Ebenezer Swamp 14 Networking
Exploring outside of the classroom Dr. Bell takes students to the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve
Dr. Nancy Bell’s Business and Society classes (MG 308) have visited the University of Montevallo’s Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve as part of their study of ecology and sustainable development. The swamp also provides rich learning opportunities for biology, art, photography and creative writing students. The swamp is located on Spring Creek, approximately six miles northeast of the University. The swamp increases biodiversity in our area, provides a wetland that retains water to protect Montevallo from flooding and provides countless research and learning opportunities. Ebenezer Swamp consists of 60 acres of wooded wetlands and is home to numerous species of fungi, plants, and animals. Students and other visitors enter the heart of the swamp by walking along a 675-foot boardwalk. The university plans to add an additional 1,000 feet of boardwalk and plaques identifying plants and animal habitats for visitors. Visitors can quickly recognize the dominant animal life form at Ebenezer Swamp, the beaver. The numerous beaver dams along Spring Creek have a pronounced effect on the ecology of the preserve. Other animal inhabitants include the American Woodcock, Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Timber Rattlesnake, Water Moccasin, Copperhead, Raccoon, Opossum, and various species of freshwater clams. The forest is dominated for the most part by Tupelo Gum, with occasional Red Maple, Loblolly Pine, Sweet Bay, Tulip Tree, and Sycamore. The preserve is also home to numerous herbaceous plant species, including three species of orchids and a rare species of cone-flower. Ebenezer Swamp is used for teaching and research purposes. The University of Montevallo is creating the Ebenezer Swamp Wetlands Interpretive and Research Center (ESWIRC) to focus greater research on wetland ecology and to increase educational opportunities for university, high school and middle school students from across the state of Alabama. Spring Creek and Ebenezer Swamp form a portion of the headwaters for the ecologically diverse and environmentally sensitive Cahaba River Watershed. The Cahaba is the longest remaining freeflowing river, has more species of fish per mile than any river in North America, and is one of eight river biodiversity hotspots in the U.S. For more information please feel free to contact Dr. Nancy Bell at 205-665-6533, or the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the University of Montevallo at 205-665-6463.
Members of the Business and Society class (MG 308) listen as Mike Hardig (standing, right), associate professor of biology, explains current research activities at UM’s Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve. Taught by Professor Nancy Bell, the MG 308 class visited the swamp as part of their study of ecology and sustainable development.