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May 2024 | Volume 58

Note from the Director

Jacksonville State University has a long history protecting and promoting Little River Canyon. From its campaign in the early 1900 s to establish the area as a unit of the National Park Service to building the Canyon Center as a place for environmental education and a unique partnership with the National Park Service.

With our partnership in its 17th year, this month signifies a special time for new leadership at NPS as all of us at JSU are excited to welcome a new Superintendent, Mr. Steve Theus.

According to NPS “Steve’s journey from Georgia’s Cumberland Island to the southern edge of the nation’s Cumberland Plateau is sure to bring new opportunities and perspectives to the preserve and national monument,” said Mark Foust, NPS South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director. “His experience protecting treasured cultural and natural resources and forging important relationships with gateway communities will help position Steve for success as superintendent.”

The 31-year NPS veteran began his career as a Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew leader at Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and was soon accepted as a co-op student there and at Andersonville National Historic Site. Theus became an interpretive park ranger in the Florida district of Gulf Islands National Seashore. He then returned to Jimmy Carter National Historic Site as an interpretive park ranger, later serving as Chief of Interpretation and acting superintendent.

As we look forward to working with Superintendent Theus, we also look forward to a busy month of programs, visitation, and the appreciation of a beautiful springtime at the canyon.

Please read about the upcoming activities and join us as we welcome our new Superintendent!

Pete Conroy, Director

JSU Canyon Center

JSU Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects

Superintendent Steve Theus

Join us on Sunday, May 19th, from 2 to 4 pm CDT at the picturesque Little River Canyon Center for an unforgettable afternoon of live music. Featuring the dynamic duo Viv & Riley alongside the soulful tunes of Will Dooley, this event promises to be a celebration of talent and creativity. Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon of melody and memories!

The JSU Art Department invites you to a Meet & Greet with artists from around the world for the 2nd annual Artist in Residence program, featuring artists Hanna Mattes, Hugo Fortes, Sissi Fonseca, and Susan Robertson. See their work and learn about their inspiration at the Little River Canyon Center on May 24th from 5pm to 7pm. Light hors d'oeuvres will be available. Free admission.

Get ready for an evening of foot-stomping fun at Bluegrass on the Rim! Join us on Saturday, June 8th, as we welcome the incredible talents of Foggy Hollow, Kelli Johnson, and Steel City Jug Slammers to the stage. Doors open at 6 pm, with music beginning at 7 pm. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of bluegrass in a setting that's as beautiful as the music itself. Bring your own lawn chairs and coolers. Ol' Tymers BBQ will be on-site, serving up some of the best barbecue in the South for sale. Grab your tickets now and prepare for a night of unforgettable melodies under the open sky!

The cicada emergence is about to start here in Alabama. We are just starting to find the first exoskeletons around the canyon, and we expect to start hearing them soon. This year is special because two distinct cicada broods, Brood XIX and Brood XIII, emerge simultaneously for the first time in 221 years.

While the convergence of these broods is an extraordinary occurrence, the experience in Alabama isn't expected to differ significantly from the typical 13-year cycle. The emergence of Brood XIX is anticipated to dominate central and northern Alabama, with millions of cicadas emerging for about six to eight weeks before disappearing for another 13 years.

Cicadas play a crucial ecological role, aerating soil and serving as a food source for various predators. While their loud mating calls, reaching up to 100 decibels, may cause annoyance, cicadas pose no harm to plants, animals, or humans, but can offer a unique culinary opportunity for adventurous eaters. We hope you make the most of this special event and enjoy learning about what’s buzzing.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The JSU Field School is loving spring, but we’re getting excited for summer! We’re especially excited for our annual Bio Blitz on June 14^th and 15^th. Registration will open soon for all of our summer day-camps at the Little River Canyon Center. Join us for grand adventures, environmental education, and outdoor fun each day at Canyon Camp. For more information about our upcoming events, call 256-845-3548 or email rmtaylor@jsu.edu.

Assistant Director, JSU Field School,

Rebekah Moore Taylor

Photo credit: Dr. Barry Nichols

Upcoming Events

Please click the link for full details. All times listed are Central Time.

May

• Hike with a Naturalist- May 18,10:30 am - 1pm at Little River Canyon Center
• Bewitching Baskets: Weaving a Reed Carrier Basket- May 19, 9 am - 3:30 pm at Little River Canyon Center
• May's Gulf Songwriter Series: May 19, 2-4pm at Little River Canyon Center
• Meet & Greet: Artists in Residence- May 24, 5-7pm at Little River Canyon Center
• Pottery 101 Workshop- May 25, 1-3pm at Little River Canyon Center

June

• Bewitching Baskets: Weaving a Curvy Basket- June 2, 9am - 4pm at Little River Canyon Center
• Bluegrass on the Rim 2024- June 8, 6-9pm at Little River Canyon Center
• BioBlitz 2024- June 14, 2pm - June 15, 2pm at Little River Canyon Center
• Hike with a Naturalist- June 21 10:30 am at Little River Canyon Center
• Guided Archeology Hike: Calhoun & St. Clair Counties- June 22, 9am - 3pm Meet at Logan Hall, JSU Main Campus

View All Activities...