Open to the Public, Free event!
Program Description : Join Alabama Audubon and Program Coordinator Andrew Lydeard for a Birder’s Open House this November at the Land Trust of North Alabama’s Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve! Land Trust Education Director Tim Gels will enlighten guests about the history of the property and answer questions about how the Land Trust secures and protects land in North Alabama. Local birder Herb Lewis will be on hand to lead guided birding walks, sharing his extensive knowledge of the preserve. Additionally, participants will have the chance to witness birdbanding in action as Alabama A&M student Kira Williams processes some of her final birds for her Master’s project while explaining what it takes to be a birdbander. Come out and explore the trails, relax by the popular water feature and photography blind, and watch the birdbanding demonstration – birders of all skills and ages are welcome to attend!
The Land Trust of North Alabama is dedicated to conserving natural lands, protecting water resources, and preserving wildlife habitats across ten counties in North Alabama. Since its establishment, the organization has successfully protected over 10,000 acres and developed more than 80 miles of trails across ten public nature preserves. Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve was opened in 2018 and features a variety of plant and animal life on over 740 acres in north Alabama’s forest. It is just one of many properties managed and preserved by the Land Trust of North Alabama. Come explore beautiful north Alabama for this fall’s Birder Open House at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve!
TRAVEL INFORMATION: The Birder Open House activities will be from 7:00am to 10:00am. However, the preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk and free to enter. Accessible restrooms and parking is available on the property.
Address:
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
1263 U.S Hwy 72 East
Athens, AL 35811
East of Hunstville
Directions: Coming from Huntsville, cross Chapman Mountain and make a U-turn at Moores Mill Road. When safe, get into the merge lane on the right (you’ll have plenty of time). When the silver guard rail ends, be ready to turn right onto the paved entrance. Drive through the gate and down the gravel road to the parking area at the bottom of the hill.
Accessibility: The property has over 4.5 miles of trails with flat to moderate terrain and may include obstacles such as sticks, roots, and other debris that may not be suitable for all people. The bird blind area is accessible to most people, but there is a gravel strip between the blind and parking lot that may not be accessible for some wheelchair users. The birdbanding area is situated near the parking area but does require traveling on sloped terrain on unpaved paths.
Field Trip Leader: The field trip leader will be Andrew Lydeard // (703) 606-8956 (Please contact day of if you need assistance.)
Photo Credit// Owner: Andrew Lydeard