Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

Today’s #SaturdaySpotlight is the Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Do not let the name fool you, though. This tree is a species of juniper rather than a true cedar. J. virginiana is an evergreen tree with small, berry-like seed cones that feed birds and mammals through the winter. It is known for its fragrant wood that is rot resistant, which is useful for building fence posts and furniture. You can be sure to spot the Eastern Red Cedar at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center as it is commonly found throughout Georgia. Fun fact: Eastern Red Cedars were once the traditional Christmas trees of the south! Before Christmas tree plantations, families could readily find their own Eastern Red Cedar in the woods to cut and bring home. Photo by: Melissa Paduani

#FlashbackFriday Charlie Elliott is best known in the Department of Natural Resources by being the first and third director of what is now known as Wildlife Resources Division. During his time as director, he helped make credibility of the agency through law enforcement, education, and wildlife management. He was able to provide standard issued uniforms for wildlife rangers (now known as game wardens) for the first time and hired some of the first wildlife biologists in the state. Pictured here is one of the first classes of law enforcement rangers who have received uniforms and badges.

and this week's #scispy is... a walking stick. Walking sticks belong to a group of herbivorous insects that are a prey item for birds, reptiles, spiders, and other insects so they need to be protected. They can extend their legs and antennae against a limb and remain motionless for hours trying to avoid predation. Interestingly enough they are related to leaf bugs which resemble leaves for camouflage. To learn more about these and other insects, subscribe to the Charlie Elliott or GA Wild E-newsletter: https://georgiawildlife.com/GaWild

#scispy This is a great one that has some of the most natural camouflage. This guy is aptly named as it loves to hide in the fresh leaves and twigs as well as eat them. If this doesn't work, it releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. Answer to be revealed later today

Don’t let the species name fool yacause fishing for crappie is anything but that right now! Anglers recently have reported catching some slabs everywhere from ...large reservoirs to small local ponds. Bright color jigs seem to be doing the trick, whether you are trolling or shooting lures at docks closer to deep water. Check out the Georgia WRD Fishing Forecasts for more crappie catching tips at favorite locations https://georgiawildlife.com/fishing-forecasts See more