Macon Magazine

60 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 "As a result, you get the biodiversity of both regions in one location." In addition to the overall diversity of the area, particular plants and animals played essential roles to the Muscogee people. "Plants like rivercane were used extensively by the Muscogee for blowguns, thatching for houses, mats, fishing spears, arrows, baskets and ceremonial items," she said. "The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park has restored large swaths of rivercane along the river." Knowing their native lands are recognized for their natural biodiversity and that preservation is critical, is particularly meaningful for the Muscogee Creek Nation. The natural biodiversity of the river corridor was the basis of the Muscogee Creek Nation's sustenance for thousands of years, Bembry said, in contrast to us, as settlers, appreciating the river and its resources for only hundreds of years. "It now serves as a basis for preserving that legacy and drawing our modern society to be more closely attuned to it and its multiple benefits," Bembry said. "From my perspective, the natural biodiversity of our river basin hinges on the vegetative cover along the river corridor. From the big majestic hardwoods found naturally in the flood plain to the upland buffer of longleaf pine forests, landowners adjoining the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve would benefit from the diversity, stability, filtration and erosion control aspects of the designation." As Bremby pointed out, everything is interconnected; the ecosystem depends on biodiversity. "The food chain and life at all levels benefit from balanced biodiversity," he said. "From algae to vegetation and trees, from bugs and fish to beavers, from squirrels and deer to people ... we all must thrive together." The vision for the Georgia Conservancy says it all: "A Georgia where people and the environment can thrive." Protection of the natural ecology of the river corridor is beneficial not only for the flora and fauna within it, but equally beneficial both economically and environmentally for all that the ecosystem provides to us. Next in the series: We'll talk to both the current and former chiefs of the Muscogee Creek Nation for their perspective on the initiative, aspects of biodiversity impact and more. Left: Newly-mature Fringed Champions grow at Ocmulgee Mounds. Top right: Atamasco lilies grow on the cliffs at Brown's Mount. Bottom right: The Ridge Trail at Brown's Mount.

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