The Great Outdoors
Nocturnal design: waking up the neighbors

Wildlife Presentations
Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads

Saturday, August 7th: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday, August 21st: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Saturday, August 28th: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Sunday, August 29th: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Waking up the neighbors…
In August, we’ll be rousing some sleepy animals to burn some daylight with us at the Naturalist’s Cabin. This month’s Wildlife Presentations will star some familiar characters: friend owl, opossum and raccoon, but this time we’re going to focus specifically on studying how they manage their schedule. These creatures are primarily nocturnal and therefore have powers that no human superhero has ever been able to duplicate. They were designed with nighttime in mind. We will examine their marvelous features and discover exactly how they’re able to thrive at times when we are “blind as a bat.” Exceptional hearing, eyesight and other anatomical designs will be discussed and demonstrated. We’ll look closely at an owl’s ear and a coon’s eye – seeing things usually hidden away until nightfall. This is your opportunity to experience some nocturnal magic and still get to bed at a decent hour. No charge – everyone is welcome!

If you have questions for Marianne, she can be contacted at 256.496.2710 or Naturalist@Russelllands.com.

Guided Nature Tours
Meet at Wilson Road Trailhead

Saturday, August 7th - 8:00am
Saturday, August 21st - 5:00pm
Saturday, August 28th - 5:00pm
Sunday, August 29th - 5:00pm  

Waking up the  wild neighbors…
The nocturnal nappers in Russell Forest will find themselves awakened during our August Guided Nature Tours. Where do nighttime creatures spend their days dozing? We never know what we’ll find, but we will seek snoozing critters and their hideouts during this energetic hike. Favored roosting sites for night birds, and burrows for ground-dwelling animals, will be identified and examined. Why are these particular spots chosen above others? How do the creatures of the night deal with daytime disturbances? What is the difference between diurnal and crepuscular? We’ll discover answers to this and more as we discuss nocturnal nature on a warm summer’s day. The trek will begin at the Wilson Road Trailhead and last for approximately 90 minutes. Impromptu discoveries always abound. Gain both learning and exercise!  Appropriate for participants ages 5 - 105.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED! There is a $10 fee for this program. Please contact our Naturalist at 256-496-2710 to inquire and to register.

For all Guided Nature Tours: It is recommended that participants have a moderate fitness level and are able to stand or walk for at least two hours. Walking pace will be relaxed with frequent stops. Comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing and shoes are advised. Participants may also wish to bring bottled water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars and cameras are welcome. There are no bathrooms on the Forest Trails.

If you have questions for Marianne, she can be contacted at 256.496.2710 or Naturalist@Russelllands.com.

To see all events, view the Russell Lands On Lake Martin interactive events calendar >