408-foot Argosy VI latest addition to Alabama’s Artificial Reef Zone
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Alabama’s unparalleled artificial reef system added another jewel to its crown this week when the Argosy VI, a former riverboat...
ADCNR opens Wild Turkey Brood Survey to public
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - For the first time, the public is being asked to participate in the Wild Turkey Brood Survey. With this tool, the Alabama Department of...
Alabama’s copperhead and cottonmouth: What to know about these venomous snakes
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Alabama is home to a variety of snakes, including six venomous species. The copperhead and cottonmouth are the most encountered...
June 18 at the Hanceville library: Bats, Bats & More Bats!
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Shirley Burden Public Library in Hanceville will have a special program about bats on Thursday, June 18, at 10 a.m.
Local Boy Scout Colin...
More than Nuisances: Mosquitoes pose serious health dangers
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - People know mosquitoes as those annoying insects that can ruin any outdoor activity. However, there is more to these flying pests than...
Rainer: WFF, 68 Ventures team up to relocate gopher tortoises
With about 95% of land in Alabama in private ownership, partnerships with landowners and developers are crucial for the conservation of threatened species like the...
Rainer: WFF asks public for assistance with wild turkey brood survey
For the first time, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division is asking the public to participate in...
Saved by conservation: Alabama’s wildlife comebacks
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Rocky’s rematch with Clubber Lang. Steve Jobs’ return to Apple. The 2004 Boston Red Sox. People love a good comeback...
Local angler lands 72-pound catfish, celebrates love of fishing and family
CULLMAN, Ala. - What started as a calm day on the water turned into an unforgettable experience for local angler Savannah Woods, who recently...
Alabama Audubon free bird-watching events
Alabama Audubon has several bird-watching events scheduled for 2026. Two free events will take place Saturday, April 11.
Birding at Vulcan Trail
The 2.2-mile Vulcan Trail is located at 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209. It passes by the Vulcan statue...
Kids invited to Wildflower Walk April 11
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex is taking its Farm Kids Club off-site this month to explore spring blooms on a Wildflower Walk at Sportsman Lake Park.
The walk will...
Alabama State Parks officially launches new Junior Ranger Program
PELHAM, Ala. – The outdoors is calling — and Alabama’s next generation of explorers is invited to answer.
Alabama State Parks has launched the new Junior Ranger Program, designed...
ADCNR announces 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest winners
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo...
Cullman 4-H Wildlife and Shotgun Clubs set to begin practices
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County 4-H will kick off two of its outdoor-focused programs in the coming weeks, with Wildlife and Shotgun Clubs opening...
Alabama Extension to host predator control and trapping workshop in Cullman – Feb. 11
CULLMAN, Ala. - Alabama Extension will host a trapping workshop, titled “Wildlife Enhancement through Predator Control” on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The five-hour program will...
Alabama State Parks kicks off Junior Park Ranger Program
Alabama State Parks has developed a new program that encourages youngsters to join in the fun the State Parks System provides by becoming Junior...
First Day Hikes at Alabama State Parks offer chance to see sunrise, sunset, everything in between
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Kick off 2026 with fresh air and a sense of adventure while enjoying some of Alabama’s most scenic views by participating in...
Oak Mountain’s new pump track elevates Alabama’s mountain biking status
SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. - Alabama is quickly becoming a destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, and the addition of a new pump track and more...
Eagle Awareness Weekends celebrate 40th anniversary in January
An overflow crowd is expected to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park in January, and no one...
Look for the BEAR necessities: Coexisting with the American Black Bear
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The black bear is one of the most interesting creatures in the United States. In fact, thousands of people travel...
What to know about Alabama black bears
The following information was taken from www.outdooralabama.com/black-bear/alabama-black-bears.
Historically, Alabama’s black bear population only occurred in the southwest portion of the state, primarily in Mobile, Washington...
Rainer: Live auction set for State Lands hunting leases May 31
Alabama hunters will soon have an opportunity to bid on hunting leases at a live auction being conducted by the Alabama Department of Conservation...
Rainer: Alabama’s WFF expanding Motus Wildlife Tracking Network
Modern technology is aiding wildlife biologists and researchers in numerous ways, including a tool that is in its infancy in Alabama. The Motus Wildlife...
