FROM MARLA RUSKIN
ALABAMA WILDLIFE FEDERATION
John Merritt Leary, an Eagle Scout with Troop 4 in Montgomery, recently completed his Eagle Scout Project for the Alabama Nature Center (ANC) in Millbrook. He built handrails for one of our creek entrances plus a fence to direct guests to stay on the trail.
John Merritt raised all the funds necessary to build the project, and was assisted by members of his troop on the installation of the handrails. He said he chose the ANC because he has a lot of good memories there and he heard it was an excellent place to build an Eagle Scout Project that would make a long-lasting impact. He chose to build handrails because he knew that it was a significant need that involved people’s safety. His best accomplishment was how fast the project was done. John Merritt stated, “It wasn’t really my accomplishment because it was the hard working and helpful spirits of everyone who volunteered.”
“Our education staff is very excited to have the new handrailing to use during our education programs that include creek hikes, said Hollie Terry, ANC Director of School Programs. They will help keep our guests safe as they enter and exit the creek at that location.”
ABOUT THE ALABAMA NATURE CENTER OF MILLBROOK, ALABAMA
The Alabama Nature Center, a hands-on outdoor education facility located at Lanark in Millbrook, Alabama, is a joint project of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and benefactors Isabel and Wiley Hill. The Lanark property, State Headquarters for the Alabama Wildlife Federation, contains 350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds that are traversed by five miles of trails and boardwalks including a tree top viewing platform.
In addition to the trails, boardwalks, and pavilion, the Alabama Nature Center includes the NaturePlex, a 23,000 square foot structural facility that serves as the Welcome and Education Center. The grounds at Lanark contain five destinations: AWF Headquarters, Historic Lanark, Lanark Pavilion, ANC and the new NaturePlex. The Alabama Nature Center has a great partnership with the following: Alabama Power Foundation, City of Millbrook, Hyundai, International Paper Company, The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, The Hobbs Foundation, US Forest Service, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation and Walmart.
Alabama Wildlife Federation is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization dedicated to the conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources. To learn more visit www.alabamawildlife.org.
