POWERGRAMS

25 Confederate manufacturing and supply sources, the Hanby businesses were destroyed and David was killed. Upon his death, the property was sold, and the home and businesses that had operated at the site were forgoen. In an effort to learn more about the history and culture at Turkey Creek, archaeologists from BSC and UAB have excavated areas of the preserve, including the forge, grist mill and, recently, the home site. At the forge site, BSC unearthed artifacts including slag, hand-forged nails and brown ore, suggesting that the "Hanby family smelted brown ore for simple tools, kitchenware, horseshoes and possibly even guns," Yeager wrote in Currents, a preserve publication. The 466 scenic acres that comprise Turkey Creek Nature Preserve are home to many plants and animals, including seven protected species, "making it one of the most critical habitats for rare species in the entire country." Within the seven miles of watershed, there are three endangered fish: the watercress darter, rush darter and vermilion darter, which is only found in Turkey Creek. Eight bat species (of the 12 found in Alabama) use the Turkey Creek flyway for food, including the endangered grey bat and the threatened Northern long-eared bat. In a recent 24-hour survey of wildlife at the preserve, all eight species of bat were observed. "Seeing eight in one night is unheard of," Yeager said. "Turkey Creek is an important habitat/refuge in northern Jefferson County, since most of the county has been developed. They're here because of the water quality, which supports aquatic life, which supports insects for the bats." The creek is home to an endangered eared coneflower and the endangered flaened musk turtle. Later this year, the USFWS will complete a survey at Turkey Creek to gather more information about the flaened musk turtle, to try to help the preserve maintain the current habitat and confront erosion and development issues that are imminent threats to the turtles. Every year, preserve employees introduce more than 6,000 participants, mostly children, to the wonders of nature and the importance of wildlife. "A lot of what we do is really focused on geing hands-on in the preserve," said Yeager. "We get groups of kids that are scared to get off the bus, that have never been in the woods. By the end of the day, they're flipping over rocks and logs on their own and don't want to get back on the bus. "To see those lights flicker on and have them realize it's not a scary place" is one of the best parts of his job, Yeager said. In 2013 and 2016, the Alabama Business Charitable Trust, a fund established in 1992 by stockholders of Alabama Power that provides energy-efficient measures to low-income families and nonprofits, awarded funding to the preserve. Following an energy audit of the education building by an Alabama Power Marketing specialist, LED lights were purchased, leaky ductwork, doors and windows were sealed and a new split unit for heating and air conditioning was installed, allowing the building to be used year-round. The building now houses about a dozen animals, mostly reptiles and amphibians, which allows program participants to learn about each animal, up close, in a safe, comfortable and energy-efficient environment. "We're an island … as the land transitions from rural agricultural to urban," Yeager said while speaking about the importance of Turkey Creek. "Alabama has more Photo by Charles Yeager Photo by Phil Free Photo by Charles Yeager Grants have helped restore the stream banks, improve habitat. Yeager An owl swoops down toward a rodent on the banks of the creek.

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