PR Wars

Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are large turtles that can grow more than a foot long and weigh up to 35 pounds. Common snapping turtles have long tails and necks and rough shells. Snapping turtles are found throughout eastern North America including all of Georgia. In Trinity Lakes, the mud bottom ponds with lush aquatic vegetation are especially favorable. While snapping turtles are often thought of as aggressive predators, these turtles, in fact, are omnivores whose diet consists partly of plant matter. Snapping turtles spend most of their time underwater waiting for their next snack to float by. They are not aggressive animals, but like any wild animal, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The common snapping turtle is not protected and is considered locally abundant in Georgia. In some areas, it is harvested for food.

When sounds of their “honking” fill the air, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts look to the sky in search of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis). These remarkable birds have become more common in Georgia. Although Georgia has established a hunting season for Canada geese, these birds are a protected species under state and federal law and can only be hunted according to Georgia’s migratory bird regulations. Canada geese fly in a distinctive V-shaped flight formation, with an altitude of more than 3,000 feet for migration flight. The front position is rotated since flying in front consumes the most energy. The maximum flight ceiling of Canada geese is unknown, but they have been reported as high as 29,000 feet. Each summer, in late June and early July, geese go through a molting process during which they lose their ability to fly until they grow new flight feathers. The lifespan in the wild of… Read more

Yellow-Bellied Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta scripta) are among the most abundant of all basking turtles and native to Georgia. Any time the weather is mild and the sun is out, slider turtles rest on logs, stumps or rocks. Slider turtles are abundant in the ponds and streams of Trinity Lakes and can subsist on a vegetative diet, but are not normally able to capture healthy fish. Sliders can live more than 30 years in the wild. In Trinity Lakes, it's common to see them sunbathing in a group or even on top of one another and, if you get too close, they'll slide back into the water with a splash.

Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) are large raptors. They have small heads and narrow but strongly hooked bills. The bare skin of the head is black. There are two types of vultures in Georgia, black vultures and turkey vultures. Turkey vultures have red skin on their head. At Trinity Lakes, both types of vultures can be found. One-on-one at a carcass, black vultures lose out to the slightly larger turkey vulture. But flocks of black vultures can quickly take over a carcass and drive the more solitary turkey vultures away. Vultures play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. These birds pick decaying carcasses clean which help prevent disease outbreaks. A world without vultures would be an awful place filled with disease and decay.

The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is found throughout Georgia in both rural and urban areas. In Trinity Lakes, you can find both red foxes and gray foxes. The easiest way to identify the difference between a red fox and a gray fox is the tail. Red foxes have a white-tipped tail and gray foxes have a black-tipped tail. Red foxes are considered carnivores because a large portion of their diet includes rabbits, rats, mice, squirrels, birds and insects, however they also will eat fruits, nuts and berries. When preyed upon by coyotes or bobcats, red foxes utilize speed and endurance to elude predators. This adaptation is what made this species so popular for fox and hound hunting. Foxes are quite common. Although foxes are primarily nocturnal hunters, it is not uncommon to see a fox during the day. If you see a fox, the best advice is to simply leave… Read more

American Mink (Mustela vison) have dark brown fur and a long tail. They weigh up to 3 ½ pounds, slightly less than a house cat. Mink can emit a strong musky odor, like skunks, but the distance the odor travels is more limited. In Georgia, mink are most commonly found from North Georgia through the Piedmont to Macon including Trinity Lakes. Mink are fierce predators and may kill more prey than they can consume including fish, crawfish, insects, frogs, snails, muskrats, rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, snakes, young snapping turtles, waterfowl and bird eggs. Mink have an important place in the history of mankind. For thousands of years, furs were necessary for human survival. Today, since mink are sensitive to pesticides and pollution, they serve as an ‘indicator species' for environmental contamination in watersheds.

