Bell Family Preserves Alabama's Rare Black Belt Prairie

The Black Belt region of Alabama, once dominated by prairies and grasslands, has seen 99% of its native Black Belt Prairie converted to agriculture and urban development since the 1800s. The Bell family, owners of the Sumter Farm and Stock Company, have inadvertently preserved one of the largest intact remnants of this rare prairie through their traditional quail hunting land management practices, which involved regular burning to maintain grasslands. Recognizing the ecological significance of the prairie, home to potentially 900 plant species, the family is actively working to restore it by propagating native seeds and plants to support regional ecological restoration efforts. This initiative highlights the importance of conserving Alabama's natural heritage amidst widespread historical habitat loss. The story of the Black Belt Prairie restoration complements broader efforts to preserve Alabama's historical and natural landmarks, such as Byler Road, the state's oldest public road, and various cultural sites in Tuscaloosa and Troy, which reflect the state's rich heritage and sense of place.