From Marla Ruskin
Alabama Wildlife Federation
Lucas Martinez, an Eagle Scout with Troop 4 in Montgomery, recently completed his Eagle Scout Project for the Alabama Nature Center (ANC) in Millbrook. He and his helpers built and installed ten new arrow quivers for the archery range. These quivers are a little closer to the targets for younger archers to utilize. He also replaced the old, rotten covers on the existing quivers and retrofitted them with chains so that they will no longer be left on the ground to decompose. This project took a total of 84 1/2 hours, and he was assisted by 12 volunteers.
“We are so glad to have a closer position for our younger students to shoot from that looks just like the ‘big kid’ or more experienced position,” said Hollie Terry, ANC Director of School Programs. “Now they will no longer feel like we are having to make a special place just for them because they are new to archery.”
When asked about working with the Alabama Nature Center for his project, Lucas commented, “I chose the Alabama Nature Center for my Eagle Scout Project after I learned about what their mission was and was interested in their proposed projects.” He also said, “I would absolutely recommend the ANC for other Eagle Scout candidates because the ANC is extremely easy to work with and they have a wide variety of projects you can choose from.”
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