With the eradication of the Red Wolf across Georgia, the Coyote (Canis latrans) has filled the void statewide. Resembling a small dog, a coyote has pointy ears and snout, mottled color fur and a bushy tail. A group of coyotes is called a band. Coyotes are considered an invasive species in Georgia.  Coyotes visit Trinity Lakes in search of rodents and even deer. The local coyotes at Trinity Lakes keep a distance on the northern side of Trinity Creek, and shy away from human contact.  Coyote attacks on humans are very rare.   If mated with dogs, a female coyote can produce a coyote/dog hybrid called a “coydog.” However, this is uncommon due to the unsynchronized breeding cycles of the two species. Despite its nuisance reputation, the coyote serves to maintain a balance in Georgia's rodent population.

The Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a common dabbling duck found in Georgia. The male mallard is unmistakable with a glossy green head. The female is predominantly colored mottled brown. In Trinity Lakes, the mallards enjoy feeding on the sedges surrounding the lakes and acorns from the oak trees. The average life expectancy is three years, but they can live to twenty. The predation-avoidance behavior of sleeping with one eye open, allowing one brain hemisphere to remain aware while the other half sleeps, was first demonstrated in mallards, although it is believed to be widespread among birds in general.

The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) is the most common rabbit in Georgia and can be found in Trinity Lakes. It has dense brown to gray fur on its back with a white underside and white or “cotton” tail. Adults weigh 2 to 4 pounds with a home range that covers 4 to 13 acres.. Cottontails are very productive with up to seven litters per year with 4-7 bunnies per litter. The bunnies are weaned from their mother after 14 days Brush and briar thickets provide important cover from predators and mortality rates are greater when rabbits venture into open areas. Annual mortality rates average about 80% per year as predators include coyotes, bobcats, foxes, owls, and hawks.

Beavers (Castor canadensis) were almost eliminated from Georgia because of unregulated trapping and habitat loss. Wildlife restoration efforts were quickly successful and beavers are thriving statewide today. Beavers are found in the creeks and ponds of Trinity Lakes. Beavers are North America's largest rodents and live on both land and in water. Their broad flat tails are used for stability while sitting, feeding or chewing trees. Beavers create their own shelter in the form of either bank dens or lodges. Dens are created by digging a series of holes in the water banks. The beaver's most famous signature is the dam. Wetlands created by beavers provide excellent habitat for plants, animals, waterfowl and migratory birds. The wetlands also serve as a filtration system trapping sediments and improving water quality.

The White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), is native to the Americas. It is estimated that there are more than 1-million deer in Georgia. Deer enjoy using the trails at Trinity Lakes and drink water from both Trinity Creek and Rocky Creek on the property. The deer can be recognized by the characteristic white underside to its tail. It raises its tail when it is alarmed to warn other deer about a predator. A grown deer can eat around 2-thousand pounds of vegetation a year and a male deer, known as a buck, can weigh more than 300 pounds.

The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a native mammal in Georgia. Bobcats also live on the property of Trinity Lakes. Bobcats are about twice the size of the common house cat. Males can weigh more than 40 pounds.  The tail is short and gives the appearance of being “bobbed.” Common prey includes mice, rats, rabbits, reptiles and birds. Bobcats can reach 13 years old in the wild while captive bobcats have reached over 30 years old. Bobcats tend to be shy and avoid people. Although they are common in many areas, it is rare to actually see a bobcat. Bobcats are wild animals, so you should view them from a safe distance.

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is the largest and most widespread North American heron. It is a resident bird in Georgia and can be found at Trinity Lakes all year. Great Blue Herons require ponds and lakes to hunt for fish. They also eat insects, frogs, salamanders, small reptiles, and even small birds! Great Blue Herons breed in large colonies known as rookeries, sometimes referred to as a “heronry.” The heronries can be quite large, often having well over 100 nests!

As corporations weigh-in on social issues, communicators are learning to become a company conscience. On today's PR Wars, we talk with Anthony Hayes, Founder and President of The Hayes Initiative. Learn what you should think about as your company navigates the winds of social change.

As corporations weigh-in on social issues, communicators are learning to become a company conscience. On today's PR Wars, we talk with Anthony Hayes, Founder and President of The Hayes Initiative. Learn what you should think about as your company navigates the winds of social change.Continue reading

The life of an intern. It's tough to get that spot in the agency. When you do, what does success look like for both you and the agency? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Kaci Pollack, Talent and Culture Manager for See.Spark.Go.

