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August 2024 | Volume 61

Note from the Director

We have so many fun things happening this month! 

After hosting a similar event at our JSU Mountain Center in Cleburne County, our recent black bear program was also a tremendous success. Given the interest and need, we were planning more educational events as these majestic and native mammals will certainly impact our lives as their population increases.

For more great activities, please join us on Saturdays throughout this month for a variety of engaging programs including herpetology, paleontology, insect pinning, birding, and trail hikes. You can find more details about these activities below.

It’s also with great pleasure the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center will host an August reception with both the Dekalb and Cherokee Chambers of Commerce. We look forward a fun evening with great food, friends, networking and maybe a surprise or two! Please mark your calendars and plan to attend on Tuesday the 27th from 6:00 until.

We’re thankful to have you as one of the 4,000 people receiving this newsletter and hope that you’ll share it with others. If you know someone that would like to receive it, please just pass along their email address.



Finally, I was truly humbled to receive the recognition mentioned below from the State of Alabama. It’s been a great honor working in Alabama and especially proud of the team effort it's been to have established Little River Canyon National Preserve and the JSU Canyon Center. The best is yet to come!

Pete Conroy, Director

Little River Canyon Center



Jacksonville State Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects Pete Conroy is presented the 2024 Alabama Tourism Department’s Director’s Award by Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell at the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism on July 29. (courtesy)

Jacksonville State University's Pete Conroy has been honored with the Alabama Tourism Department's prestigious Director's Award for 2024, a distinguished recognition presented at the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism. This accolade celebrates Conroy's significant contributions to conservation, economic development, and tourism in Alabama. 

Conroy is widely recognized for his dedication to public lands and has led numerous projects that blend conservation and economic development. His notable initiatives include establishing and operating the Little River Canyon Center, the Cleburne County Mountain Center, Longleaf Studios and entertainment complex, re-using the former Fort McClellan, and the Chief Ladiga Rail-Trail. He has been instrumental in various Alabama-based projects promoting environmental education, arts, conservation, civil rights and sustainable hospitality. 

Conroy expressed his gratitude for the recognition: "I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the Alabama Tourism Department. This award is a testament to teamwork, collaboration, and partners all committed to preserving and promoting Alabama's natural and cultural heritage. Together, we have made great strides in enhancing our state's tourism and conservation initiatives, and I look forward to continuing this important work." 

The Alabama Tourism Department's Director's Award is a testament to Pete Conroy's enduring impact on Alabama's tourism and conservation efforts. His work continues to inspire and foster sustainable development across the state.

Read the full article here.

Field School Focus

Summer is in full swing at the Canyon Center! While our summer activities are busier than ever, it seems some of the local wildlife is too. Bear sightings are increasing. To safeguard both bears and people, it's crucial not to incentivize bears to enter your yard. Below are some useful tips and resources:

• Remove birdfeeders when bears are active.
• Secure Your Trash. Put out trash as close to collection time as possible.
• Keep you trash in a garage or basement if possible.
• Retrofit your trash containers, but make sure they are unlocked the morning of collection.
• Minimize Odors.
• Freeze food that may smell extra yummy to bears then drop it in the trash can the morning that trash runs.
• Clean your trash cans regularly.
• Consider Motion-Activated Lights & Sounds
• Install motion-activated lights around your trash area. Bears are less likely to approach when startled.
• Educate Your Neighbors

Check out Bear Wise for more tips: https://bearwise.org/bear-safety-tips/keep-bears-out/

Report your bear sightings to the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries at https://game.dcnr.alabama.gov/BlackBear

Check out our great summer activities at the Little River Canyon Center.

Upcoming Events

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