Jacksonville State University Field Schools, a project of JSU Environmental Policy and Information Center, now have three visitor and education centers: Little River Canyon Center near Fort Payne, Alabama, Longleaf Center near Anniston, Alabama, and the Mountain Resource Center near Heflin, Alabama. Check the menu at right for a complete list of programs and opportunities associated with JSU Field Schools "from the highest mountain to the deepest canyon in Alabama." The JSU Field Schools' Assistance Director, Renee Simmons Morrison, will coordinate environmental education and arts programs throughout the corridor from these three locations.

Mountain Center Building Update

The Mountain Center opened to the public in November 2012. Select "Photos" from the menu on the right to see the ground breaking ceremony on June 2011, the grand opening in November 2012, visits from Senator Sessions and Senator Shelby, and educational programs.

Directions

The Talladega Mountians Natural Resource Center (a partnership between Jacksonville State University, the Cleburne County Commission and the Talladega National Forest) is located on Forte Drive near Southwire manufacturers just north of Heflin, Alabama.
Alabama Highway 78 east of Heflin to Mile Marker 178; take next left turn onto Forte Drive; travel 1/4 mile to Mountain Center on left. The Mountain Center is open Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm and on weekends for special events.
Mountain Center Phone: 256-463-3838
Email: fieldschool@jsu.edu

Background

Alabama is blessed to have an abundance of beautiful natural areas. In the center of EPICs educational cooridor lies the Talladega National Forest. Encompassing over 200,000 acres, it is one of the largest national forests in the eastern United States and the home of Dugger Mountain Wilderness Area. To the west of the Talladega National Forest is Fort McClellan and our nation's newest National Wildlife Refuge, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge. Both federally operated areas have enormous potential in terms of habitat conservation, eco-tourism and environmental education. Because of this, JSU's EPIC proposed the establishment of Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center (aka "Mountain Center") that would benefit both local and regional populations. The Mountain Center will house the JSU Field Schools and will act as a visitor center to "the highest concentration of nationally protected natural areas" in the country. Also, the portion of the center dedicated to county activities is known as the "Cleburne County Public Safety & Administration Center" and includes the functions of finance, human resources, compliance, emergency management, and emergency 911 services. Check back for updates.

Environmental Policy Information Center
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
Telephone #: (256) 782-5697...Fax #: (256) 782-5817
rmorrison@jsu.edu - Assistant Director