In the early 2000s, native Alabamian E.O. Wilson, one of the most acclaimed naturalists in the world, encouraged scientists to set up a research center to study the biodiversity of his home state.

There were plenty of places to choose from, including “America’s Amazon ”(AKA the Mobile-Tensaw Delta), the Red Hills in South Alabama, Cahaba River watershed and much more. He was joined by an impressive team: UCLA scientist Stephen Hubbell, Smithsonian researchers and Wilson-protégé Bill Finch.

The place they selected?

The Paint Rock Valley, an area in the northeast corner of Alabama, primarily in Jackson County.

Throughout 2025, The Bama Buzz has examined special places and landscapes in Alabama. Earlier this month, we wrote about mountain longleaf forests.

In this edition, we learn about

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