Rainer: Advisory Board gets update, expands snapper season
At the first Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting of 2025, held last weekend in Montgomery, Board members heard a state of the Alabama Department...
Reptile Adventure class brings live animal experience to Cullman April 8
CULLMAN, Ala. - Families and reptile fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with some fascinating cold-blooded creatures at the...
Rainer: Alabama State Parks upgrades golf courses
Most people are aware of the stunning natural beauty, the hiking and biking trails and upgraded accommodations at the Alabama Department of Conservation and...
Looking for a beach getaway during spring break? Visit Alabama State Parks
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Spring breakers often flock to beaches along the Alabama Gulf Coast in search of sand and sun, landing them on the sugar...
Smith Lake Zip Line Adventures kicks off season with free, family-friendly celebration May 3
CULLMAN, Ala. - Smith Lake Zip Line Adventures is gearing up for an exciting new season and inviting the community to join in the...
Rainer: Wildlife Diversity Managers meet at picturesque Lake Guntersville State Park
When the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) staff scheduled AFWA’s annual Wildlife Diversity Program Managers Meeting at Lake Guntersville State Park, they...
Rainer: ADCNR strives to continue trend in 2025 after great success in 2024
To say 2024 was an outstanding year for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) would border on understatement, and plans for...
State Public Fishing Lakes update for 2025
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Most of Alabama’s 23 State-owned Public Fishing Lakes return to regular operational hours on Saturday, Feb.1, 2025. Located throughout the state,...
Brown’s Creek Public Boat Ramp in Guntersville reopens after facility upgrades
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reopened the Brown’s...
Start 2025 with a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama State Parks will again offer First Day Hikes at 12 different State Parks on New Year’s Day, providing the perfect...
Nominations open for Eagle Awards to honor special contributors to Alabama State Parks
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has begun accepting applications for its prestigious Eagle...
WFF samples 356 deer for CWD on opening weekend
In a continuing effort to minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the state, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’...
Van’s Sporting Goods celebrates grand opening of Leupold Optics ‘Shop in Shop’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Van’s Sporting Goods in Cullman on Friday, Nov. 15, celebrated the grand opening of its Leupold Optics “Shop in Shop.” Van’s...
Fire Danger Advisory expands to all Alabama counties
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With worsening drought conditions and no significant accumulation of rain in the long-range forecast, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has placed all...
Hunters reminded to keep safety at forefront this fall
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama hunters are apparently more aware of the safety aspects of climbing a tree during hunting season. During the 2023-2024 season,...
Fall mums: A survival guide
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Mums, or chrysanthemums, are a universal signal of fall in the South. While their beauty and vibrant colors can add...
Community leaders celebrate renovations at Gulf State Park Pier
GULF SHORES, Ala. - Local civic, business and community leaders gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the re-opening of iconic Gulf State...
All or nothing: Managing white-tailed deer predators in the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Predators play an important role in wildlife ecosystems. You can think of them as nature’s own regulatory service. Without their...
Duck hunters should take advantage of this year’s special teal season
Although overall duck numbers are up in the latest Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, those waterfowlers who hunt the special teal season better...
‘Chirding’ at Sportsman Lake: Third Sunday birding and worship event Sept. 15
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m., Sportsman Lake Park will host the Third Sunday Bird Sunday event, located at the...
ACES: Fall hummingbird feeder etiquette deters wasps and bees
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The first hummingbird sighting in spring is cause for celebration, but keeping them around in the fall takes a little...
Gulf State Park Pier reopens to the public
GULF SHORES, Ala. - The renovated Gulf State Park Pier reopened on Monday, Aug.19, welcoming people to the iconic Gulf Coast landmark for the...
Alabama State Parks marks progress in major renovations
With more than $150 million available for renovations, repairs and construction, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks System is...
Mulberry Fork access upgraded at Garden City River Park
GARDEN CITY, Ala. - One of Alabama’s most popular paddling destinations recently received a significant upgrade. State and local officials celebrated the opening of...
State and local officials cut ribbon on Garden City River Park & fire station improvements
GARDEN CITY, Ala. – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, representatives from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other local leaders gathered...
COLUMN: Tips for deer season prep from local hunter Nick Rice
October will be here before we know it, and we all know what that means, bow season opener. July is a great time to...
