Community Comes Together at Oak Mountain State Park
PELHAM, Ala. – Oak Mountain State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, but recently, it has been more than just a spot for hiking and picnics. Many visitors have come seeking to heal, both for themselves and for the wildlife that shares the park.
Insight into Rehabilitation
The Alabama Wildlife Center, situated within the park, plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of injured birds. Recently, we were granted a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehab process, where staff members were seen tending to an injured owl that had a troubling eye injury sustained in a train collision.
Chris Sykes, the Executive Director of the Alabama Wildlife Center, emphasized the importance of transparency in their work. “Sometimes behind our clinic walls, you know, it’s not pretty,” Sykes shared. “We think it’s very important to kind of open the door sometimes, to get a live look at what goes on in the rehab process.” This initiative is not just about rehabilitation; it also aims to raise public awareness about wildlife injuries and conservation efforts.
Impact of Migration
This time of year is particularly busy at the center, coinciding with the migration season. According to Sykes, “On any given night between October to November you might have tens of millions of birds passing through Alabama.” Unfortunately, many of these birds meet dangerous obstacles along the way, such as windows and vehicles. The center sees a significant number of these injured birds, with more than 2,000 admitted each year.
Educational Outreach
In addition to providing medical care for wildlife, the Alabama Wildlife Center is dedicated to educating the community. Sykes noted, “There are not many access points to nature for families that don’t have a lot of resources.” By engaging with students, particularly in over 60 Title 1 schools across the Birmingham area, the center aims to expose young children to wildlife and foster a lifelong connection with nature.
The commitment to education is clear, with the center conducting around 400 to 500 programs statewide. These programs emphasize the significance of conservation and the role individuals can play in protecting local wildlife.
Daily Operations
The Alabama Wildlife Center operates every day of the year, opening its doors even on Christmas. The facility’s daily intake is critical for the survival of many injured birds, making it a vital resource for wildlife rehabilitation in Alabama. As the largest and oldest wildlife rehabilitation center in the state, it stands as a beacon of hope for injured creatures and the people who care for them.
Community Support
This essential work is supported by community donations. The Alabama Wildlife Center invites the public to contribute, whether by making a financial donation or by becoming a member of their organization. Support from the community enables the center to continue its dual mission of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education.
As more guests flock to Oak Mountain State Park, the work done at the Alabama Wildlife Center remains a fundamental part of the park’s identity. It serves as a place of healing and learning — for both humans and wildlife alike. Whether you’re enjoying a hike, taking part in an educational program, or simply supporting their cause, the vital work of the center resonates throughout the community.
