A new interactive exhibit is coming to the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook, thanks to a donation from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
The facility will soon be home to a new interactive gopher tortoise habitat. The two groups came together to announce the project last week, along with the presentation of a $50,000 donation from HMMA.
“This investment strengthens our long-standing partnership with AWF and will fund a hands-on, crawl-through exhibit inside the Discovery Hall, giving students and families a unique way to explore Alabama’s longleaf pine ecosystem and learn about the importance of conservation.”
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming exhibit + find out how to visit the Alabama Nature Center for yourself.
Alabama Nature Center
The Alabama Nature Center has been open since 2007 as a collaborative project from the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The NaturePlex, which was added in 2015, is a 23,000-square foot facility which serves as the Welcome and Education Center.
Here’s what you need to know before visiting:
- Location: 3050 Lanark Rd, Millbrook, AL 36054
- Hours: 9AM-5PM, Monday-Saturday
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
The new tortoise habitat is expected to be part of the Discovery Hall. There’s currently no official timeline for when the exhibit is expected to open.
Gopher tortoise
The gopher tortoise lives around the coast of Alabama as a protected species at both the state and federal level.
Within the western portion of its habitat range in Mobile, Washington, and Choctaw counties, the tortoise has been listed as a federally threatened species since 1987. In the remainder of its eastern range in Alabama, the gopher tortoise is protected by state regulation.
According to Outdoor Alabama, gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species of the longleaf pine ecosystem, with many species depending on them for survival or benefiting from their presence.
“Since 2009, HMMA has invested annually in our conservation education work at Alabama Nature Center. Cannot thank them enough for that great history of support. This new investment is a game-changer that will yield a great new addition to our Discovery Hall. It’s a big, big deal!!! Thank you HMMA – proud to call you our friends.”
Alabama Nature Center