introduction

WELCH@NIEHS.NIH.GOV
Thu, 22 Jul 1993 17:03:38 -0400 (EDT)

Dear Folks,
I finally got around to posting an introduction, although I'll
admit I've been eavesdropping for about 2 weeks. This group is
fantastic. My name is Jeff welch and I'm currently rebuilding my
CP collection after being wiped out in an apartment mishap.
Previously, I had been growing Sarracenia sp., Dionea, and the more
common Drosera for about 5 years, Cephalotus, and N. khansiana for
about 2 years. Since I am now living in the Central North Carolina
countryside, I feel safe about starting up again with new plants
and boy does it feel good.
An interesting article appeared in the local newspaper
recently which I thought I would share. Entitled "Blooming among
the Booming", it described a cooperative program between the United
States Defense Department and the Nature Conservancy. Since US
military reservations often cover large areas of undeveloped
countryside, the Nature Conservancy began a survey of animal and
plant life in these areas. On our local army base, Fort Bragg
(covering about 100,000 acres) 1050 plant species (or varieties?)
were cataloged. Including 15 species of CP. The cover photo showed
a very nice stand of S. flava. Apparently, part of the diversity
comes from periodic fires started on the shelling range which
destroy competing plant species and leave fire-resistant plants
(including CP) free to grow. Apparently thing went well, although
the survey team did report seeing artillery shells pass overheard.
Far overhead I hope!
Jeff