted this non-native plant near you?

🌸 Mimosa trees produce clusters of soft, pink flowers with distinctive thread-like stamens.

🌸 Blooms are typically visible from late spring through mid-summer (May–July).

🌿 Leaves have a fern-like appearance with many small leaflets.

🌳 Trees can grow quickly and often reach heights of up to 50 feet.

🫘 Seed pods are flat and contain 5–10 seeds, and may remain on the tree through the winter.

📍Adaptable to a variety of sites. Can be found along roadsides, streams, forests, clearings, and backyards or woodlots.

⚠️The seeds contain a neurotoxin which can be toxic to dogs and livestock if ingested. The mimosa seeds can remain dormant for extended periods of time and are usually dispersed close to the parent plant. However, they can also be distributed by water and wind, aiding their dispersal to new locations.

📣 Take a moment this season to notice where this tree is growing beyond places where it may have been planted. It might be more common than you think! Learn more at https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/the-mimosa-tree-beautiful-but-invasive/.

With warm and wet weather sweeping across the state, many Alabamians worry about the possibility of snakes. 🐍 Come learn...
05/22/2026

With warm and wet weather sweeping across the state, many Alabamians worry about the possibility of snakes. 🐍 Come learn about the snake diversity of Alabama and how to manage around these animals at the Delta and Bay Conservation Center this June 12. 5:30-7:30 PM

🌳 Want to keep your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best?Join us on May 28, 2026, from 2–3 p.m. for an informativ...
05/22/2026

🌳 Want to keep your trees healthy, safe, and looking their best?
Join us on May 28, 2026, from 2–3 p.m. for an informative webinar on essential tree pruning techniques!

Register here: https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/register/kfU6WeMZRfqtcOwjPnNCbA

Learn:
✔️ When and how to prune different tree species
✔️ Proper tool selection and safety practices
✔️ Common pruning mistakes to avoid
✔️ How pruning supports long-term tree health and sustainability

Through practical demonstrations and expert guidance, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to help maintain trees in residential and commercial landscapes alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your tree care skills! 🌿

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602 Duncan Drive, Forestry, Wildlife & Environment Building, Auburn University
Auburn, AL
36849

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