Land Trust of North Alabama continues to expand the footprint of preserved land around Alabama’s largest city. The local nonprofit, which is dedicated to leading initiatives for land conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education, has protected over 10,000 acres across North Alabama and so far this year has added 18.5 acres to that total. Two recently protected properties expand the boundaries of public nature preserves in Huntsville. 

The first property, atop Green Mountain near Riverview Road in South Huntsville, was received as a donation from Jeanne Byrd. Protection of this 9-acre space, located in close proximity to Green Mountain Nature Preserve, secures natural habitat in this rapidly changing area of South Huntsville and offers an opportunity for future expansion of the preserve and trail system. Green Mountain Nature Preserve is a popular outdoor recreation area now totaling 928 acres with over 8 miles of trails, including the new 3.2-mile Green Mountain Trail that officially opened to the public last month.

The second newly acquired property is a 9.5-acre tract of land just east of the Spragins Hollow Trailhead at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve in North Huntsville. The Land Trust has monitored this parcel for several years due to its proximity to Wade Mountain Nature Preserve. This addition expands the boundaries of the preserve and enhances habitat protection in another increasingly developed area of the city.

The Land Trust offers ten public nature preserves that provide free access to nature with over 80 miles of trails to explore. Before your visit, you can download trail maps, find helpful visitor information, and learn how to support this local land conservation efforts.