91st ADSFR adds dock space, new categories
A new dock and boardwalk, a new live weigh-in category and a new species for catch and release are among the highlights for the...
Learn to manage wildlife conflicts at free workshop July 11
CULLMAN, Ala. - Farming often involves dealing with unwanted wildlife, which can cause significant damage to crops and livestock. To address these challenges, the...
Caring for garden pollinators during summer
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Summer is an active season for pollinators, but it doesn’t mean humans should count on the garden to provide everything...
Beekeepers monitor hives for Africanized honeybees after confirmed detection in Alabama
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Apiary Protection Unit of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirmed the presence of Africanized honeybees (AHBs)...
Alabama residents invited to provide input on master plan for statewide trail system
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Alabama residents are invited to help shape the future of the state's trail systems through public input on the Sweet Trails...
Protect yourself from tick bites – and what to do if you’re bitten
A clever and effective public service message I recently saw advises “don’t get ticked” when outdoors, and with good reason. Tick-borne diseases and illnesses...
ACES: Watch out for ticks; treat them right
Tick populations are rising in Alabama. Ticks thrive in high humidity situations. The recent hot weather and heavy rainfall the state has received is...
The decline of the flowering dogwood
It can be disheartening to see a prized and beloved landscape tree or shrub be damaged, fall, decline in health, or die. Over the...
ACES: 4-H BIGGEST Catch contest featuring new categories for 2024
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama 4-H BIGGEST Catch contest is back for another year with some new competition categories. Emily Nichols, an Alabama...
ADCNR: Eastern indigo release adds 40 to Conecuh National Forest
A project to restore the Eastern indigo snake to Alabama is one step closer to its goal with the release of 40 indigos in...
WildWater to open Memorial Day weekend with new features; Heritage Park upgrades coming
CULLMAN, Ala. — Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson told the Cullman City Council this week about plans for upgrades...
Cullman’s Truth in Nature chapter calls for volunteer outdoorsmen to mentor young men
CULLMAN, Ala. - Truth in Nature, a nationwide outdoor ministry, has a simple but powerful mission: to support young men from fatherless and single-parent...
ACES: Extension entomologist encourages families to get outside during cicada emergence
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Generations of children living in the Southeast have long listened to the sound of a cicada’s song and collected their...
Cullman’s Wildflower Garden: A hidden utopia
CULLMAN, Ala. - Tucked away in the wooded area of Sportsman Lake Park is the Wildflower Garden, a beautiful collection of natural and native...
McCaleb crowned Grand Champion at Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt
Despite some challenging weather conditions, the Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt last week was another resounding success with numerous hunters from across the nation...
Public support of conservation efforts at State Parks improve natural habitats for wildlife and visitors
Smoke billows into the sky, visible to nearby residents and motorists as a sign that something is burning in the Alabama forest.
It’s a prescribed...
Sportsman Lake Park lands on Alabama Birding Trails
CULLMAN, Ala. - Sportsman Lake Park, with its expansive lake, acres of trees, wildflower and butterfly trail and arboretum, is a destination for nature...
Sneaky snakes: The good, the bad and the misconceptions
CULLMAN, Ala. - Spring is almost here, and that means that soon enough, the snakes inhabiting north Alabama will make their way back out...
New trail opens for mountain bikers, hikers at Oak Mountain State Park
SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. - A new trail named Room Service at Oak Mountain State Park opened recently, as members of the Birmingham Urban Mountain...
ACES: 4 ways to participate in National Bird Feeding Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - February is among one of the most important months for feeding birds in Alabama, as backyard songbirds have limited access...
Rainer: Shipp leaves lasting legacy in marine fisheries
When I reflect on my 30-plus years of covering the outdoors in Alabama, several people who influenced and contributed to my writing come to...
Black panthers: Uncovering another big cat mystery
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — From high-school mascots to the Marvel Universe, black panthers have appeared in many forms in today’s culture. However, is this...
Begin 2024 with a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park
Alabama State Parks is hosting 11 First Day Hikes as part of a national program designed to celebrate the new year and the great...
Cullman’s Jake Burkey finds success as off-road vehicle titan
CULLMAN, Ala. - Sometimes finding the right career path means going off the beaten path – literally. That’s the lesson of Cullman, Alabama resident...
