Chattooga Quarterly
Spring, 2005
The Wonders of Spring
Director's Page
As you may have noticed, each Chattooga Quarterly has a general theme. Sometimes we focus on the natural cycle of the season or occasionally, we feature a particular hot topic or issue. Articles feature themes in line with our mission to promote conservation and the cultural heritage of the Chattooga watershed. This one is simply about the wonders of the season and includes an article about our unique Rhododendrons, another about the inspiration we get from birds in music and language, and an article about the remarkable springtime visit to the Chattooga River watershed by Sir Alexander Cuming 275 years ago. Read more.
- LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND ON THE ROCKS
- PREDATOR BEETLE PROGRAM DIVERSIFIES
- EYE ON LEGISLATURE
The Amazing Rhododendron
Lining much of the Chattooga River, with intertwined branches creating an almost impenetrable wall of dark green leaves, and thousands of buds waiting to burst forth in pink and purple showy blossoms, is the amazing rhododendron. There are more than 850 different wild species of rhododendron, although only a few are native to North America. William Bartram and Andre Michaux, two eighteenth century naturalists and explorers, helped introduce the rhododendron of the southern Appalachians to the rest of the world. Read more.
Alexander Cuming - An examination of contemporary documents
In the spring of 1730 a Scottish nobleman, on no authority but his own, came into Cherokee territory during a time of general hostility and forever altered the course of Anglo-Cherokee relations. This man was Sir Alexander Cuming, Baronet of Culter, and his story has been told often in the hills of southern Appalachia, especially in Macon County, North Carolina, where Nikwasi Mound still marks the site of his fateful visitation. Many call Cuming a hero. Many say he was mad. Beneath the stories, however, lies a real individual and it is that individual I intend to uncover. Read more.
Nature's Composers
To most of us, bird songs are a welcome harbinger of spring. It’s hard not to appreciate their lively melodies after months of cold dead winter. The complexity and diversity of birdsong have inspired countless musicians throughout history. The musical patterns of birds not only have influenced songwriters, but birds have actually written some of the tunes that show up in our music.
Read more.