Exploring Wild Alabama: A Guide to the State’s Publicly Accessible Natural Areas

Kenneth M. Wills and L.J. Davenport

“Exploring Wild Alabama” is a comprehensive guidebook that showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Alabama’s publicly accessible natural areas. The book covers a wide range of habitats, from coastal barrier islands to the Appalachian Mountains, and features detailed descriptions, maps, and photographs of over 100 natural areas, parks, and wildlife management areas.

Key Features:

1. Detailed Site Descriptions:
   • Each site entry includes a brief introduction, directions, hours of operation, fees, and contact information.
   • Detailed descriptions of the site’s natural features, such as plant and animal life, geological formations, and scenic highlights.
   • Information on recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping.
2. Habitat and Ecosystem Information:
   • Descriptions of Alabama’s diverse habitats, including coastal marshes, barrier islands, beaches, estuaries, rivers, hardwood forests, pine forests, and mountain ecosystems.
   • Information on the plants and animals that inhabit these ecosystems.
3. Photographs and Maps:
   • Over 200 color photographs that illustrate the beauty and diversity of Alabama’s natural areas.
   • Detailed maps for each site, showing trails, points of interest, and surrounding areas.
4. Additional Features:
   • An introduction to Alabama’s natural history, geology, and climate.
   • Tips on how to explore and enjoy Alabama’s natural areas responsibly.
   • A glossary of terms related to Alabama’s natural history and geology.

Target Audience:

• Nature enthusiasts, hikers, birdwatchers, wildlife viewers, and outdoor adventurers interested in exploring Alabama’s natural areas.
• Students, educators, and anyone interested in learning about Alabama’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Table of Contents (Partial):

• Introduction
• Coastal Alabama
  • Barrier Islands
  • Beaches and Dunes
  • Estuaries and Marshes
• Piedmont Alabama
  • Rivers and Streams
  • Hardwood Forests
  • Pine Forests
• Mountain Alabama
  • Mountain Ecosystems
  • Waterfalls and Scenic Views
• Appendices
  • Glossary
  • Additional Resources
  • Index