Ruth and Lyle Taylor Endowment

Dark Skies & Starry Nights
Dark Skies & Starry Nights will launch as a recurring educational program at Lake Guntersville State Park focused on stargazing, light pollution, and migratory bird conservation, led by interpretive staff. This program will offer hands-on experiences through stargazing events and educational workshops on the impacts of light pollution on both night skies and bird migration. By engaging visitors in these interconnected environmental topics, the program will foster awareness and inspire actions to protect both the natural beauty of the park and the health of its ecosystems.

Non-native, Invasive Plant Species - Education and Control
In order to combat the ever-growing issue of non-native invasive plant growth on protected lands, the Land Trust of North Alabama is spearheading a project to 1) educate the public on the dangers of non-native invasive species, 2) partner with other local organizations to recruit and train volunteers in non-native invasive species identification and eradication, and 3) establish a trained core of volunteers who will work together to keep non-native invasive plants in check on Land Trust and other area protected properties.

Restoring Freshwater and Farmland Across North Alabama
Alabama boasts the highest aquatic biodiversity in the U.S., but faces significant species decline due to habitat degradation and incompatible farming practices. The Nature Conservancy in Alabama is collaborating with farmers and landowners to implement stream restoration and educate them on best management practices to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution. These efforts aim to improve water quality, enhance habitats, and increase resilience for both aquatic species and food security.