Eagle Scout

Submitted / TPI Parker Tolman stands next to his barefoot sensory path he constructed at the Alabama Nature Center as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Snakes, tortoises and bare feet are benefiting from an Eagle Scout project at the Alabama Nature Center at Lanark in Millbrook.

Parker Tolman recently obtained the Eagle rank after he built a barefoot sensory path, two snake climbing trees and scratching brushes for gopher tortoises and a river cooter at the center. The projects are very much appreciated by the staff at Lanark according to ANC director of school programs Hollie Terry and also by the wildlife.

“Our education staff is very excited to have the barefoot sensory path to use for our pre-K and special needs programs here at the Alabama Nature Center,” Terry said. “Our hope is that families with small children will also utilize this area on weekends. Our gray rat snakes have especially benefited from the climbing trees. We look forward to using the trees as a display tool as well, to show how some snakes climb and hang out in trees.”

Tolman built the barefoot sensory path as an addition to the sensory trail found on the Triple Tree Loop Trail. Parker raised all the funds necessary for his project, and was assisted by 11 members of his troop and five adults on construction. Parker managed all aspects of the project to obtain Eagle Scout.

Tolman said there were two reasons he chose the center for his Eagle Scout project.

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“My first reason for coming to ANC was because I was able to come and see the facility in person,” Tolman said. “They have amazing facilities and the kindest staff you could ask for. My second reason for my project was ANC’s availability to complete a project. The staff provided me with some ideas of projects I could choose from and once I made my decision, they were super easy to work with, allowing me freedom to work at my own pace.”

The Alabama Nature Center, a hands-on outdoor education facility located at Lanark in Millbrook, Alabama, is a joint project of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and benefactors Isabel and Wiley Hill. The Lanark property is the state headquarters for the Alabama Wildlife Federation. It contains 350 acres of forests, fields, streams, wetlands and ponds that are traversed by five miles of trails and boardwalks including a tree top viewing platform. 

In addition to the trails, boardwalks and pavilion, the Alabama Nature Center includes the NaturePlex, a 23,000 square foot structural facility that serves as the Welcome and Education Center. The grounds at Lanark contain five destinations: AWF Headquarters, Historic Lanark, Lanark Pavilion, ANC and the new NaturePlex. 

The Alabama Wildlife Federation is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization dedicated to the conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources. To learn more visit www.alabamawildlife.org.