Sumter County SWCD/NRCS Educates Students About Cogongrass

By Michael Gunn, District Conservationist, NRCS, Livingston, AL

In October 2008, Sumter County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Technician Ryan Costanzo and NRCS District Conservationist Michael Gunn met with students in Mrs. Joan Rundles environmental sciences class at Sumter Academy to discuss Cogongrass.

Cogongrass is an invasive grass that threatens wildlife and woodland habitats. It is mainly noticed along highway rights-of-way, under or near power lines, and along county roads. It is slowly invading from the south and currently has a huge economic impact on the timber industry.

Ryan met with students in the classroom for a discussion and then carried the students outdoors for a look at the grass and to discuss control measures and techniques.

Thanks to Weyerhaeuser and Jessica Bonner (production forester MS/AL timberlands) for allowing us to view their property on this fieldtrip.

For more information about Cogongrass or other invasive species contact NRCS or Sumter County Soil and Water Conservation District at 205 652 7521.

< Back to Success Stories