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| About the Alabama Nature Center |
Through the efforts of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Hill Family, a not for profit entity known as the AWF Isabel and Wiley Hill Conservation Education Center (AWF-IWH CEC) was formed. The Lanark Estate was conveyed to the AWF-IWH CEC to provide for long-term stewardship of the property and development of an outdoor education facility that is now known as the Alabama Nature Center.
The Alabama Nature Center, located at Lanark in Millbrook, Alabama, is a Planned-Use Outdoor Education Facility offering hands-on, outdoor-based educational programs and activities for students, educators, church and civic groups, and the general public.
Lanark and the new Alabama Nature Center contain 350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds that are traversed by five miles of boardwalks and trails in three regions: Still Creek Run, Turkey Ridge, and Hilltop Pass.
The Alabama Nature Center is reserved for school field trips, teacher training workshops, seminars, and other educational programs that are scheduled in advance with the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Interested groups can choose from programs designed by our staff, or we can customize programs to meet your needs.
With the completion of Phase I, we now have five miles of trails and boardwalks to explore along with a new 4,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion.
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| How Can I Enjoy the Alabama Nature Center |
There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors. Take advantage of everything the Alabama Nature Center has to offer:
- General Public Weekends (every third weekend of the month)
- Additional General Public Bonus Days
- Lanark Field Days (customized field trips for Alabama Schools)
- Special Educational Programs for all ages on General Public Weekends
- Lanark Pavilion available for rent
- Fishing available for organized groups such as church groups, school groups, scout groups, senior citizen groups, and other such groups for a small fee
- Future opportunities include: After School Programs, Summer Day Camps, Wildlife Seminars, and more!
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| 2008 ANC Calendar of Events |
| January |
| 19-20 |
General Public Weekend |
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| February
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| 16-17 |
General Public Weekend |
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| March
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| 15-16 |
General Public Weekend |
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| 15 |
Frogs, Salamanders, and Turtles Too!
Live Animal Presentations by Herpetologist, Mark Bailey at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. Presentations included in $3.00 ANC admission. Fun and educational family event. A few of the amphibians and reptiles that Bailey will have on hand will include: Spadefoot toad, Leopard frog, various tadpoles, Marbled salamander, Mole salamander, Spotted salamander, Amphiuma, Mud turtle, Stinkpot, and an alligator snapping turtle. |
| 15 |
“Dinner and Discovery” with Mark Bailey
6 – 9 p.m. Registration required, $25 per person
Participants will enjoy a buffet style dinner, discussion, and late afternoon/early evening field trip with herpetologist Mark Bailey. Exploring holes along the pond with Mark’s special “Hole Cam” makes for a memorable evening with your child. This is a family friendly event for all ages. Deadline to register is March 12. Call 800-822-9453 to register as space is limited. |
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| April
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| 12-13 |
Targeting a Cure Bow Shoot Benefiting Children's Hospital of Alabama |
| 19-20 |
General Public Weekend |
| 19-20 |
“Lanark Floral Weekend”
Seminars, Demonstrations, and Floral Observations at Lanark
Download Agenda (PDF)
Topics include: Composting Basics, Native Tree/Shrub Landscapes, Decorative Arrangements using Native Plant Materials, and Searching for Native Plant Decorative Material just to name a few. Special Dinner Opportunity also available - Stay tuned for details! Presentations included in $3.00 ANC admission. Call 800.822.9453 Mon. – Fri. for details. |
| 26-27 |
“Discovering Alabama” Weekend with Dr. Doug Philips
Download Agenda (PDF)
Activites include: Scavenger Hunts, Photo/Autograph opportunities and Trail Excursions with Dr. Phillips.
Don't Miss: Discovering Alabama Premier at 7:30 p.m. Special Dinner Opportunity with Dr. Doug Phillips including a social and book signing - Registration Required! $15 per person, call 334-285-4550 |
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| May
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| 3-4 |
"Birds and Birding" Weekend
Download Agenda (PDF)
Introduction to birding, visual and audio bird ID, and Backyard Bird Habitat Seminars; live raptor presentation, open birding, children's activities and crafts. |
| 17-18 |
General Public Weekend |
| 17-18 |
"Snakes of Alabama " Weekend - Programs by Dr. Bob Hastings
Download Agenda (PDF)
Live animal presentation. Multiple shows on Saturday. One show on Sunday.