4-H Adventure Classes begin in January
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Extension Office announced an exciting new set of educational courses for Cullman County’s 4-H program in 2024. Three...
Cullman County’s Ryleigh Jordan places in Alabama National Fair Youth Sheep Show
Alabama National Fair preserves decades of tradition
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Smells of fresh pine shavings and a buzz of excitement hung in the air around...
Ivey issues statewide ‘No Burn Order’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration – often referred to as a “No Burn Order” – prohibiting all...
ADCNR: Celebration of bats continues at Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Bats are ubiquitous during the Halloween season, but these creatures deserve celebration year-round for their contribution to our sustainable food production....
Dance2Fit in Art Park
CULLMAN, Ala. - Every Tuesday and Thursday night, Kelsey Wooten gears up, grabs her sneakers and heads to southwest Cullman’s Art Park for her...
ADCNR: Wetumpka man arrested for killing black bear in Elmore County
Black bear is a protected species in Alabama
Black bear NOTE: This is NOT the black bear that was killed in Elmore County. (Billy Pope,...
Ivey proclaims National Hunting and Fishing Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday, Sept. 21, signed a proclamation celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is Saturday, Sept. 23,...
BOARsighted: A look into wild pig management
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Wild pigs are arguably one of the most detrimental wildlife species. These animals have the potential to decimate crops, wildlife...
‘Connecting with Conservation’ highlights funding for state wildlife agencies
How conservation and outdoors recreation are funded throughout the nation is somewhat of a mystery for most people.
In an effort to inform the public...
ADCNR: Registration for 2023 youth dove hunts opens Aug. 21
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) provides several youth dove hunt...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 1
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department...
Sheriff Gentry issues lake safety tips
CULLMAN, Ala. – With an increased number of incidents on the water this summer the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) wants the community to...
City reveals planned Depot Park transformation
CULLMAN, Ala. - Back in May, the City of Cullman announced it would be making improvements to Depot Park, including changes to the park’s...
Zip in for some fun!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The ribbon was cut on the grand opening of Smith Lake Ziplines Friday, June 2, with representatives from the Cullman Area...
Sportsman Lake Park ‘All Day Fun’ event June 3
CULLMAN, Ala. – This Saturday, June 3, Cullman County Parks and Recreation will host “All Day Fun” at Sportsman Lake Park.
Train rides will go...
Memorial Day boating safety tips from the CCSO
CULLMAN, Ala. – Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, when many will be hitting the water at Smith Lake and other areas, Cullman County Sheriff...
Cullman County parks summer events
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Parks and Recreation and the Cullman County Commission have many fun events planned for the public this summer. Cullman...
Commission responds to community concerns about Sportsman Lake ducks
CULLMAN, Ala. – Recently, parkgoers have raised concerns about the ducks and the food available for purchase for them at Sportsman Lake Park. Worries...
Northern flicker: The story behind Alabama’s state bird
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – In Alabama, one of the most iconic and historic creatures is the Northern flicker. These distinguished birds are found in...
Editorial: Simple swaps toward sustainability
Today, April 22, is Earth Day! www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023
Sustainability can be a hot topic these days, and in a world as busy as ours, it's typically...
WFF’s goal: Make public fishing lakes even better
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama State Public Fishing Lakes (PFLs) program is adapting to better serve the citizens of the state who depend on...
Free admission to AL State Parks Sept. 24
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – All entrance and parking fees for Alabama State Parks will be waived on National Public Lands Day, which takes place Saturday,...
Sutton Mill Farm hosts inaugural dove hunt
CULLMAN, Ala. -- For most people this time of year means college football, bonfires and all things fall but for Sutton Mill Farm in...
Guide to Alabama’s venomous snakes
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Summertime is in full throttle, and outdoor enthusiasts are being extra cautious because of snakes. Most native Alabama snake species...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 2
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2023 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. This year’s contest is a joint project...
Agriplex holds 3rd annual Nature Day Camp
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex’s third annual Nature Day Camp took children ages 10-14 on a journey, teaching them about Native American...
Voters overwhelmingly approve state parks amendment
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - By a wide margin, Alabama voters approved the amendment on last Tuesday’s ballot to provide as much as $80 million in...
