Acquisition of land is the first critical step in protecting North Alabama’s great natural places. Once land has been acquired, the Land Trust and our partners begin the never-ending work of ensuring that these acres have the proper care to thrive. Learn how you can Volunteer and Support the Land Trust to make this important work possible. And read about our current projects below.
Land Trust Preserved Property
9315 Acres preserved in 6 counties (Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Marshall, Dekalb, Colbert)
At least 4 known endangered or threatened species protected
18 miles of creek and river frontage saved
At least 31 known caves protected
15 working agriculture/grazing properties
107 Named Trails = 70+ miles with 23 trail entrances maintained
Current Projects
Pollinator Garden at Blevins Gap
Development of a Pollinator Garden has begun at Blevins Gap Trailhead on Cecil Ashburn. Thanks to support from The Bakken Family, the large grassy area adjacent to the trailhead overlook will be transformed into a native wildflower garden with the goal of providing food and habitat for pollinators (birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects). This space will also be used to engage the community through a variety of education programs, sharing the importance of fostering a healthy pollinator population.
Protecting the Paint Rock
Thanks to the support of many, the $223,000 needed to purchase a 91-acre property in Jackson County has been raised. This makes it possible to protect 2/3 mile of Paint Rock River frontage forever! As our region experiences growth, it is critical that we recognize spaces in need of protection and take action. Time and again, our community has stepped up at these moments and we are incredibly grateful!
Providing for the Future of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve
Current owners and caretakers of Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve have partnered with the Land Trust of North Alabama as they plan for the future of the property. If you are interested in supporting the continued maintenance and protection of this special piece of North Alabama, please visit the link below to learn more or make a donation. Funds will be received by the Land Trust of North Alabama and restricted for Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve.
Preserving Chapman Mountain
Thanks to the generosity of an incredible 470 donors, 92 acres on the west side Chapman Mountain will be preserved! Many stepped up to contribute the $370,000 needed, meeting our deadline within only 3 months. This addition means that Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve will now total 551 acres benefitting people, plants, and animals. Your support makes conservation successes like this one possible!
Critical Connections: River to the Gap
Envision a permanently preserved corridor of life from the Tennessee River to Blevins Gap. Envision a natural place that connects us through trails and provides a migration corridor and habitat for wildlife to safely travel and flourish.
Singing River Trail
Land Trust of North Alabama is proud to support The Singing River Trail, a proposed 200+ mile greenway system to strengthen regional bonds, and create new health and wellness, educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people and communities of North Alabama.
Huntsville Greenway Master Plan
The City of Huntsville has partnered with Land Trust of North Alabama to revise and expedite a master greenway plan for pedestrian connectivity across the City of Huntsville. The BIG Picture planning process revealed that citizens, businesses, and planners expect greenways to offer a mix of safe commuter routes as well as connections for recreation and play. The Land Trust agreement includes assistance with greenway planning preparation and mapping, identifying funding sources – philanthropic as well as grant applications – and working with landowners on acquisition.