Upcoming Fresh Air Family Events
SEPTEMBER
Rare Plants of the Glade at Moss Rock Preserve Canceled due to rain
Saturday, September 14th, 10 am
See the rare and beautiful wildflowers that decorate the glades in Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover. We will walk down the trails from the Preserve retail area into the boulder forest. We will walk to the waterfalls and observe the when the blazing star and rare Nuttal's rayless goldenrod blooms.
Wildflowers of the Conecuh National Forest
Sunday, September 22, 2 pm
Mark Hainds leads us as we explore the brilliant fall colors of wildflowers in the Long Leaf ecosystem in Andalusia. The deep purples and rich golds light up the cathedral elegance of the Conecuh National Forest. We meet at the pavilion at Open Pond Recreation Area and will explore the area. We may find a rare gopher tortoise! Free event thanks to the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation.
Fossil Hunts!
Fossil Hunts
Steven C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site (Formerly Union Chapel Coal Mine)
September 28 and October 12, 9 am and 1pm
This site is considered one of the top three Coal-Age fossil sites in the world. It took an Act of Congress to preserve Union Chapel Mine's hundreds of fossils recording an ancient swamp and sea shore. It's the only place in the world with a complete fossil record of an ancient horseshoe crab and has been visited by scientists from around The world. The site is owned by the State of Alabama and managed by the Alabama Paleontological Society (APS). Though the site is not open to the public, our fossil hunts are led by paleontologists from APS. Because of this partnership, we have been granted special permission to bring our members and guests to hunt for fossils here. Though the terrain is a bit rugged, fossils are abundant and easy to find. Everyone leaves with a fossil. Children as young as five have found museum-quality pieces.
For more information and to buy tickets for these events, email here:
Fall Color at Desoto State Park
Saturday, October 19, 10 am
Walk through the beautiful trails at Desoto State Park in Fort Payne. We will hunt for wildflowers and admire the 104-foot waterfall. Donations requested $2 per person, $10 per family. Free to members.
Mushrooms: Eating Growing and Knowing
Sunday, October 13, 2 pm
Mark Hainds, a mushroom farmer and enthusiast, will demonstrate how to grow mushrooms and how to identify edibles. And, how to avoid poisonous mushrooms. He will bring samples and demonstrate how to grow delicious mushrooms in your back yard. Meet at Open Pond, Conecuh National Forest, Andalusia. Free, thanks to the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation. Register here: Events@FreshAirFamily.org
NOVEMBER
Fall Color at Cheaha State Park
Saturday, November 9, 10 am
Walk to Alabama's highest peak for the peak fall color experience! The vista is long and beautiful as fall lights up in color in Delta. Donations accepted $2 per person, $10 per family. Members free.