The Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native wild birds across Alabama, serving over 100 species. Each year, the AWC cares for nearly 2,000 avian patients, showcasing its commitment to preserving the state's avian biodiversity.
The educational initiatives of the Alabama Wildlife Center (AWC) are crafted to foster an understanding of our integral role within ecosystems, highlighting how our actions impact other species and the environment. These programs aim to forge a bond between Alabamians and the state's wild birds, emphasizing the importance of conservation. Annually, AWC conducts over 500 events to educate the public about native wild birds and the significance of wildlife conservation efforts.
The Alabama Wildlife Center is open to the public throughout the year, offering a self-guided tour experience for visitors.
Mission
Alabama Wildlife Center is a proud 501(c) nonprofit organization, driven by a dual mission:
Provide medical & rehabilitative care for Alabama's injured and orphaned native wild birds.
Educate people to heighten awareness & appreciation of Alabama's native wildlife.
History
Founded in 1977 by Anne Miller, the Alabama Wildlife Center originally began as a small, volunteer-run, and home-based organization. Since its founding, AWC has grown into Alabama's largest rehabilitation center. In 1980, AWC was formally established as a nonprofit organization in Alabama, and by 1981, it had achieved its status as a 501(c) nonprofit. Historically, the AWC has provided care for more than 2,000 animals annually. This care encompassed a broad spectrum of species, including mammals such as foxes, deer, and bats; reptiles such as turtles and alligators; and a diverse array of birds, from raptors to songbirds. In 1987, the Alabama Wildlife Center relocated to Oak Mountain State Park, taking up residence in the space formerly occupied by the Foothills Restaurant. This move marked a new chapter in the center's history, enhancing its ability to serve Alabama's wildlife.
Responding to the rising challenges affecting wild bird populations, the Alabama Wildlife Center now exclusively dedicates its efforts to the preservation and care of Alabama's native wild birds. AWC stands out as one of only three facilities in Alabama licensed to care for federally protected and migratory bird species - underscoring its critical role in wildlife conservation.
Treetop Nature Trail Boardwalk
Treetop Nature Trail at Oak Mountain State Park
The Treetop Nature Trail serves as a scenic connector between the Alabama Wildlife Center and the Treetop Nature Trail Boardwalk, offering a brief yet immersive quarter-mile hike through the heart of Alabama's natural beauty. For those who prefer not to hike, a convenient 2-minute drive offers an alternative route. This Boardwalk is home to native Alabama birds of prey rehabilitated by the AWC. Unfortunately, due to their injuries, these birds are unable to return to the wild, now serving as educational ambassadors. Treetop Nature Trail Boardwalk includes 6 enclosures each with each species of bird and their story.
The Oakland Zoo is a zoo located in the Grass Valley neighborhood of Oakland, California, United States. Established on June 6, 1922, it is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The zoo is home to more than 850 native and exotic animals and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a 145,188-acre (587.55 km2) wildlife sanctuary is located west of Boynton Beach, in Palm Beach County, Florida. It is also known as Water Conservation Area 1 (WCA-1). It includes the most northern remnant of the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem.
Oak Mountain State Park is a public recreation area located approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of Birmingham in the northeast quadrant of the city of Pelham, Alabama, United States. It is the state's largest state park at 9,940 acres (4,020 ha) and is home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, and Oak Mountain BMX Track. Park activities include hiking, running, mountain biking, swimming, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and golf. The park is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is a 1,038 acres (4.20 km2) nature preserve located in the eastern portion of Jefferson County, Alabama, in the City of Birmingham's historic South East Lake neighborhood. The preserve includes a visitor center containing native Alabama animals including raptors, snakes, turtles, and owls. The Ruffner Mountain area was home to iron ore mines and stone quarries, supplying the area's steel mills.
The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is a 21,676-acre (87.7-km2) National Wildlife Refuge located in northwestern Stoddard and southeastern Wayne counties in Missouri. Its southwesternmost portion lies on the shores of Lake Wappapello. Named after the Mingo tribe, it was established to preserve bottomland hardwoods and provide waterfowl and other migratory birds in the Mississippi Flyway with nesting, feeding, brooding, and resting habitat.
