Piedmont Region of Georgia Important Questions and Answers to Know! Ms. Enright

How would you describe the piedmont region? Piedmont means “foot of the mountain” The piedmont region is just south of the mountain region and includes the Gwinnett county. The land is noted for its red soil and rolling hills. This is the most populated of Georgia’s regions. Some animals include wild turkey, raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Some plants include kudzu, pine trees, and dogwood trees. Plants and animals are adapted to live in hot and cold weather. Plants can also survive on red clay.

Why would the mountain habitat be best suited for this animal?  Eastern Bluebird – The eastern bluebird is a bird that lives primarily in the cavities of trees (often abandoned Woodpecker holes). They build nests out of grass, plant stems, and pine needles (the pine tree is common to the Piedmont region). Bluebirds primarily eat insects, but also enjoy berries and small fruits. They prefer the warmer climate during Georgia’s spring and summer months.

Why would the piedmont habitat be best suited for this animal? Wild Turkey - Wild turkeys need a mixture of forests and openings to meet their seasonal habitat requirements. Daily movements of turkeys may cover one to two miles. Quality turkey habitat is comprised of mature woodlands, with open understories and well developed midstories, interspersed with grassy or weedy openings. Woodlands provide food and cover (shelter), especially during fall and winter. They also provide roosting sites throughout the year.

Why would this habitat be suited for specific plants? Pine Tree – The shortleaf pine tree is able to survive in soils that are low on organic matter, which includes the clay of the Georgia piedmont region. The tree is able to survive the warm summer months as well as the cold winter months. The tree provides food and habitats for a large number of animals.  

Why would this habitat be suited for specific plants? Kudzu - Kudzu is an invasive plant native to Asia and was introduced into America in 1876. It was widely planted throughout the eastern United States in an attempt to control erosion. Kudzu is a climbing deciduous vine capable of reaching lengths of over 100 feet. Kudzu is easily identified by its usual growth form, a large dense mat of vines, often totally covering other vegetation, structures, or land. Kudzu’s preferred habitat is open, disturbed areas such as roads, rights-of-way, forest edges, and old fields. It is an aggressive invader capable of growing over 1 foot a day in prime conditions. Kudzu often grows over, smothers, and kills all other vegetation including trees.

What are the features of animals that allow them to live and thrive in this region of Georgia? Claws or talons for hunting prey. Fur to survive winters. Tails used for communicating. Move quickly to capture prey or evade predators. Body covering allows animals to survive in hot and cold conditions.

What are the features of plants that allow them to live and thrive in this region of Georgia? Trees have thick bark to protect against cold winters, insects, and animal invasion. Thick bark also protects against trees drying out. Deciduous trees have thin, broad, light-weight leaves that can capture a lot of sunlight. Deciduous trees drop leaves in fall to minimize water loss. Pines have leaf blades that allow blades to move freely in the wind. Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water. Animals help to spread seeds. Plants survive in soils low in organic matter (red clay). Plants can survive hot summers and cold winters. Aggressive growing plants with long vines (kudzu) Plants can make food year round.