The life of an intern. It's tough to get that spot in the agency. When you do, what does success look like for both you and the agency? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Kaci Pollack, Talent and Culture Manager for See.Spark.Go. Continue reading

When you engage in international public relations, what is lost in translation? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk to Nick Haigh with British-based BAE Systems Applied Intelligence about the differences of public relations across the pond.

When you engage in international public relations, what is lost in translation? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk to Nick Haigh with British-based BAE Systems Applied Intelligence about the differences of public relations across the pond.Continue reading

Is Wikipedia in your communication plan? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Josh Greene, CEO of The Mather Group about strategies to make the world's largest reference site work for you.

Is Wikipedia in your communication plan? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Josh Greene, CEO of The Mather Group about strategies to make the world's largest reference site work for you. Continue reading

Influencers can have stronger readership than a news publication. And, today's influencer is a savvy content creator. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Jason Falls author of "Winfluence: Reframing Influencer Marketing to Ignite your Brand."

Influencers can have stronger readership than a news publication. And, today's influencer is a savvy content creator. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Jason Falls author of "Winfluence: Reframing Influencer Marketing to Ignite your Brand." Continue reading

If your media list isn't spot on, it won't matter how good your press releases are. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Meltwater's Cody Konschak to help you build better media lists for better coverage.

If your media list isn't spot on, it won't matter how good your press releases are. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Meltwater's Cody Konschak to help you build better media lists for better coverage. Continue reading

How do you engage with public relations when public temperament is permeated with division... and dipped in napalm. On today's PR Wars podcast, Brooke Hammerling, founder of The New New Thing, helps companies navigate an opinion charged landscape.

How do you engage with public relations when public temperament is permeated with division... and dipped in napalm. On today's PR Wars podcast, Brooke Hammerling, founder of The New New Thing, helps companies navigate an opinion charged landscape. Continue reading

Communication planning will help you get better results. PR consultant, Isabel Peña Alfaro is our guest on the PR Wars podcast today. We'll learn how to focus on the priorities, while we write some fun into a 2021 communications plan.

Communication planning will help you get better results. PR consultant, Isabel Peña Alfaro is our guest on the PR Wars podcast today. We'll learn how to focus on the priorities, while we write some fun into a 2021 communications plan. Continue reading

We have to be realistic about our budgets. When you work with a small business, every dollar needs to get results. Our guest today on the PR Wars podcast is Carmena Ayo-Davies, author of the book "Publicity on a Budget."

We have to be realistic about our budgets. When you work with a small business, every dollar needs to get results. Our guest today on the PR Wars podcast is Carmena Ayo-Davies, author of the book "Publicity on a Budget." Continue reading

Holiday retail. It is a tough pitch to get your clients products under the Christmas tree. Our guest today on the PR Wars podcast worked a decade for the National Retail Federation. She even worked with the team that originally coined the term "Cyber Monday." Join us as PR Wars talks holiday public relations with Kathy Grannis Allen, Director of Media Relations at SalientMG.

Holiday retail. It is a tough pitch to get your clients products under the Christmas tree. Our guest today on the PR Wars podcast worked a decade for the National Retail Federation. She even worked with the team that originally coined the term "Cyber Monday." Join us as PR Wars talks holiday public relations with Kathy Grannis Allen, Director of Media Relations at SalientMG.Continue reading

Internal communications is a specialty of corporate comms. If you have an agency background, you might not have a lot of exposure here. Maybe, you never want to pick up a phone and call a reporter again. So you're thinking, hey, maybe internal comms is right for me. Well, let's find out. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Senior Director of Communications at Syneos Health, Khaner Walker.

Internal communications is a specialty of corporate comms. If you have an agency background, you might not have a lot of exposure here. Maybe, you never want to pick up a phone and call a reporter again. So you're thinking, hey, maybe internal comms is right for me. Well, let's find out. On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk with Senior Director of Communications at Syneos Health, Khaner Walker.Continue reading

The life of a freelancer. Is it right for you? On today's PR Wars podcast, we will talk with Sarah Shkargi, who runs TNS Media and Communications about how to win at freelance public relations in 2020.