Wildlife rehabilitation is the treatment and care of injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals so that they can be released back to the wild.
Earthplace is a non-profit science education organization, in Westport, Connecticut in the United States. Its main focus is on the natural world and sustainability.
The Catalina Island Conservancy is a nonprofit organization established to protect and restore Santa Catalina Island, California, United States. The Conservancy was established in 1972 through the efforts of the Wrigley and Offield families. The Conservancy was created when both families deeded 42,135 acres (170.51 km2) of the island over to the organization—88% of the Island.
Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve is a 41-acre (17 ha) nature preserve located in Louisville, Kentucky's Poplar Level neighborhood, in roughly the central portion of the city. It is named for Beargrass Creek, the south fork of which passes along the northern side of the preserve. The preserve is adjacent to Louisville's Joe Creason Park and the Louisville Nature Center. It is owned by the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and the LNC assists with management.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center in Westchester County, New York, U.S., located in the towns of Ossining, Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle. The reservation includes an 1,000-acre (4.0 km2) nature preserve and education center, visited annually by around 25,000 people.
The Bird Alliance of Oregon (formerly Portland Audubon) is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to bird and habitat protection across Oregon in the United States.
Raptor Education Group, Inc (REGI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Antigo, Wisconsin, United States, dedicated to caring for injured or orphaned avian wildlife. It works with and temporarily cares for birds from endangered or threatened species "for rehabilitation and educational purposes."
The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center is a multi-campus nature preserve and educational center in Pueblo County, Colorado, United States. The NWDC is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation which includes a 611 acres (247 ha) mountain park, lodge, gift shop, and museum in Beulah, a small museum and educational center as well as an open-space park on the Arkansas River in Pueblo, and an adjacent raptor education and rehabilitation facility.
The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit wildlife conservation organization based in Fort Collins, Colorado that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured birds of prey—including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls—and, through its comprehensive Environmental Education program, teaches the importance of preserving wildlife and wild places for future generations. RMRP has developed a national reputation for the treatment of raptor illness and injuries, cage design, volunteer management, community involvement, and youth development. Raptor patients receive fracture repair, wound care, fluids to combat dehydration, nutritious food, and regular medical attention to promote healing. Raptors that are permanently injured and therefore non-releasable may become an Educational Ambassador. These raptors are the cornerstone of our Environmental Education program, which makes more than 200 presentations each year throughout the region, teaching children and adults about the importance of protecting wildlife and wild places. The program's environmental education program, particularly in the K-12 sector, has developed an excellent reputation throughout Colorado. RMRP reaches more than 15,000 schoolchildren annually. Numerous outreach exhibits throughout the state reach hundreds of thousands of people annually. Rocky Mountain Raptor Program currently averages about one admission and several injured raptor calls each day, and 77% of treatable raptors are released.
The Juneau Raptor Center (JRC) was a raptor rehabilitation center in Juneau in the U.S. state of Alaska. Founded in 1987 and located in the Tongass National Forest, its mission was the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, ravens, hummingbirds and other avian wildlife brought in from Juneau and Southeast Alaska. The JRC was licensed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to handle eagles and migratory birds, and was governed in part by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an organization located on 21 acres in Naples, Florida, and features the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center.
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a wildlife conservation and research centre for improving animal welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear. It also aims to raise public awareness about the plight of the sun bears and to raise conservation awareness about this species.
Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is a 78-hectare (190-acre) Natural Resource Conservation in Lekki, Lagos State Nigeria. It is part of PARCC West Africa project.
Churchville Nature Center is a facility of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania Department of Parks and Recreation and is located in Churchville, Pennsylvania. The center focuses on environmental education, public outreach and the preservation of native wildlife through its wide range of programs, projects and surveys. The nature center offers educational programing year round through its Environmental Education and Lenape Village departments. The center features a native butterfly house and covers 55 acres of wildlife preserve.
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