Alabama State Parks E-Newsletter - December Issue

The Alabama State Parks annually honors outstanding efforts in supporting the Parks with the presentation of the Eagle Award. Nominations for the 2023 Awards are now open. The categories include: Elected official, Community Partner, Park Partner, Volunteers and Youth. 

A message from our Foundation - Season Greetings!
Parks make people happy! They refresh our spirits. They bring families and friends together. If this were not enough, our parks preserve the diverse, natural beauty of Alabama. It’s no wonder we love the parks! We hope you consider including us in your End of Year Giving.

The holiday season is a special time of year for us at the Alabama State Parks. There are countless numbers of relationships that have been cultivated over the years through our Christmas buffets. Join us again this year for the Christmas Buffet at Lakepoint State Park.

Visit the events section of alapark.com to keep up with all things park. Check out these scheduled park events:

• Gulf State Park - Christmas Card Lane
• Cheaha State Park - Holiday Ornament Hunt
• Gulf State Park - Lake Shelby Snowman Trail
• Lake Guntersville State Park - Santa
• Lake Guntersville State Park - Cookies and Santa
• Wind Creek Sate Park - Holiday Ornament Craft
• Wind Creek State Park - Holiday Social 
• Cheaha State Park - Santa Paws
• Gulf State Park - Very Merry Coastal Grinchmas
• Oak Mountain State Park - Nature Art Ornaments
• Joe Wheeler State Park - New Year's Eve Party
• Lake Guntersville State Park - New Year's Eve Party 

Attention Nature Lovers - Eagle Awareness Weekends at Lake Guntersville State Park will be here soon. These weekends feature overnight packages, live bird demonstrations and programs, guided field trips and the natural beauty Lake Guntersville. Make your plans!

Park Spotlight -
The Lodge and Convention Center at Lake Guntersville State Park was recently awarded with a 2022 Readers’ Choice Honorable Mention by ConventionSouth Magazine. The value in receiving this prestigious recognition is that it comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. A job well done to all of the staff at Lake Guntersville State Park!!

Love happens year-round at the Alabama State Parks. Whether it’s the sandy beaches on the gulf coast or the spectacular views in the Appalachian foothills, each park features romantic locations that provide memories that last a lifetime. Randy and Jennifer Householder discovered this for themselves at Cheaha State Park.
Photo - Householder wedding by Evan Lanier.

The Alabama State Parks recently hosted the Southeastern State Parks Program Seminar at Gulf State Park. Each year, 14 southeastern states' park educational staff gathers to discuss new ideas and trends. This gathering allows us to share ideas so that we can provide our park visitors with a better educational experience.
Photo - The Alabama State Parks Naturalists Team.        

We understand that traveling can be expensive, especially traveling as a family. Whether you prefer cabins or lodge hotel rooms, we have overnight accommodations for everyone. Check out all the park specials and the new Lodge Room Special at Joe Wheeler State Park.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Check out these scheduled First Day Hikes:

• Cheaha State Park - Accessible Hike
• Cheaha State Park - Hike to the Top of Alabama
• Gulf State Park - Nature Center Hike
• Joe Wheeler State Park - Champion Trail
• Lake Guntersville State Park - Terrell Trail
• Meaher State Park - Wildlife Hike
• Monte Sano State Park - North Plateau Loop
• Oak Mountain State Park - King's Chair 
• Wind Creek State Park - Yellow Trail

Alabama State Parks is partnering with Yellowhammer Creative to offer a limited-edition preorder program of exciting new apparel and other items. Orders will be accepted through December 31, 2022 and will ship 2-3 weeks later. These will not be available for delivery by Christmas, but we can send you a picture of the item(s) you order to wrap and place under the tree. Order your items today.