The life of a freelancer. Is it right for you? On today's PR Wars podcast, we will talk with Sarah Shkargi, who runs TNS Media and Communications about how to win at freelance public relations in 2020. Continue reading

In the world of PR and marketing, this virus has impacted one specialty exceptionally hard: events, trade shows, and conferences. It's been brutal. PR Wars scoured the landscape looking for someone who's made the pivot, who has changed the paradigm. And, we found it. On today's PR Wars podcast, we learn how Norm Aamodt, President of the Event Strategy Group is finding success.

In the world of PR and marketing, this virus has impacted one specialty exceptionally hard: events, trade shows, and conferences. It's been brutal. PR Wars scoured the landscape looking for someone who's made the pivot, who has changed the paradigm. And, we found it. On today's PR Wars podcast, we learn how Norm Aamodt, President of the Event Strategy Group is finding success.Continue reading

If you work in public relations, you will encounter disasters. But for a government communications pro, a state of emergency turns the pressure up. On today's PR Wars, we talk with Mike Steele, the Communications Director for the State of Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In this role, a disaster is another day on the job.

If you work in public relations, you will encounter disasters. But for a government communications pro, a state of emergency turns the pressure up. On today's PR Wars, we talk with Mike Steele, the Communications Director for the State of Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. In this role, a disaster is another day on the job. Continue reading

Through the eyes of a TV photog. They've seen it all in television news and they are the unheralded backbone of news gathering. As a PR pro, the right connection with a tv videographer can make your story soar. On today's PR Wars podcast, will talk with 30-year television pro Stewart Pittman. A little respect can go a long way to helping you capture the best news hit of your career.

Through the eyes of a TV photog. They’ve seen it all in television news and they are the unheralded backbone of news gathering. As a PR pro, the right connection with a tv videographer can make your story soar. On today's PR Wars podcast, will talk with 30-year television pro Stewart Pittman. A little respect can go a long way to helping you capture the best news hit of your career.Continue reading

Have you ever dreamed of running your own PR agency? If you were the boss, how would you run your agency differently? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk to one of the industry's success stories... Rick French, CEO of French|West|Vaughan. FWV is the agency of record for some of the world's top corporate and consumer brands. Learn what you need to know to start your own public relations agency.

Have you ever dreamed of running your own PR agency? If you were the boss, how would you run your agency differently? On today's PR Wars podcast, we talk to one of the industry’s success stories... Rick French, CEO of French|West|Vaughan. FWV is the agency of record for some of the world’s top corporate and consumer brands. Learn what you need to know to start your own public relations agency.Continue reading

Get out of the press release rut. On today's PR Wars podcast, we will look at six ways that you can engage the media without writing a press release. We will explain specific tactics to add to your PR toolbox.

Get out of the press release rut. On today’s PR Wars podcast, we will look at six ways that you can engage the media without writing a press release. We will explain specific tactics to add to your PR toolbox.Continue reading

Have you ever made a difficult choice to take on a client that has done something bad? In many cases, media villains are not as bad as they seem and the heroes are not as great as they appear. On today's PR Wars podcast, we'll show you how to be the conscience of a company.

Have you ever made a difficult choice to take on a client that has done something bad? In many cases, media villains are not as bad as they seem and the heroes are not as great as they appear. On today's PR Wars podcast, we'll show you how to be the conscience of a company.Continue reading

Have you ever noticed that when you're pitching a good story, you can't get a reporter on the phone? And when there's a bad story, you can't get a reporter off of your phone. On today's PR Wars podcast, find out why message discipline is so important when dealing with a hostile reporter.

Have you ever noticed that when you're pitching a good story, you can't get a reporter on the phone? And when there's a bad story, you can't get a reporter off of your phone. On today's PR Wars podcast, find out why message discipline is so important when dealing with a hostile reporter. Continue reading