Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama has pledged the final $50,000 needed for construction of an outdoor education pavilion at the Land Trust of North Alabama’s new Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve. The 371 acre preserve, located just to the east of Huntsville on HWY 72 East, is scheduled to open in December 2017.

Plans for Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve include a 1,920 square-foot open air facility that will expand environmental education offerings and create a new community gathering space.  Toyota’s donation fulfills the financial resources needed to move forward with groundbreaking next month.

“We are excited to be a part of this project and what it will offer to students and families across North Alabama.  Toyota is committed to supporting education and environmental initiatives that positively impact our community, so the outdoor education pavilion is a natural fit,” said Kim Ogle, Toyota corporate communications analyst.

Future site of the Outdoor Education Pavilion at Chapman Mountain, cleared and ready for construction to begin.

Through a variety of guided hikes and hands-on outdoor activities, the Land Trust encourages children, adults, and families to experience the incredible wonders of North Alabama’s natural lands. The Land Trust’s current education program, Tuesdays on the Trail, is offered on a weekly basis each summer. However, the Chapman Mountain pavilion will provide a space for an expanded year-round science and environmental education program. When not in use for education purposes, the structure will be offered on a reservation basis for family, community, and corporate events.

“Toyota has been an excellent partner for the Land Trust over the years through financial contributions as well as volunteer hours,” says Marie Bostick, Executive Director, Land Trust of North Alabama. “This is just the most recent example of their ongoing, generous support.”

Previous donations from Terry Properties and Vulcan Materials Company provided the initial funding for the project.