The former Fort McClellan comes to life with music this spring at an outdoor concert series in partnership with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The ASO will be performing Tuxedo Junction with the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame on May 28; with The Miracles on June 4; with Kristi Tingle-Higginbotham, Summerfest Performing Ensemble and This Is It in Broadway Under the Stars on June 11; and a Classical Spectacular will cap off the series on June 18. Picnic grounds open at 6 pm, concerts begin at 8 pm.

For information about Music at McClellan

Due to unseasonably high water on Terrapin Creek, the June Paddle Safety Clinic has been rescheduled to August 27. You can still join us to learn the secrets of safe paddling from the experts! This American Canoe Association sponsored event is geared to teach beginner/novice paddlers the skills needed for a safe paddling trip in canoes or kayaks. Learning stations will be set up along Terrapin Creek where participants will be taught safety, rescue drills, and the basic "how to" of paddling. Sign up early as space is limited.

To find out more about canoeing or other Field School events

Tweet, tweet, tweet: Bird-naming tour gives local enthusiasts a chance to name that tune of nearly 40 species

When Zachary Baeza peered through an electronic peeper scope Saturday, the 8-year-old saw nesting baby woodpeckers. His dad saw something even more priceless.

"His eyes just popped open, his mouth just opened wide, and he was kind of like, ‘Wow!’" Hector Baeza said. "Just the amazement on his face was worth the trip."

Conroy Receives Army Award for Patriotic Civilian Service

In a presentation during the September 9th Alabama Water Resources Conference in Jacksonville State University EPIC Director, Pete Conroy was awarded for “Patriotic Civilian Service”. The recognition was in association with Conroy’s work as US Alternate Federal Commissioner for Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River Basin Compact and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin Compact.

For information about ACT/ACF

Kids Into Nature Camp

JSU Field School received special funding from Alabama Gas Corporation and from the Calhoun County Commission to present our First Annual Hobson City Kids Into Nature Camp. Children were selected through an application/scholarship program with the assistance of the Hobson City Mayor's office. The goals of this program were to offer a unique environmental camp experience to children who have limited access to beautiful wild places like the Talladega National Forest.

To see a camp slide show (powerpoint)

Mountain Longleaf NWR to Open Lands December 20, 2004

The generations-old tradition of deer hunting during the holiday season will return to another part of Fort McClellan, Alabama, when Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge opens about 3,300 of its 9,016 acres to the public beginning December 20.

To learn more about Mountain Longleaf NWR

School reaches out to Hispanic community

Jacksonville State University, through its Little River Field School, is reaching out to DeKalb County’s growing Hispanic population, field school director Pete Conroy said Friday. The Field School offered a well attended bilingual walking tour of DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon on Saturday, April 24, 2004. “The more we reach out to the Latin American community, the more the region will get along,” Conroy said. “Language is such a big barrier. Jacksonville State really wants to reach out.”

To read the full Fort Payne Times-Journal article from 4/24/04

Shoal Creek Ranger District Wins Nature Watch Award

The JSU Field Schools and Shoal Creek Ranger District of the Talladega National Forest received national recognition for its partnership building and environmental education programs. At a luncheon at Coleman Lake on April 8, 2004, Alabama Forest Supervisor Steve Rickerson presented awards to JSU and its partners for the best Forest Service district presentation for collaborative programming. Nature Watch is a partnership program of the U.S. Forest Service that provides nature viewing opportunities, encourages safe and sound viewing ethics and contributes to local economies.

To learn more about the Little River Canyon & Choccolocco Field Schools

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center

Plans for the Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center (TMNRC) continue to move forward. On February 18, 2004, US Senator Jeff Sessions met with EPIC Director Pete Conroy at the proposed construction site. Those pictured left to right): Pete Conroy - EPIC; Ryan - Alabama Forestry; Chris Oberholster - The Nature Conservancy; Chuck Spurlock - Senator Sessions' Office; United States Senator Jeff Sessions; District Ranger Earl Stewart - USFS; Shannon McClure - Sessions' Staff.

More on TMNRC

Environmental Policy Information Center
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North, Suite 246 Martin,
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
Telephone #: (256) 782-5681...Fax #: (256) 782-5817
pconroy@jsu.edu
All photos on this page provided by Ted White.
Site design by Laurel Design Copyright 2004