By 
September 28, 2026
How do animals know where to go when migrating? They certainly aren’t using their phones for navigation. Remarkably, it’s through a combination of natural cues, from Earth’s magnetic field, smells, landmarks, and even the Sun and stars. For wildlife, survival depends on movement. But as roads and development fragment habitats, finding safe passage has become one of conservation’s greatest challenges.
That’s where interconnected forests come in. While a preserve might look like an isolated patch of trees, it is likely part of a network of protected lands that allow wildlife to move and ecosystems to function, benefiting the communities that depend on them.
Forests Matter Beyond Trees
Forests:
- Clean our air, collecting particles on the many surfaces as air passes through.
- Filter water before it reaches water systems, and work as a sponge for storm water.
- Absorb and store carbon, impacting global climate.
- Provide habitats for species.
And the more diverse forests are, the more resilient they are to drought, storms, pests and disease.
Here in North Alabama, it’s easy to enjoy these benefits*. Plus, we aren’t too far from more densely forested places like the Walls of Jericho** or Wheeler National Park. Simply enjoying cleaner air and water is largely made possible by the forests around us that are constantly at work.
But not everything is rays of sunshine.
The Problem with Fragmentation
Imagine trying to travel across town but every few blocks there was a wall you couldn’t cross. That’s increasingly what wildlife experiences in fragmented landscapes. Roads, developments and other barriers break large forests into smaller patches, limiting the ability of plants and animals to move freely.
Remember those benefits listed above? For humans, fragmentation and shrinking habitats impact our food supply chain, storm water controls, pollution levels, and water quality. For wildlife, the stakes are even higher. Over time, isolated populations become less resilient and can face peril.
Something not often talked about is plant and tree migration. To learn more about how that is an integral part of the geologic history in this region, check out The Hidden World Beneath Our Wildflowers.
Introduction to ‘Corridors of Protection’
Wildlife corridors connect forests and other natural habitats, giving plants and animals the space they need to move, find food, locate mates, and maintain genetically diverse populations. One corridor of protection The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is hyper-focused on extends from the Gulf Coast, up the Appalachian Range and into Canada.
How is TNC doing this? By partnering with landowners, safeguarding strategic lands, and managing forests for long-term health.
The conservation challenges facing our world are vast, but connected landscapes give nature (and people) a fighting chance to a livable climate, healthy communities, and thriving nature.
Together, We Find a Way
Conservation and education go hand in hand.
The Huntsville Botanical Garden helps people develop a connection to native plants and forest ecosystems, while TNC works to protect those ecosystems in the wild. Our partners at the Garden have been researching rare species, monitoring plant populations, advancing native plant conservation, and fostering appreciation for Alabama’s biodiversity.
Many of these efforts are supported by work happening on TNC preserves, where researchers can study native species in their habitats firsthand. Together, our organizations are helping answer important questions about how plants, pollinators, wildlife, and forests respond to a changing world.
Just as forests are strongest when connected, conservation is most effective when communities work together. By protecting corridors of habitat while inspiring people to care about the natural world, we create a future where wildlife can move freely, forests can adapt, and the benefits of healthy ecosystems continue to support generations to come.
Note
* Big thanks to the Land Trust of North Alabama and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who alongside TNC have helped create a lot of these natural places.
