Don’t be stumped by the 2022 timber market
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama timber industry is successfully healing after the COVID-19 pandemic’s temporary crippling of the market two years ago. The virus’s impact on mill capacity rates and lumber prices started in early 2020, and it is still likely to cause...
Lightning bugs: summer’s night light
AUBURN, Ala. – Many southerners have fond memories of catching lightning bugs on a summer’s night. The fascination surrounding these insects always invoke curious questions. An Alabama Cooperative Extension System professional provides some of the basic information on lightning bugs.
Lightning bug or firefly?
It is...
Naturally Alabama: Imported danger to our native hemlocks
Welcome to “Naturally Alabama!” For a while now I have desired to write a series of articles based on what I have encountered in almost 40 years of working in the forest. What you will receive by reading this article is some research-based information...
Hunting season dates announced for 2020-2021
The 2020-2021 hunting season will bring big changes for white-tailed deer hunters in a few parts of Alabama with the creation of two new deer zones. The newly created zones D and E will allow hunters to gun hunt before and during the peak...
Alabama hunters bagging big bucks this season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Judging from the number of deer reported through the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Game Check system and the number of trophy bucks posted on social media, Chris Cook thinks this is the best...
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 are not venomous. However, there are several toxic species that you need to be able to identify.
Venomous snakes in Alabama
According...
What’s new for the 2020-2021 hunting seasons
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Deer hunters will find two new zones in the 2020-2021 Alabama Deer Zones map with season dates that better coincide with deer rutting activity in those areas.
Chuck Sykes, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries...
Editorial: Don’t feed the ducks
A few years ago, I was employed in an area which harbored a substantial feral cat colony, 20 or so, with kittens. I was disgusted after showing up to work one day, only to discover they had been poisoned and suffered a brutal death.
It...
Asian giant hornets? Murder hornets? Not in Alabama
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Neighborhoods and social media are buzzing with hype as citizens are concerned about “murder hornets.” Alabama Cooperative Extension System professionals would like to put this rumor to rest. These stinging insects have not been found in Alabama. However, the detection of...
Reintroduction of the Eastern indigo snake in the Southeast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Eastern indigo snake, one of the longest snakes native to the United States, calls the Southeast home. Unfortunately, this staple reptile’s survival is at risk, especially in Alabama. In fact, these snakes are a federally threatened species under the...
Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center reopens May 22
PELHAM, Ala. - The Oak Mountain Interpretive Center (OMIC) at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, will celebrate its reopening Saturday, May 22, with a daylong schedule of events for families and children of all ages. The event will feature guided tours of...
Palomino RV Resort hits full capacity for Memorial Day
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s investment in the development of an RV park, the Palomino RV Resort, at the Burrow Farm site on County Road 222 saw a great payoff this Memorial Day weekend.
Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Zac Wood shared that the...
ACES: Watch out for Black Widow spiders this fall
AUBURN, Ala. - Black Widow spiders are some of the most recognizable spiders. The shiny black body and red hourglass marking on the female spider are clear markers of this spider. This fall, whether working in the yard or cleaning out garages, watch out...
Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish and Flounder season reminders
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022...
First wild eastern indigo snake found in Alabama in 60 years
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Traci Wood admitted holding the snake almost made her come unglued. No, she wasn’t afraid of the snake she was holding. It was the magnitude of the moment.
Wood, the Habitat and Species Conservation Coordinator with the...
CWD detected in 2 additional NE Mississippi counties
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recently received “suspect positive” Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) test results for two hunter-harvested bucks from Tippah and Alcorn counties in northeast Mississippi. These are the first CWD-positive detections for those counties. According...
Tips for hunting the rut in Alabama
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While the white-tailed deer rut has come and gone in a few areas in Alabama, hunters in the majority of the state are dealing with the December doldrums, waiting for the breeding season to begin in...
Awesome Trail opens at Joe Wheeler State Park
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Those who love to explore nature have another opportunity with the opening of the new trail at Joe Wheeler State Park in northwest Alabama. The name of the new 8-mile pathway is the Awesome Trail, literally.
Ken...
Black bear cubs collared in northeast Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - To say Traci Wood has a passion for bears would understate her love for the small black bear populations on opposite ends of the state in northeast and southwest Alabama.
Wood, State Wildlife Grants coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and...
How to start a vegetable garden
CULLMAN, Ala. - With quarantine still underway, some are itching to get outside and some are picking up new hobbies to pass the time. For those interested in starting a vegetable garden, Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover’s got you covered.
Glover forwarded the Alabama...
