After reopening the private angler red snapper season because the state’s federal quota of red snapper had not been met, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said this week, thanks to the reopening, the quota of 591,185 pounds was reached and the season has officially ended. “We were pleased to be able to […]

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama has selected five members for its Board of Trustees for the 2023-2024 year, the organization announced Monday. The five new members, who will be joining the other 20 board members, were chosen from across the state representing various industries. The overall goal of the board, it says, is to support […]

“People should hunt to connect with nature.” -Justin Grider, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources With more than 1.3 million acres of public hunting land, Alabama is known for its diverse species of wildlife and hunting heritage. The pride of this long-standing tradition in the state is rooted in a posture of stewardship. SoulGrown Founder […]

Auburn University will be the host of the quarterly Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust board meeting, the group announced. It is scheduled for Nov. 2 at Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. The board will discuss updates in Forever Wild Program activities and tract assessments. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to […]

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association has released a brochure highlighting attractions, waterfalls, murals, festivals and hotels/motels located along Interstate 22 in North Alabama. The new “What to See and Do on Interstate 22” brochure spotlights 36 places to see and experience either along or within a short distance of the interstate in Blount, Cullman, […]

It won’t be long before the green summer forests give way to fall foliage featuring shades of yellow, gold, orange, scarlet and crimson. The Alabama State Parks System offers some of the very best­­­ places to see the state’s awe-inspiring fall foliage, and there’s still time to plan a trip to experience the magic of Alabama’s […]

When driving down I-65 North, you are sure to have noticed the iconic, red-roofed barn sitting atop a grassy hill looking down on beautiful lake. This location is known as Hallmark Farm, a 567-acre property developed by Ted and Mary Hallmark in 1976. Ted Hallmark was the owner of a coal-mining equipment company. After Ted and […]

An addition to the Kiwanis Vulcan Trail in Birmingham has officially been opened. The Freshwater Land Trust made the announcement that the Bryant-Jordan Trail Spur was opened to the public Tuesday morning. The 4.62-acre parcel was created after a land donation was made by The Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Foundation Inc. The trail ranges from Beacon […]

The Alabama Forestry Commission is continuing its statewide fire alert. With October historically being Alabama’s driest month, the organization felt that the decision was necessary. “The Fire Alert is not going away until we receive significant precipitation, meaning several inches of rainfall,” State Forester Rick Oates said Wednesday. “Unfortunately, there is no rain in sight, […]

Lake Martin and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of animal species. From supposed alligator sightings to large deer roaming the landscape, the lake is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in all of Alabama. Last week, some boaters got to experience that variety of wildlife first hand. While out on […]

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is making further fire precautions for all Alabama State Parks due to extended dry conditions. Visitors and overnight guests are being asked to take extra precaution with campfires and barbecue grills. “We encourage park visitors and overnight guests to be very cautious with campfires and grills during […]

A Wetumpka man has been arrested and is now facing possible jail time and a minimum $2,000 fine as well as the loss of his hunting and fishing licenses after he shot and killed a black bear in Elmore County. Michael Watkins, 32, was booked into the Elmore County Jail last week but has since […]

Sweet Trails Alabama, in conjunction with the Singing River Trail and Jacksonville State University, will be taking a statewide public tour next week. The Sweet Trails Alabama Swing Around the State Tour will start Monday in Huntsville and Florence and kick off a year-long initiative to identify trails and locate possible new routes in all […]

The Nature Conservancy in Alabama has acquired 596 acres on Bibb County’s Wheeler Mountain, the group announced Tuesday. The goal behind the purchase, it says, is to protect the area from potential threats such as commercial development. The purchase, worth $2 million, is the result of a well established partnership with Resource Management Service and […]

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has scheduled deer hunts for hunters with physical disabilities beginning in November. The hunts will run from late November to January in the M. Barnett Lawley Forever Wild Field Trial Area in Hale County. Registration starts Oct. 2. “We are honored to provide hunting opportunities for all […]

The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Fire Alert, effective immediately. While under a Fire Alert, permits for outdoor burning will be restricted. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor. The commission said it issued the burning restriction […]

The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is reopening the red snapper fishing season at the end of the month. The department made the announcement after the federally established quota for the annual harvest wasn’t met. In fact, the amount harvested when the season ended Sept. 4, was 15,671 […]

A special program showcasing Alabama musicians and experts in conversation about the mountain’s ecology and natural history will be hosted this month at Flagg Mountain, a property owned by the Alabama Forestry Commission. “Birds, Beats and Bach” offers entertainment and education Sept. 24 on Alabama’s “first mountain.” Musicians stationed at three sites around the top […]

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is expanding its awareness campaign about two species of invasive carp that pose a potential threat to the state’s native freshwater fish and habitats – bighead and silver carp. The Fisheries Section of the department’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is posting signs this fall at public […]

The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, a celebration of wildlife and field sports through the arts, is set for November in historic downtown Wetumpka. The Nov. 11 festival includes the first Alabama Wildlife Fine Art Competition with the winning artist receiving a $10,000 purchase award. There will also be $500 merit awards presented. Next Wednesday, Tim […]

The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has announced that an Alabama oyster harvest is set to start next month. The department said it will open limited areas of public oyster bottoms for weekday harvest Oct. 2 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harvesters should visit the Oyster Management […]

This is one that didn’t get away. A toddler’s first catch fishing is this year’s winner in the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association Best Fish Photo Contest. Bry Hornsby of Notasulga was declared the winner after his photo garnered more than 1,300 votes online. The image shows Bry and his father, Brandon, holding up a […]

Due to a change in park management from a concessionaire contract back to the state, Roland Cooper State Park will be closed until Oct. 1 for maintenance, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced. “We are grateful for the partnership with Vista Recreation (concessionaire) over the last seven years,” said Greg Lein, director […]

Alabama is home to an incredible range of state parks that have something to offer adventurers year-round. Early fall is one of the best times to experience the state’s parks in their most beautiful state. As leaves change and temperatures grow cooler, we are introducing our Alabama Parks Passport series to highlight all of the […]