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| 24-25 |
"Fishing Weekend" - Open Fishing in Lanark's Ponds
Download Agenda (PDF) |
| 31-1 |
"Outdoor Photography" Weekend - Programs by Quincey Banks
Download Agenda (PDF)
Landscape, Macro, Wildlife and Action Photography Seminars; field demonstrations; photography review and tips. |
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June
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| 14-15 |
"Hydrangea Fest" Weekend
Download Agenda (PDF)
Floral seminars and field observations along Floral Loop and Hydrangea Boardwalk.
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| 21-22 |
General Public Weekend |
| 21-22 |
"Fishing Festival" Weekend
Download Agenda (PDF)
Fishing in Lanark's ponds, casting contests, fly fishing demonstrations, fishing help station, and a boat show. Rod and Reel rental available. |
| 28-29 |
"Outdoor Challenge" Weekend
Download Agenda (PDF)
Archery, air rifle target shooting, fishing in Lanark's ponds, ATV show, and pointing dog demonstrations. Rod and Reel rental available. |
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| July
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19-20 |
General Public Weekend |
19-20 |
"Water Weekend" at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook |
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August
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16-17 |
General Public Weekend |
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September
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20-21 |
General Public Weekend |
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October
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18-19 |
General Public Weekend |
18-19 |
"Good 'Ole Days" Weekend at the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook |
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November
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15-16 |
General Public Weekend |
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December
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20-21 |
General Public Weekend |
20-21 |
Christmas Special - stay tuned! |
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The Grand Opening of the Alabama Nature Center - Phase I was held on April 20-22, 2007.
In order to provide quality outdoor education experiences, drive-up visitors wishing to walk the trails are not allowed, except during scheduled times when the Center is open to the general public.
Open to the General Public every third weekend of each month.
Saturday – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday – 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Additional General Public Bonus Days will be announced periodically for special events and when use of the walking trails by the general public do not conflict with scheduled outdoor education activities.
Daily General Admission:
$4.00 per person/day age 13 and up
$2.00 per person/day age 4 - 12
Free for Children age 3 and under |
Weekend Pass Admission:
$5.00 per person/weekend age 13 and up
$3 per person/weekend age 4 - 12
Free for Children age 3 and under |
NEW General Public Weekend Rates: effective May 1, 2008
Adult.......................................$4
Youth (age 4 - 12)...................$2
Youth (age 3 and under)..........Free
*10 youths or more and 2 adults get in free!
| Season Pass and Club options |
– includes unlimited General Admission to all ANC Weekend Events; 10% discount on all Pavilion Outpost purchases; 10% discount on Summer Day Camp Admission; 10% discount on all Special Event fees over and above General Admission.
Individual Pass.......................$35 – one adult
Double Pass............................$50 – one adult plus one in same household
Family Pass............................$65 – two adults/unlimited children under 21 of same household
Guest Pass..............................$20 – add one guest pass to any season pass
$10 – each additional guest pass after first one
- Birding, Photography, and Walking Clubs will have keypad access M-F from 6 AM – 6 PM; includes weekend season pass and benefits. Fishing Club Membership opportunities coming May - June.
Individual Member ...............$95
Double Membership .............$145
Family Membership...............$175
Guest Pass .............................$60 – add one guest pass to any club membership
$30 – each additional guest pass after first one
NOTE: AWF Members and Tag Team Members receive a 10% discount on all Season Pass and Club Fees.
| Alabama Nature Center Rules |
To maintain the character and quality of the experience at the Alabama Nature Center, please abide by the following rules:
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- No smoking. The Alabama Nature Center is a smoke free facility.
- No bicycles, skateboards, scooters, kites, remote controlled cars / planes, or similar items.
- Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- Glass containers are not allowed.
- No littering. All trash must be placed in approved containers, or taken with you when you leave.
- No loud radios and / or sound making devices allowed.
- Pets are not allowed. (Assistance animals allowed for those with disabilites.)
- All plants and animals are protected. Do not collect plants, flowers, shrubs, animals, or other items.
- Please stay on trails and boardwalks.