Oak Mountain State Park suffers tornado damage
PELHAM, Ala. – Severe weather, including an apparent tornado, moved through northern Shelby County Thursday and caused damage at Oak Mountain State Park.
The park suffered widespread tree damage in areas near Alabama Highway 119, as well as damage to the park’s campground and cable...
Raccoon confirmed positive for rabies in Cullman; precautions advised
CULLMAN, Ala. - Earlier this week, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) confirmed a raccoon to be positive for rabies after it attacked a person on a walking trail near a subdivision on Fox Hollow Road in Cullman. The raccoon attacked a bystander...
Summertime snake sightings
CULLMAN, Ala. - Reports of snake sightings are on the rise, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the snake population has increased from previous years. The Tribune spoke to naturalist and wildlife biologist Marianne Hudson, conservation outreach specialist with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Division...
Hunting antler sheds
Late winter and early spring can often be a dull time for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Deer season is over, and turkey season has yet to begin, but people may still be looking for an excuse to get outside. Hunting for deer antler sheds...
Bassmaster College Series stops at Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. — Talented teams from across the country will converge on Lewis Smith Lake May 14-15 for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops. The second stop on the 2021 schedule, the event was originally scheduled for Apr. 16-17 before heavy...
Enjoying a fire pit, responsibly
CULLMAN, Ala. - Fall is a great time to gather around a backyard fire pit and enjoy the cooler weather. Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin described enjoying a fire pit as “like camping without being at the campground.” But, like any activity involving fire,...
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System talks black bears in Alabama
AUBURN, Ala. – On vacations to the Tennessee or Georgia mountains, many hope to catch a glimpse of a black bear or two. What some don’t realize is there are populations of black bears living right here in Alabama. In fact, the black bear...
All oyster harvest zones to close January 21, 2022
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Pursuant to Section 9-12-28, Code of Alabama 1975 as stated by Rule 220-3-.02, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces that all public water bottoms will close to the harvest of oysters at 2:00...
Conservation Advisory Board considers deer zones, turkey reporting
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The first Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting of 2020 resulted in a wealth of good news and one disappointing statistic.
The good news included a 35-day, state-managed red snapper season, a productive oyster season, an increase in...
John Cox claims victory at Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. (March 14, 2021) – After leading the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake for most of the event, it’s no surprise that Berkley pro John Cox of DeBary, Florida, pulled out...
B.A.S.S., Alabama Power, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance & the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources host dedication ceremony for new pavilion at Smith Lake
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Participation in angling has hit new highs in the past year, and a new public use pavilion built by skilled volunteers from the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance as part of an Alabama Power and B.A.S.S. conservation partnership is offering a much-needed place...
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers Heads to Lewis Smith Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament organization, heads to Cullman, Alabama, this week, March 11-14, for the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2 – Lewis Smith Lake . This is the second...
Public land provides opportunities to hunt rut all season
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Most people think the rutting activity of white-tailed deer in Alabama occurs mostly in January and into February. However, if you’re willing to travel, hunters can take advantage of the rut in the state from mid-November...
Duck River Reservoir boat ramps closing at 5 p.m. today
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman has announced the temporary closure of its boat ramps at the Duck River Reservoir today, May 20 as water levels are lowered for inspection and maintenance of the Duck River Dam.
On Wednesday, the City issued this notice:
Duck...
ADCNR strengthens safeguards against nonnative species
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Due to ecological, economic, and human health and safety concerns related to the potential impacts of nonnative animals, Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.26 has been amended to prohibit any person, firm, association, or corporation from possessing, selling, offering for sale, importing, bringing,...
Alabama sets 1st sandhill crane hunting season in 103 years
Alabama hunters will have their first opportunity in 103 years to hunt a migratory bird that has been making a steady comeback for the past few decades.
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division will conduct a draw hunt of 400 permits to hunt...
Discover Alabama’s national forests through water monitoring
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service (USFS), is excited to announce the launch of a new water quality-monitoring project in the national forests in Alabama.
This project’s goal is to encourage citizens to discover the national forests in Alabama…by testing...
Venison recipes perfect for holidays
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
When that Thanksgiving turkey has been reduced to a discarded carcass, it’s time to break out those wild game and fish recipes to enjoy the feast Alabama’s outdoors offers.
With Alabama’s white-tailed deer season in full swing,...
Registration for sandhill crane season opens Sept. 4
Registration for Alabama’s first sandhill crane hunting season in more than 100 years will open Sept. 4 and run until Sept. 25, 2019. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) will conduct a computer-controlled random draw of 400 sandhill crane hunting permits...
