Vulcan Materials Company, headquartered in Alabama, has pledged $75,000 to the Land Trust of North Alabama for the creation of an outdoor education pavilion on the Land Trust’s Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve. The 371 acre preserve, located just to the east of Huntsville on HWY 72 East, is scheduled to open by December 2017. Vulcan Materials Company’s donation will provide a cash contribution of $50,000 as well as $25,000 in-kind for materials needed. The donation includes distributed over the next five years supporting the completion of the education pavilion.

Jeff Johnson of Vulcan Materials Company, said, “We are excited to help make this project possible, it is a natural fit for Vulcan and our commitments to education, environmental stewardship and the communities where we operate. Because of Chapman Mountain’s strategic location along a major route across Northeast Alabama, we feel that this preserve can serve as a gateway for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor adventure.”

The planned 2,120 square foot open air facility will allow the Land Trust to expand their environmental education offerings and provide a community gathering space for large groups, including public and private schools and other child-centered organizations (such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Scouts, and YMCA groups) for hands-on outdoor environmental education programs. Since the Land Trust’s inception – 30 years ago this week, the organization has encouraged children, adults, and families to experience the incredible wonders of North Alabama’s natural lands through a variety of guided hikes and outdoor activities. 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.

“Through hands-on learning, adults and children can develop an appreciation and understanding of the unique ecosystems of North Alabama and the need to conserve them. We are grateful for the support of Vulcan Materials Company for this project. This is a big step towards making Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve a reality, allowing us to further our mission to connect people with nature.” said Executive Director Marie Bostick.

We’ll share more of our exciting plans for Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve soon! We have a lot of work to complete to prepare the property for public use though so please let us know if you are interested in volunteering as part of our Trail Care Team. You can find a list of upcoming work days and volunteer opportunities here.