Press Release

Discover Outdoor Alabama at Oak Mountain State Park

April 07, 2003

Please note the publication date of this article. Statistics and seasonal information were accurate at the time of publication. Check links provided for the most current information.

Oak Mountain State Park is the setting for Alabama’s first Conservation Celebration Expo. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2003. Located just 15 miles south of Birmingham, the Expo will be easily accessible from anywhere in the state.

The Expo is an outdoor experience where visitors fish, shoot, rock climb, see and touch wildlife, and learn about recreation in the great outdoors. Most importantly, guests can learn how to help conserve this precious resource.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is coordinating the Expo in a manner that will offer highly interactive outdoor experiences for every participant regardless of age, gender, or ability level. Twin themes of “use it wisely” and “use it safely” will be the basis for all hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations. Expo visitors have an opportunity to try their hands at a day of fun in the outdoors.

Here are a few activities scheduled to be offered:

·      Rock climbing

·      Equipment displays

·      Wildlife viewing

·      Firearm safety instruction

·      Shooting sports: shotgun, rimfire, muzzleloader and airgun practice

·      Archery

·      Fishing

·      Primitive camping

·      Touch tanks and displays of native Alabama freshwater and saltwater species

Hands-on activities are fully supervised by trained instructors and all equipment is provided. Firearms safety instruction is required before participation in any shooting activities.

Alabama’s natural resources provide a variety of benefits: clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, unlimited opportunities for recreation and aesthetic beauty. The economic benefit is valuable as well. Each year residents and non-residents spend over $3 billion on wildlife-associated recreation in Alabama.

The Conservation Celebration Expo encourages enjoyment and wise use of Alabama’s natural resources. The Alabama Department of Conservation believes that this event is a great way to involve citizens in environmental protection and conservation efforts. The Conservation Celebration Expo will do as much as any single event to promote an environmental stewardship ethic in the state. Alabama’s great outdoors are here for everyone to enjoy.

To get to Oak Mountain State Park, take Exit 246 off of I-65 at Highway 119 in Pelham and follow the signs. Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Attendance and parking are free, and food vendors will be on site selling snacks and lunch.

For more information on the Conservation Celebration Expo, call 1-800-262-3151.

###