Naturally Alabama: Plinking on the roof
Everyone is saying it: “This has been a crazy year.” The coronavirus has made its impact on human health and society around the world. While we are embroiled in the tempest of COVID, let me remind you of something that calmly happens every year...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens August 2
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2022 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries on Monday, August 2, 2021. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline for entry...
‘Truth in Nature is tight lines, steady aim and a cleansed heart’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Truth in Nature held an educational day for the young men of the Cullman chapter Saturday, June 26. The first half the day began with the boys learning to build picnic tables with the instruction of Chapter Leader Brian Burchett. The...
Blue-green algae causes concern for dog owners
AUBURN, Ala. - Blue-green algae has caused several cases of dog poisonings and deaths across the country. While poisonings from these algae are nothing new, in recent years problems have been worse. These reports have many pet owners wanting to know more about these...
Cullman celebrates 34 years as Tree City USA
CULLMAN, Ala. - “This is a fun one!” Those were Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs’ words as he prepared to open the 2022 Tree City Dedication/Arbor Week Celebration ceremony held Thursday, February 24, inside the City Hall auditorium.
ARBOR WEEK CELEBRATION
The ceremony began with Mayor Jacobs...
AL Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources named Agency of Year at Sportsmen’s Caucus Summit
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently received special recognition by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation with the presentation of the State Agency of the Year Award at the 16th Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit in...
Live Christmas trees: Recycle and reuse
AUBURN, Ala. - The parties are over and the decorations are packed. Now, there is just one thing left to do – get rid of the Christmas tree. For those who have live Christmas trees, this can sometimes be a bothersome issue. Luckily, there...
Gulf State Park section succumbs to Sally’s surge
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
One aspect of living on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast is the realization that the best-laid plan is no match for Mother Nature.
The original plan was to gather Sept. 16 at the Gulf State Park Pier to...
Complacency often leads to treestand, firearms accidents
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s Hunter Education Program wants to teach old hunters new safety tricks. Actually, these are not new safety tricks, but experienced hunters seem to be failing to follow them,...
New water monitoring project in Alabama’s national forests
AUBURN, Ala. – Community members in all areas of the state will soon have the chance to help shape the future of watershed management in Alabama.
Alabama Water Watch (AWW), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, announces the launch of...
WFF holding CWD information meeting at Wallace State Oct. 22
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - This fall, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is hosting a series of public meetings throughout the state to provide information about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), WFF’s CWD surveillance efforts in Alabama and how hunters can assist.
CWD is...
Alabama’s outdoors provides solutions for social distancing
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While Governor Kay Ivey and Dr. Scott Harris, chair of the Governor's COVID-19 Task Force, work hard alongside other state, national, and private enterprise leaders to mitigate the effects of the novel coronavirus and bring its...
New license allows hunting of feral swine, coyotes at night
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature this week, new legislation will provide hunters in Alabama with another opportunity to harvest two specific animals. The legislation allows Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship to establish a season for hunting feral hogs and coyotes at night...
Wallace State’s Blackwood, Chambers lead at Bassmaster College Series event on Saginaw Bay
BANGOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Despite a three-hour run and a slow start to the day, the Wallace State Community College team of Clent Blackwood and Bryar Chambers sacked up 21 pounds, 15 ounces of smallmouth bass on Saginaw Bay to take the lead...
Cullman’s Hopper and Franks get redemption in High School Classic
FORT WORTH, Texas — Implementing a two-stage game plan, Brody Hopper and Landon Franks of Alabama’s Cullman High School caught a five-bass limit of 13 pounds, 1 ounce to win the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Classic presented by Academy Sports +...
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 the Duck River Community, it means dove season is here and they couldn’t be happier. This year Bruce Shaw and...
Guest Editorial: Protecting Alabama’s waters requires more than lawsuits
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Recent heavy rains put the spotlight on one of the most common yet difficult to resolve environmental concerns – untreated or partially treated sewage leaking into our rivers, lakes and streams. Inflow of rainwater through cracked pipes or faulty manhole covers...
Wood duck mates determine migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
In the waterfowl world, Alabama’s most abundant species, the wood duck, is not known for migrating long distances.
It turns out, the wood duck migration patterns follow a “boy meets girl” scenario. Boy meets girl; girl flies...
Deer: Attract or deter?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Deer in residential areas—homeowners either love the friendly visitors or wish they would leave plants alone. While hunting season has come and gone, traces of white-tailed deer in residential areas or on landowners’ property are nearing their peak. According to...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 3
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest will begin accepting entries Monday, Aug. 3, 2020. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is...
