Local 12: Nature still healing after Tristate storm that killed 4
UC study documents recovery of forest damaged by deadly tornado
WKRC-Local 12 highlighted a University of Cincinnati study that documented the recovery of a forest decimated by a deadly tornado 25 years ago.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Theresa Culley told Local 12 that the long-term study found that nonnative, invasive species now dominate damaged parts of the Harris Benedict Nature Preserve, which adjoins the Johnson Preserve in Montgomery.
Blue Ash and Montgomery were devastated by an F4 tornado packing 200 mph winds on April 9, 1999. The storm killed four people and destroyed more than 200 homes.
A plaque at the Johnson Nature Preserve pays tribute to the four people killed and the many injured in a 1999 tornado that destroyed 200 homes in Blue Ash and Montgomery.
It also knocked down countless trees in the hilly preserve. UC conducted four botanical surveys of the forest over the last 17 years to document its recovery.
Culley told WKRC-Local 12 that the clearings left behind by the storm gave nonnative Callery pear trees and Amur honeysuckle a chance to take over.
“We always assume nature will rebound and be OK,” she told Local 12.
But Culley said UC's study identified major differences between the damaged forest and the sections left untouched by the tornado.
Culley also spoke with WVXU about the study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution. She told WVXU that active management of the preserve could benefit biodiversity.
“UC has owned this preserve since 1929. In the past it was really just hands-off, ‘let nature take its course,’” Culley told WVXU. “But we've realized within the last 10 or more years — since the tornado definitely — that we need to do a lot more. We need to be a lot more proactive.”
Some parks across Ohio are taking steps to eradicate plants like Amur honeysuckle to protect native flowers and ground covers that can get shaded out by the nonnative ones.
Featured image at top: UC Professor Theresa Culley, right, shows WKRC-Local 12 reporter Chelsea Sick around the Harris Benedict Nature Preserve 25 years after a tornado devastated the forest. Photo/Michael Miller
Related Stories
Put down that beer; it's not a tanning lotion
July 1, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss what's fact and what's myth when it comes to sunscreen use, different kinds of sunscreen and a social media recommendation to use beer on your skin to help get a tan.
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC opens Blood Cancer Healing Center
June 28, 2024
Media outlets including WLWT, Local 12, Spectrum News, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cleveland.com highlighted the opening of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Blood Cancer Healing Center.
Financial factors to consider when moving
June 27, 2024
Moving can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. When it comes time to move, there are important financial implications to consider, Gary Painter, PhD, the academic director of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business real estate program and a professor of real estate, told USA Today.
New project aims to better support teen mothers in Adams County
June 27, 2024
WCPO highlighted a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and the Adams County Health Department that is aiming to provide better support for teen mothers in the county.
Free Wi-Fi, work area coming to Greater Cincinnati
June 27, 2024
St. Lawrence Park in Price Hill now has free Wi-Fi and a furnished outdoor space for community members to access digital needs. The space is part of The Nodes Project, which stands for “Neighborhoods of Design Engagement": a collaboration between UC DAAP communication designers and community entities.
Study aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths presents results
June 27, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen and Caroline Freiermuth discussed the evidence-based practices implemented during the HEALing Communities Study to fight the opioid epidemic with Spectrum News.
UC alum credits journalism program with early success
June 26, 2024
Zachary Jarrell came to the University of Cincinnati in 2019 to pursue a degree in statistics. In 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. For many undergraduates, the journey through college rarely takes the expected track. Detours happen, and majors change. When plans switch up, it can be helpful to a student’s success to find support. For Jarrell, it was the people he worked alongside in the journalism department who helped him on his journey. It has left a lasting impression on his life so far, guiding him to multiple internships as an undergraduate, real-world experience in prominent news outlets, and eventually a successful career in the highly competitive field of journalism.
The health impact of living near a natural gas leak
June 25, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small talks to the BBC about the health issues faced by neighbors of leaking natural gas wells.
Male birth control gel inches towards FDA approval
June 25, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Wesley Baas spoke with Yahoo News and the Cincinnati Enquirer about a new male birth control gel that could be close to receiving FDA approval.