Wild Alabama to start weekly Wild Wednesday hike for kids & families

Wild Alabama will be busy cleaning up the area’s most stunning landmarks this week. Along with the usual trail maintenance hikes, they will also start their weekly Wild Wednesday hikes for kids and families. They plan to celebrate the 16th anniversary of Wild Wednesdays with a summer full of weekly educational hikes meant for anyone. Most events are free of charge and will meet early in the morning and go until after midday. More information and how to register to volunteer, can be found at wildal.org or by calling (256) 974-6166. Thur., June 18 - Legacy Trails Workday with Morgan Wild Alabama volunteers will embark on a trail maintenance hike of the Bankhead National Forest’s Legacy trails. This work day will have a variety of things that local volunteers will get to do, such as building rock steps, working a reroute, blocking an old route, or many other activities in the woods. Volunteers will get credit for volunteer hours of service. All participants should be 18 years or older or be accompanied by an adult. Wild Alabama asks all those who wish to come to bring their own food and water for the day. They ask that participants wear closed-toed shoes with ankle support, long pants, work gloves and an extra pair of socks. For those interested, Morgan Wilson, the trail leader, can be contacted with questions at: Morgan@wildal.org. Tue., Jun 23 - Traditional Tools with Morgan For those wanting to learn or already versed in using traditional tools with an interest in conservation will enjoy next week’s traditional tools work day. Those who go on this hike could travel anywhere from two to ten miles clearing paths and cross-cutting. Volunteers who are interested will meet at the Sipsey Wilderness Trailhead at 8:30 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. Tools and safety equipment will be provided by the trail leader. However, all volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Workers are required to wear boots with good ankle support and may wear a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt. For those interested, Morgan Wilson, the trail leader, can be contacted with questions at: Morgan@wildal.org. Tue., June 23 - Kinlock Falls Cleanup Trail Leader Lindsay Madison and a group of volunteers will be picking up trash around the creek and the Kinlock waterfall next Monday. Starting at 10 a.m. and going until 2 p.m. Madison will lead a group through the cleanup process and then may walk up to Kinlock Shelter and clean up a little bit there. They ask those who go to bring their own lunch and water and any questions can be forwarded to Lindsay Madison at Lindsay@wildal.org. Wed., June 24 - Wild Wednesday Nature Hike for kids & families Every Wednesday this summer Wild Alabama offers a safe and fun way to explore the Bankhead National Forest. Wild Alabama staff lead guided nature hikes for kids and their adults every Wednesday from mid-June through the first week in August to some of the easiest to get to, spectacularly beautiful, wet, and wondrous places in the forest! Through fun exploration on the trail and in the water, hikers learn about Leave No Trace, the natural and cultural history of the area, what lives in the water and on the land, and adults learn of places to take their children on their own. Those interested will meet at 9:30 a.m. and need a daypack with lunch and water as well as an Epi-pen and walking stick. Those interested can register at wildal.org or contact: janice@wildal.org Thur., June 25 - Legacy Trails Workday with Lindsay Wild Alabama volunteers will embark on a trail maintenance hike of the Bankhead National Forest’s Legacy trails. This work day will have a variety of things that local volunteers will get to do, such as building rock steps, working a reroute, blocking an old route, or many other activities in the woods. Volunteers will get credit for volunteer hours of service. All participants should be 18 years or older or be accompanied by an adult. Wild Alabama asks all those who wish to come to bring their own food and water for the day. They ask that participants wear closed-toed shoes with ankle support, long pants, work gloves and an extra pair of socks. Those who plan to go should contact the trail leader at Lindsay@wildal.org.