Fall: Time for a garden refresh
AUBURN, Ala. - As autumn brings cooler temperatures to Alabama, it looks as if summer heat is on the way out. Pleasant weather has drawn many southern gardeners out to make lawn and garden updates.
Whether it is general maintenance—like pruning branches—or raking fallen leaves...
Seed saving 101
Bethany A. O’Rear, regional horticulture agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System
As our summer vegetable and flower gardens are winding down, why not get a head start for next year? Seed saving is a great way to preserve those hard to find varieties...
Federal, state programs guarantee boating access
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Hank Weldon is a native Alabamian and a traveling man. As a director of student and junior tournaments for Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, he’s seen a lot of fishing spots.
Few, he said, can rival those found in his home state.
“If you...
WFF cautiously optimistic about spread of silver carp
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Chris Greene is cautiously optimistic that an invasive fish species that can wreak havoc on reservoir ecosystems has not expanded its range in Alabama’s waterways.
The silver carp, which has done noticeable damage in Kentucky and...
Woodcock monitoring program tracks migration routes
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Seth Maddox will head out in February with other Division biologists to do some woodcock hunting. Yes, that is after the woodcock hunting season closes Jan. 31, but Maddox will not be using a conventional harvest...
Go Fish, Alabama! teaches basics of fishing
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of fishing, but didn’t know where to begin? The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has developed a beginner fishing course just for you.WFF’s “Go...
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 Dance2Fit outdoor classes.
Teaching a dance fitness class wasn’t Wooten’s plan for her future; in fact, she was attending classes at...
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 forests, neighborhoods and parks across the state–reminding residents of the species’ significant heritage. The Northern flicker, also known as the...
Why do leaves change colors?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Crisp, cool mornings and long shadows signal that fall has truly set in. With a transition into cooler weather, comes a transition with the vibrant colors of fall leaves. Often it seems as if this change happened over night. This...
Good Hope anglers Arnold, Curington narrowly miss final round of Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship
PARIS, Tenn. – Kentucky Lake is the site of this year’s Mossy Oak Fishing High School Championship and a pair of local boats were out on the water competing. Good Hope Fishing Team is represented on Kentucky Lake by Colton Williams and Landon Graham...
Alabama State Parks online campground reservation system now live
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Ready for a camping trip to one – or several – of the beautiful Alabama State Parks? Ensuring you’ll have a site for your RV, travel trailer or tent just became much easier recently when the...
Spring landscaping tips from Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover
CULLMAN, Ala. – Warm, comfortable weather is around the corner with the arrival of spring. The Tribune spoke with Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover for some helpful tips with landscape renovations you can do in preparation for the warm weather season.
Glover shared, “It’s...
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 County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Davenport and Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons shared some details.
The Smith Lake Park...
Winners of Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest announced
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The winners of the 2021 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest are listed below. As usual, the judges had a very difficult time selecting the winning photos from among the thousands entered. The 2022 contest will be announced later this year.
“The abundant diversity...
Eagle Awareness Weekends in Guntersville planned for January and February
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Lake Guntersville State Park will host its popular Eagle Awareness Weekends starting in January 2022, through February 2022.
The events will feature live bird demonstrations, programs delivered by notable speakers and guided field trips to view eagles in their natural habitat.
The Eagle...
WFF reactivates 800 number for Game Check
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
The toll-free Game Check phone number, 1-800-888-7690, is back and better than ever. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reactivated the number for hunters to comply with the reporting requirements for the...
Alabama State Parks naturalists to provide virtual programming
For all those nature lovers who are unable to visit one of the beautiful Alabama State Parks due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, the State Park Naturalists will bring the parks to you via modern technology.
During the effort to prevent the spread of the...
Controlled burns top tool for wildlife, land managers
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Social media has been filled with smoke and fire lately as many land managers, like the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), conduct controlled burns to enhance the flora and fauna throughout the state.
Steven...
In Alabama, conservation Is for the birds
WASHINGTON D.C. - Whether called the Yellowhammer State or the Cotton State, an abundance of birds call the state of Alabama home. “Yellowhammer” in fact refers to the common name for the northern flicker woodpecker — which just happens to be the official state...
Freeze veggies to enjoy this fall and winter
AUBURN, Ala. - From tomatoes to squash, summer is filled with a wonderful bounty of garden vegetables. Wouldn’t it be great to have these fresh vegetables all year long? Luckily, you can freeze fresh produce from the local markets or homegrown vegetables this summer...
