LBWCC forestry students got a unique look at how their future jobs as foresters directly impact the ecosystem, specifically the longleaf pines of the Conecuh National Forest on Wednesday.

Forestry Instructor Mark Hainds said that he invited local herpetologist Jimmy Stiles to talk to his class.

“One of my students had seen a presentation by Jimmy on the Conecuh and requested it,” Hainds said. “It’s the first time, he’s been to my class and talked.”

Hainds said that Stiles brought in both venomous and non-venomous snakes and other reptiles and amphibians native to the Conecuh.

While Stiles talked to the students about being careful and what species of venomous snakes are in the Conecuh, the main purpose was to talk about how important the prescribed fire is to managing longleaf pine ecosystems.

Hainds said that Stiles spoke about the indigo snake restoration project and the habitat requirements for the indigo snake, gopher tortoise and gopher frog.

Forestry students also had the opportunity to take a trip to one of only eight ponds that sustain gopher frogs.

“He was showing and telling us,” Hainds said. “It was a good presentation for our students.”