- Picnics are allowed in Pavilion and Pavilion Field only unless otherwise designated.
- For your safety and protection, do not pull or hang on limbs or vines.
Lanark contains four distinct destinations: AWF Headquarters, Historic Lanark, Lanark Pavilion, and the Alabama Nature Center. When visiting, just follow the signs to the destination of your choice.
FROM I-65 NORTH:
Take I-65 North to Exit 179 (Prattville/Millbrook)
Turn right (go east) on Cobbs Ford Road approximately ¼ mile and turn left on Edgewood Drive (first paved road to the left past Chevron). At the “T” in the road, go right approximately ½ mile and turn left onto Lanark Road. (Dirt road with small white sign that says "to Lanark")
FROM I-65 SOUTH:
Take I-65 South to Exit 179 (Prattville/Millbrook)
Turn left (go east) on Cobbs Ford Road approximately ¼ mile and turn left on Edgewood Drive (first paved road to the left past Chevron). At the “T” in the road go right approximately ½ mile and turn left onto Lanark Road (Dirt road with small white sign that says "to Lanark"). |
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Still Creek Run | Turkey Ridge | Hilltop Pass
Lanark Pavilion
The new 4,000-square-foot Lanark Pavilion will serve as the interim welcome hub for the Alabama Nature Center. A trail map located inside the Pavilion will greet guests of the Center as they begin their trek to one of three natural resource destinations: Still Creek, Turkey Ridge, or Hilltop Pass. The Pavilion, which can accommodate up to 400 people, will also provide rain and storm protection for school and general public programs.
The Lanark Pavilion is available for rental when not scheduled for educational programs. Contact AWF at 800.822.9453 for more information.
| The Still Creek Run region is the lowest part of the property here at the Alabama Nature Center. It lies about 200 feet lower than the high point of the property located in the Hilltop Pass region. Since this area is low in elevation, most all of the trails here are flat with an occasional, gentle rise or fall.
There are a variety of destinations in the Still Creek Run region, including the Still Creek Run Boardwalk, Anise Loop, Sweetbay Boardwalk, Bullfrog Pond, and the Floral Loop. |
Still Creek Run Boardwalk |
Still Creek Run Connector |
Sitll Creek Run Boardwalk Entrance |
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Still Creek Run Viewing Deck |
Floral Loop |
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Bullfrog Pond |
The trails that traverse the Turkey Ridge region will take you to a variety of interesting destinations and through some of the striking woodlands of Lanark. This region is what we call the "middle ground"; it’s not as high in elevation as the Hilltop Pass region, nor is it as low as the Still Creek Run region. You will, however, experience a significant change in elevation as you approach the top of the ridge.
Some of the key destinations found in the Turkey Ridge region include the Gum Pond, Natural Spring, and Cane Creek.
Gum Pond Loop
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Gum Pond Loop |
Gum Pond Loop Boardwalk |
Gum Pond Loop Boardwalk |
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Natural Spring Bridge
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Cane Creek Loop |
Hilltop Pass is the "high ground" here at the Alabama Nature Center and in this region lies our highest point at 360 feet above sea level. Hilltop Pass Trail will take you though a mixed forest of pines and hardwoods, then through a beech dominated creek bottom forest, and ultimately through an upland hardwood forest dominated by oak, hickory, yellow poplar, and American beech. If you are observant along the way, you may catch glimpses of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, fox, squirrels, raccoons, owls, pileated woodpeckers, and a host of other songbirds.
There are several destinations within the Hilltop Pass area including, Beech Bottom, the Upper Meadow, the Tree Top Walk, and Isabel’s Lookout.
Tree Top Walk |
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Beech Bottom Bridge
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Tree Top Walk |
Hilltop Pass Trail |
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Tree Top Walk
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Children learn about how forest litter turns
into soil on the Tree Top Loop Trail |
Contact the Alabama Wildlife Federation :
Phone: 800.822.9453 | Email: awf@alabamawildlife.org
Alabama Wildlife Federation, 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, Alabama 36054
AWF, Alabama’s oldest and largest non-profit conservation organization, was established by sportsmen in 1935 to promote the conservation and wise use of our wildlife and natural resources and to ensure a high quality of life for future generations of Alabamians.
Stay Tuned! More to come!
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