Mark your calendars for the following dates. Program topics and descriptions are given below. Check out what we have in store!

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 20, 2011, 2:00 PM
Sunday, January 15, 2012, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Sunday, February 19, 2012, 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 18, 2012, 2:00 PM
Sunday, April 15, 2012, 2:00 PM
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2:00 PM

ABOUT THE PROGRAM SERIES:

The Alabama Wildlife Center invites you to the 2011-2012 series of Audubon Teaches Nature (ATN) programs (October, 2011-May, 2012).  We think you'll like the choice of program speakers and topics.  Some will be familiar to you while others are new to the series.

The ATN program series is a joint effort of the Alabama Wildlife Center, Birmingham Audubon Society, Friends of Oak Mountain and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center.  The series is designed to appeal to a range of natural history interests for all age levels and it is especially hoped that families with children will attend together.  After all, the family that plays together stays together!

Be sure to come early and enjoy some refreshments and conversation in the Observation Room at the Alabama Wildlife Center starting at 1:30 PM.  There will be a nature walk after the program, weather permitting.

COST:  Free with Oak Mountain State Park admission (adults $3, children 6-11 and seniors 62+ $1, children under 6 free).

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 2:00 PM:  An Introduction to the Spiders of Alabama, Mike Howell, Guest Speaker.  Alabama is blessed with a wide variety of habitats within her borders, and filling every available niche are an equally diverse group of animals.  Among these are the spiders.  Some are found only within the dune system of the northern Gulf coast while others are found only on certain plants.  Come learn all about these spiders and more from an expert who literally "wrote the book." 

Sunday, November 20, 2011, 2:00 PM:  Discovering Alabama -- Your Ticket to Nature's Finest Show, Doug Phillips, Guest Speaker.  Doug Phillips is the creator, executive producer and host of the Emmy award-winning Alabama Public Television series, "Discovering Alabama."  For 25 years, it has brought the natural wonders of the state of APT viewers.  Join us as Dr. Phillips shares with us his unique experiences of the natural beauty and ecological riches that make Alabama exceptional.

Sunday, January 15, 2012, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM:  An Introduction to Birds of Prey, Southeastern Raptor Center, Guest Speakers.  Birds of prey are fascinating and Alabama is home to several species.  We are amazed by their specialized adaptations and hunting prowess.  Due to popular demand we are offering programs at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Seating is limited and pre-registration is suggested.  Remember to bring your camera.  We are experiencing difficulties with online registration. To pre-register, please contact the education department at sallinson@awrc.org or (205) 663-7930, ext. 4.

Sunday, February 19, 2012, 2:00 PM:  Great Backyard Bird Count -- Citizen Science You Can Do!, Greg Harber, Guest Speaker.  The GBBC is an annual event enjoyed by many.  What's not to like?  We get to watch birds--our favorite activity--and be a citizen scientist, too!  We'll take a moment to outline the purpose and the methodology of the bird count, and then go into the field to conduct our survey.  Afterwards we'll return to the auditorium to enter our data online.  This will be a good opportunity for teachers and educators to learn how they can teach their students to be scientists, too!

Sunday, March 18, 2012, 2:00 PM:  Bluebirds Among Us -- The John Findlay Bluebird Trail, Patsy Scott, Guest Speaker.  Eastern Bluebirds are lovely and beautiful.  Their soft, rolling song is a sure sign of spring and they wear the color of the sky on their back.  It's no wonder we find them so endearing!  Patsy Scott coordinates the bluebird trail established so long ago by our beloved John Findlay and she'll teach you everything you'll want to know about bluebirds.  She'll even help you get started on your own trail!

Sunday, April 15, 2012, 2:00 PM:  Hooray for Honeybees -- Workers in Your Garden!, Sallie Lee, Guest Speaker.  Honeybees are interesting insects, with their astonishing abilities and complex societies.  They make delicious honey, pollinate our crops and help to make our flowers grow.  In this program Sallie will give you a whole new appreciation for this busy little worker in your garden and what you can do to help in their conservation.  Come early and sample some honey! Please note: This event will be hosted at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center auditorium.

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2:00 PM:  Fabulous Frogs and Terrific Toads -- Learning the Frogs & Toads of Alabama, Stephen Glasgow, Guest Speaker.  Alabama is home to 30 different species of frogs and toads, including the tiny Cricket Frog and the Narrow-mouthed Toad which eats only ants.  In this program, Stephen Glasgow of Alabama Reptile Rescue Sanctuary will introduce us to many of these species and their unique adaptations.  We'll even learn to identify frogs by their calls and investigate the secrets of their life cycle.