POWERGRAMS

23 23 As part of Evans' reforestation plans, he developed a 5-acre forest nursery near Verbena. The nursery expanded a project by Powell, who had started a pine seed bed near Jordan Dam in 1934. Within a year, the Jordan bed provided 12,000 seedlings, but was succeeded by the Verbena plot, with an irrigation system established in 1937. "Anyone familiar with the progress of reforestation at that time will agree that this was commendable pioneer activity for a non-government organization in Alabama," wrote Graves. "As a matter of fact, very little afforestation had been done in Alabama by planting of nursery grown seedlings prior to this." It was estimated, at the time, that the Verbena nursery production was equal to the combined production of the three government-operated nurseries in Alabama. The company nursery was closed in 1942, when all marginal lands had been reforested. In total, about 7 million seedlings had been grown at Verbena. Likely an effect of World War II, no tree planting was done on company lands between 1943 and 1947. Afterward, though, the company renewed its objective to make the best use of its land and, at the request of Robinson, reforestation was resumed. "By reason of the early large-scale plantings by the company from 1935- 1942, Alabama Power now has probably the oldest and finest large acreage plantations in excess of thirty years in age that can be found in Alabama," Graves wrote. Though Evans was transferred to the company's operating department in 1942, his passion for forestry continued in a family tree business, Evans Tree Service, that served the Birmingham area until 2018. At that time, the family donated framed artwork to the Alabama Power Archives that featured Evans' reforestation work with the company. The family also donated a 1938 Powergrams article that highlighted Evans' promotion to chief forester. "The need for overall harmony of purpose and the resolve to develop good forestry practices on company lands became reality and has been the rule to this day," Graves said. The early forestry work started by Gomer Evans laid a solid foundation for Alabama Power's Forestry program that continues. "The current staff of five registered foresters is dedicated to safely and efficiently managing APC's timberland ownership in a manner that assures a sustained yield of high-quality timber," said Chief Forester Jeff Beason Jeff Beason. "This program supports the company's annual revenue goals and promotes environmental stewardship while providing enhanced wildlife habitat and multiple use opportunities for the citizens of the state." H.M. Jordan, forest caretaker, on company land at Axis, Alabama (from a 1957 Powergrams). This seedling reached a height of 7 feet in four growing seasons. Low water levels allowed company researchers to study silt patterns at Sandy Creek, Martin Reservoir. Forest nursery constructed near Verbena in 1937. Forester John B. Graves, right, and forest caretaker C.O. Griffin check the growth of a tree using an increment borer; (from a 1957 Powergrams).

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