Love nature? Lots to celebrate this October

If you love nature, there are several wonderful opportunities to celebrate and experience Alabama’s Natural wonders over the next two weeks.

Check out these exceptional events.

Ecofest  (October 19th) – One of the environmental education community’s longest and most successful fundraising events, Ecofest supports the Southern Environmental Center (SEC) at Birmingham Southern College.  The largest environmental center in Alabama, the SEC provides tours of their interactive museum and ecoscapes to nearly 20,000 people annually. Ecofest is renown for its auction items and an unforgettable meal.

Tickets to Ecofest 2017 can be purchased online – HERE

Ruffner turns 40! (October 21st) – In the fall of 1977 Ruffner Mountain Nature Center held its first annual meeting. In four decades, the organization established award winning environmental education programs and expanded a small neighborhood preserve into a nature preserve that is larger than New York City’s Central Park. A genuine Birmingham institution, Ruffner will be holding events all day-long this coming Saturday.  Drop by and wish them Happy Birthday! Check out the special lineup of special hikes – HERE.

Little River Canyon National Preserve 25th Anniversary Celebration (October 21st) – Alabama’s only National Park dedicated to a natural area, Little River Canyon National Preserve was established in 1992.  Supported by Randy Owen, the lead singer of the legendary country music group Alabama, the park is now one of the most visited public tourist attractions in the state. Most importantly, the park has protected a valuable natural resource and enhanced the region economically. Call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548 for details about this wonderful celebration.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival (October 22nd) – Benefiting the Alabama Rivers Alliance and Alabama Environmental Council, the 10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival will be held this coming Sunday afternoon at the Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theater. There will be an after filled with short documentary films and fellowship.  A can’t miss event – purchase your tickets today – HERE.

Below is a trailer of “Wild President” – just one of the many films that will be showcased.

Native Plant Conference (October 26-29) – Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will be hosting the Native Plant Conference, one of the most comprehensive nature education events in the Southeast. Nineteen presentations are scheduled and field trips to visit the Bibb County Glades, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve and to study the native collection at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Here is Bham Now’s story last week about this fantastic conference.

Celebrate the South’s biodiversity at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Native Plant Conference

Book these events today. As a nature lover, you won’t regret it.