ANC UPCOMING EVENTS
GO See Creatures of the Night!
October 18th at the ANC
Activities beginning at 4:00 p.m. on October 18th. Join us for live animal demonstrations on species that roam the night and a cool night hike. From owls and bats to spiders and frogs, children will learn about amazing creatures of the night.
Popcorn and Movie on the Lawn: A Bug’s Life!! Bring a blanket or your lawn chair and enjoy the show!
Grab a bite to eat from the pavilion outpost, check out the creepy crawlies, and maybe even face your fears and hold one or two.
Bring your own flashlight
All visitors of the Alabama Nature Center must check in at the Pavilion Outpost located inside the Lanark Pavilion before hiking on the trails or attending the event. General Admission is $4 per person/per day for adults, $2 per person/per day for ages 4 to 12, and children under 3 are free. The Alabama Nature Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, and from 1 pm to 6 pm on Sunday, October 19.
The growing need to conserve water has prompted many Alabama schools to seek creative ways to incorporate water conservation concepts into the classroom. Through the Water Warriors program at the Alabama Nature Center, students will learn that water is our most valuable natural resource, and that we must keep it clean, use only what we need, enjoy it wisely and protect it diligently.
Program activities will include the following:
Spring to Stream—Students will trace water’s journey from its source as a natural spring to its destination in a stream. They will see firsthand what happens to precipitation when it reaches the earth’s surface.
Survival Strategies—As students explore the pathway of water along the ground, they will have the opportunity to watch water collect in a pond. Here they will explore the myriad of life that is supported by a pond by using nets to sample for animals that live in the pond. Students will discover how animals adapt to aquatic life and how their survival is related to water quality.
Wetland Wonders—Students will see how streams and natural springs contribute to the creation of wetlands. A scenic boardwalk through the ANC wetlands will reveal a host of plants and animals that call this unique ecosystem home. Students will learn how wetlands function as part of the water cycle, including their ability to filter groundwater.
Stream Survey—Students will explore the destination for all streams and springs at the ANC—Still Creek. Here they will immerse themselves in the creek to better explore aquatic life thriving in a swift water environment. This session will provide an opportunity to discuss what happens to water after it reaches a creek and travels to lakes and rivers. Students will learn how humans contribute to the overall health of our waterways, including man’s effects on water quality, erosion and pollution. Students will realize that our drinking water is the result of a costly filtering process and discuss ways to prevent pollution.
Schedule your students for some water warrior action today. Contact Holly Beverly at hollyb@alabamawildlife.org.
We are on the hunt for hard-working individuals with a passion for conservation education!
If you are interested in assisting with program development, setup, execution, cleanup or maintenance at the ANC, we need you! Opportunities include the AWF Fishing Team, ANC Trail Crew, ANC Education Program Team and others.
Click here for more information.
Wednesdays for Homeschoolers: Fall 2014
Join us twice a month for nature-infused programming that will complement your homeschool curriculum. Program times are 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
ANC Junior Naturalist Program
Featuring This Fall:
Fundamentals of Field Biology—collect data with a field notebook and observe seasonal population changes
Ethnobotany Basics—learn to identify edible and medicinal plants and their relationship with the environment
ID Me!—use field guides and identification books to discover more about nature’s flora and fauna
“Learn and Earn” badges will be offered for all ages. Parental participation is strongly encouraged!
These two-hour sessions will provide time for families to learn together. Age appropriate focus groups will also provide children with an enhanced learning experience.
Session times are from 2 pm to 4 pm, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, continuing from October 1 through November 19. Cost for all fall sessions is $40 per child or $8 per session per child. Contact Rebecca Bearden for more information.
ANC Night Creature Photo Contest
CLICK HERE to post your favorite wild night creature this fall.
The ANC staff will announce the winner November 1 on our Facebook page, and the winner will receive a free Family Club Pass to the ANC!
Deadline for submissions is October 31.
ANC Calendar
Come check out the improved "GO!" Weekends at the ANC.
Formerly known as General Public Weekends, GO! Weekends are your chance to "Get Outdoors" and enjoy what nature has to offer! For a full calendar, visit www.alabamawildlife.org
October 18-19 | GO See Creatures of the Night!
November 15-16 | GO Firefly Run!
December 20-21 | GO Enjoy Christmas at the ANC!
ID Me!
Try your hand at this caterpillar ID…
See if you can guess what species on the ANC Facebook page. CLICK HERE to answer.
Want to see more of the Alabama Nature Center?
With more than 350 acres of striking forests, fields, and streams to explore, there's always something new to discover at the Alabama Nature Center.
Join the ANC family by becoming an ANC birding, photography, walking, or fishing club member or season pass holder.
CLICK HERE to find out how.
