FROM MARLA RUSKIN
ALABAMA WILDLIFE FEDERATION OF MILLBROOK
MILLBROOK, AL – The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) is pleased to announce that The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Archery Range at the Alabama Nature Center is complete and ready for use by youth during school field trips, homeschool programs, and summer camp. Thanks to a combination of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Grant, volunteer assistance, and additional funds from AWF, the range includes 10 archery stations in two adjoining ranges, The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Sweetgum and Sassafras Ranges. Included on these ranges are 10 wooden archery target stations, 10 outdoor range shooting targets, 10 gravel shooting stations, 10 arrow holders, eight bow holders and 12 bench seats.
“Supporting projects like the AWF Archery Range is what the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery does. Giving young people this type of quality facility where they can learn, practice, and compete is a special opportunity for them and strengthens our community,” stated Sam Johnson, 2019-20 Kiwanis Club of Montgomery President. “We are fortunate to be able to partner with great organizations like AWF to help children; one child at a time.”
In addition to providing the necessary funds to anchor the project, The Kiwanis Club of Montgomery grant also served as a catalyst to inspire significant volunteer investments to bring the project to reality. Over the fall and winter, volunteer trainees from Maxwell Air Force Base Officer Training School led the selective hand-clearing and removal of natural debris, vegetation, and saplings from the two forested sites. In November, the wooden targets, bow holders, quivers, and seating areas were professionally constructed. During the same time period, two Eagle Scouts, Nickolas Schmidt of Troop 307, and Ethan Taylor of Troop 15, both of Montgomery, AL, took on the job of finishing the ranges. They constructed shooting pads, education kiosks, moveable platforms, and cleared additional natural debris. Together, the Eagle Scouts, their families, and members of their troop provided the impressive final touches.
“This partnership is a natural fit. Both of our organizations focus their efforts on enhancing education of the youth in Alabama. The archery range will allow students to test their skills, while also giving them an opportunity to explore nature,” said Tim L. Gothard, Alabama Wildlife Federation Executive Director. SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW...
The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The mission of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit group supported by membership dues and donations, is to promote conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity. To learn more about Alabama Wildlife Federation, including membership details, programs and projects, contact AWF at 1-800-822-WILD or visit www.alabamawildlife.org
