 The Great Outdoors
Trails, turtles, ticks and testimony
Marianne has been extra busy creating multiple themes for the month of June. Come enjoy learning about the trail system, creepy crawlers and lots more!
Nature Presentations
Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads
Saturday, June 4, 9am - 1pm
Today is National Trails Day!
Stop by the Naturalist Cabin from 9am - 1pm to pick up Russell Forest maps and brochures. Ask about which trails suit the difficulty level and terrain type you’re looking for. We will help you plan an outing, whether you’re an advanced hiker/cyclist, or if you’re spending the day with children. If you are looking for more information about our trail system, stop by and ask Marianne. In addition, a variety of woodland artifacts will be on display to give you a taste of the treasures Russell Forest has to offer.
Saturday, June 4, 4 - 5pm
Turtle Tales
Join Naturalist Marianne Hudson at Russell Crossroads for an informative presentation highlighting our native wildlife. June 4th’s afternoon presentation is all about the tortoises and turtles of Russell Forest. Yes, there is a difference! Some of our shelled neighbors call Lake Martin their home, while others prefer to keep their claws dry. A variety of turtle shells will be used as teaching tools and will be available for examination. LIVE TURTLES will also be on display and will exhibit the features that make these scaly species so successful. Topics discussed will include preferred habitat, diet and lifestyle. Program includes live animals and is appropriate for all ages. No charge – everyone is welcome!
Saturday, June 11, 1 - 2pm
Six Legs or More
Join Russell Lands On Lake Martin Naturalist, Marianne Hudson, at Russell Crossroads for an informative presentation highlighting our native wildlife. All of the live animals exhibited on June 11 will have at least six legs. This means that insects and other crawling things will star in our show. Discovering the fascinating lives of these insects provides a great opportunity to get over any case of “the willies” which crawling things sometimes cause. Since all critters will be in containers, none of them will crawl on you (unless you want them to). Appropriate for all ages. No charge – everyone is welcome!
Saturday, June 18, 1 - 2pm
Sixth Day Discussion
In Genesis, the Bible tells us that on the Sixth Day, God made the beasts of the earth and cattle and every thing that creepeth upon the earth, “and God saw that it was good.” When we are plagued by mosquitoes and other pests, we may wonder what good some of these creatures are. Join Naturalist Marianne Hudson at Russell Crossroads for an informative presentation highlighting those creatures that don’t seem — at first — to have much value to us. We will look deeper at the lives of these creatures and discover how they may benefit mankind more than you’ve ever imagined. Discussion will include interesting facts about our wild neighbors and feature touchable items left behind by forest residents. This lively presentation will inspire you to appreciate the wild dramas being lived out all around us. Program includes live animals and is appropriate for all ages. 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 Tour
Meet at Wilson Road Trailhead
Saturday, June 11, 3pm - Insects and Other Creepy Crawlers
Saturday, June 18, 3pm
- "Sixth Day" Creatures
Hikes will leave Wilson Road trailhead promptly at 3:00pm and return by approximately 5:00pm. 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.
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