Wallace State BASS Club anglers Bryar Chambers, Clent Blackwood compete this week in Michigan
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State’s BASS Club anglers Bryar Chambers and Clent Blackwood continue their quest through the 2021 Carhartt Bassmaster Collegiate Series this week, competing Wednesday and Thursday at Saginaw Bay in Bangor Charter Township, Mich.
Chambers and Blackwood have fished in three previous...
Cullman County Master Gardeners share 2022 initiative for feeding birds during the winter
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Master Gardeners are educators trained by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. During their last meeting, they discussed taking an initiative to feed birds in the winter to help them stay healthy during their migration. On December 9, the group...
Alabama PALS kicks off 2021 “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Spring Cleanup
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 statewide “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup will be held during the entire month of April. The cleanup is held annually and coordinated by Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State), which also coordinates and implements the Alabama...
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 until 9 p.m. and paddle boats and bikes will be available for rental until 7. The concession stand will be...
Controlling fire ants this spring
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - Those preparing their summer vegetable gardens may find their plots already teeming with life, but not the kind they would like to see. Fire ants are common in yards, flowerbeds, playgrounds and gardens throughout Alabama.
Kelly Palmer, an Alabama Extension livestock...
North Zone dove season opens Labor Day weekend
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Director Chuck Sykes wants to make sure dove hunters are not caught flat-footed this September when the season opens earlier than usual.
The North Zone dove season will open on Labor Day weekend this year, a week earlier than...
Alabama State Parks provided safe haven for Alabamians in 2020
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State Parks found a new purpose during an eventful 2020.
State officials kept the parks open as a safe recreational option during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the parks’ wide-open spaces and variety of activities made it possible to practice social distancing...
Last-minute Christmas gifts for outdoors enthusiasts
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Buying Christmas gifts for those who love the outdoors can be a daunting task simply because we tend to already be outfitted for every excursion into the woods or on the water.
If you’re struggling to find...
Hawley wants to leave turkey hunting legacy
At the recent Alabama Conservation Advisory Board meeting in Montgomery, one of the people who took advantage of the opportunity to address the Board was David Hawley of Livingston, Alabama. At that meeting on March 6, the Board approved a motion to open the...
Alabama’s forests: clearing the air
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – One of the world’s largest sources of carbon can likely be found in your backyard. In fact, trees are some of most efficient carbon-capturing organisms in the world. Alabama’s forests work around the clock moving this element and making the...
With piers closed, Thornton takes to Alabama’s beautiful beaches
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With a nickname like Pier Pounder, David Thornton of Mobile has seen his favorite pastime disappear with 2020’s double whammy of hurricanes. Hurricane Sally took the Gulf State Park Pier out of commission, and Hurricane Zeta...
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries announces special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, February 5, 2022, as the second of the 2021-2022 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting...
Financial relief will soon be available to assist Alabama landowners adversely affected by the non-native, invasive noxious weed, cogongrass
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Cogongrass Mitigation Program is made possible through a grant from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ). The goals of this program are to reduce the number...
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 heritage skills including hiking, canoeing, fishing, heritage crafts and storytelling. Campers visited conservation sites and parks to explore their natural...
Don’t get complacent about hunter safety
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Although the number of hunting accidents has held steady for the last several years, Captain Marisa Futral doesn’t want Alabama’s hunters to take anything for granted during the state’s lengthy hunting seasons.
Futral, the Alabama Wildlife and...
Roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with longer-lasting asphalt made from recycled tires
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. - Officials with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on Tuesday showed off newly resurfaced roads and parking areas at Lake Guntersville State Park paved with asphalt made with materials from items...
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 funding for improvements and enhancements to Alabama’s 21 state parks.
“I would like to thank the voters of Alabama for their...
Participate in Alabama Backyard BioBlitz June 5
FAIRHOPE, Ala. - All Alabamians are invited to join Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in celebrating World Environment Day by participating in the Alabama Backyard BioBlitz Friday, June 5, 2020. The event encourages the public to explore and document the natural world from...
ATF promotes fireworks safety
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wants the public to be safe during the Fourth of July. Understanding the dangers associated with illegal or improperly used/manufactured fireworks can prevent severe injuries, disfigurement or even death.
Illegal devices are not fireworks,...
Black Belt Adventures urges hunters to donate venison
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Hunters Helping the Hungry has provided more than a half-million pounds of ground venison to those in need in Alabama, and the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is encouraging hunters to make a special effort...
Parks officials working to reopen portion of Gulf State Park Pier
David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Gulf State Park on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast will be a beehive of activity now and into the future.
One of the priorities is to get a portion of the popular Gulf State Park Pier open after...
