Alabama Nature Center, Alabama, United States

5Clair S 5:00 PM Apr 10, 2017

Terrific Forest and Wildlife Destination!
I visited this place (also known as Alabama Wildlife Federation) with my 9 year old granddaughter and her class on a school fieldtrip. I am handicapped and used a mobility scooter. I had a great time. We started out in the Natureplex where the kids viewed some live animals, saw a map of Alabama inlaid in the floor and that designated the National Forests in the State of Alabama and also told about the different geological areas of the state. Here there were also interactive activities for the kids. Each class had a guide who gave a brief but very interesting and educational talk about the items contained in the room. The next activity was outdoors in a field of clover---crimson, white, and red. The kids were given nets and told to sweep the ground back and forth. I was surprised at the number of insects that they collected in the nets. They got help identifying the insects and were able to view them in a container that magnified them. Next on the agenda was a hike to a pond. I think they said the whole area consisted of 350 acres and was at one time the estate of a former governor. Anyway, different animals and plants were identified on the hike. It was amazing the number of animals that we saw even with a group of kids tramping down the path. After a picnic lunch, we went on another hike with a very informative guide who showed us edible plants and gave us some warnings about not eating plants unless you were absolutely sure that they were the edible ones AND they had not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides or had been poisoned in some other way. She also emphasized that edible does not necessarily mean tastes good! I thoroughly enjoyed the hike (or in my case ride). Up to that point I had had no trouble on my mobility scooter. Most of the paths are what we used to call crushed slag that was well packed. However, a part of the path was wood chips and that was where I had trouble with the mobility scooter. I could not get the traction to climb the hills nor go forward on the pathway. Other than that, they were very handicapped accessible including at least 2 sets of restrooms that I saw. They had a nice gift shop, theatre and some things we did not have time for. Several staff members checked on me to make sure that I was able to motivate on my scooter. They gave the impression that they were trying to make sure that the facilities are handicapped accessible. The whole time I was there I was thinking that I could not wait to bring some other kids in the family because they would enjoy it and learn so much! Alabama Wildlife Federation has a website with loads of information about their programs. They have homeschool programs, and you can even schedule a birthday party here!! I definitely plan to return!

5Elizabeth 5:00 PM Oct 24, 2019

Amazing Space
I have been to Lanark several times since it opened. There is always something for everyone. From seasonal family activities, to nature trails, and everything in between. You must make this a part of your vacation.