Fins, Feathers and Flowers Weekend
March 28, 2025 - March 30, 2025 - Experience the beauty of Fins, Feathers, and Flowers with our specially curated weekend packages. With three options for you to choose from, we have package options for individuals, families, and groups to connect with nature in an unforgettable way. Choose your package today!
Full Weekend Package - Make your reservations NOW to stay on-site and be part of ALL the action: https://bit.ly/3Yqfz7s
- Lodge Accommodations
- Meals
- Programs
- T Shirt
- Friday Night Social
Meals + Programs Package - Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/3YEOvkL
- Meals
- Programs
- T Shirt
- Friday night social
Programs Only Package - Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/3YEOvkL
- Programs
- Friday night social
Dive into a wildlife adventure at Fins, Feathers, and Flowers, a weekend extravaganza filled with assorted activities for wildlife enthusiasts. This event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Park Division, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, State Land Division and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Join us for a weekend celebration of nature and recreation!
Friday Night
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM - Conservation Fair – Lodge Lobby
Meet our talented Naturalist Team from the Southeast and Southwest Districts! They're here to answer all your nature-related questions. Plus, don’t miss the chance to meet our amazing Education Animal Ambassadors. Stop by, snap a photo, and share it on social media using #FinsFeathersAndFlowersAL!
While you are here, explore individual booths hosted by various conservation organizations from across Alabama and learn about their important work.
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM– Social – Magnolia Room
Indulge in hot chocolate, savor warm cookies, and mingle with fellow participants of the Fins, Feathers, and Flowers event.
7:30 PM – Special Presentation: "Pollinators in Peril: Understanding Their Status and How to Cultivate a Thriving Wildflower Garden" – Dr. Anthony Abbate: Assistant Research Professor, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University. Explore the challenges facing pollinators and why their survival is crucial to ecosystems and agriculture. This presentation will provide insights into the current status of pollinators and practical tips for creating a vibrant wildflower garden that supports their health and habitats.
Friday Night Under the Stars
Immediately following the Friday Night Special Presentation. Join our Southeast Naturalists for a special program of the “Star Canopy”. We will open a whole new world as you explore the park under the night sky during the new moon phase. Keep an open mind and let your sense of awe take over as we learn about the wonders of the cosmos. Bundle up, wear closed-toed shoes for mostly walking on a flat surface, bring a flashlight, and your sense of adventure.
Saturday Programming
6:00 – 6:15 AM – Early-Bird Coffee Break – Join us in the lobby for a quick cup of coffee before we depart promptly at 6:15 AM. We'll carpool to the refuge, so take a moment to meet your fellow participants, then head to the parking lot to form the carpool line. Please Note: Due to the number of participants and limited time, we kindly ask that you do not bring personal coffee cups to fill. This ensures everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee before we set out on our adventure.
6:30 – 7:30 AM – Field Trip - Houston Unit at U.S. FWS Eufaula Wildlife Refuge. Rise and Shine!! Sunrise is the perfect time to go birdwatching as the world wakes up with the songs of our feathered friends. Join us for a peaceful morning adventure, where you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning, this experience will leave you inspired by the beauty of Alabama’s avian wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars and field guide!" It's an early morning adventure you won't want to miss!
7:45 – 9:00 – Breakfast – Water’s Edge Dining Room. Buffet included as the part of event package. Programing only attendees may purchase buffet separately.
FIELD TRIPS: A variety of field trips will be available during the event. Refer to the field trip schedule for specific options and times. Below are the field trips and their descriptions.
Guided Pontoon Boat Tours – Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Eufaula, on a guided pontoon boat tour led by park naturalists and conservation officers. These experts will share fascinating insights into the lake’s history, unique ecosystem, and conservation efforts. You will have opportunities to observe native wildlife, such as bald eagles, herons, and alligators. Perfect for nature enthusiast and those curious about local ecology, this excursion promises a memorable blend of education and relaxation.
Guided Wiregrass Birding Trail Field Trips/Walk(s) – Explore the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Wiregrass region on these guided birding adventures. There will be several opportunities to visit key locations along the Wiregrass Birding Trail. The Wiregrass Birding trail is part of the Alabama Birding Trails network and offers a chance to observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Suitable for both novice and experienced birders, showcasing the best of Alabama’s avian life. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, field guides and cameras to enhance their experience.
Watercolor Wonders: Exploring Nature’s Palette - Unleash your creativity as you craft your own watercolor masterpiece inspired by the natural beauty of Fins, Feathers, and Flowers. This hands-on activity invites you to capture the vibrant colors of nature and take home a personalized artwork to remember your experience. No prior painting experience is needed—just bring your imagination!
Archery Fundamentals at Lakepoint Community Archery Park – Join Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Conservation Officers for an engaging introduction to the sport of archery at Lakepoint Community Archery Park. This beginner-friendly session will cover the fundamentals of shooting a bow, guided by experienced instructors. All equipment is provided, so participants can focus on learning proper techniques and enjoying this recreational activity.
Plant Walks – Take a guided plant walk with Ed Lewis, an accomplished forester with the Alabama Forestry Commission and a nationally recognized environmental educator. With awards like the "2019 National Project Learning Tree Leadership in Education" from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Ed brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this exploration of Alabama's native plants. Learn about their ecological importance, traditional uses, and role in sustainable forestry during this engaging and educational experience.
Open Gates Day at the Kennedy Unit - Discover the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge during Open Gates Day at the Kennedy Unit. This self-guided experience grants access to areas typically closed to vehicle traffic. The refuge, nestled within the historical range of the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem, features remnant longleaf pine stands and a mosaic of habitats, including wetlands, croplands, woodlands, old fields, grasslands, and open water. These rich environments support nearly 300 bird species, 40 mammals, and a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Bring your binoculars and camera for an unforgettable day immersed in nature.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Field Trip Block 1 - Refer to the field trip schedule for specific options.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Field Trip Block 2 Refer to the field trip schedule for specific options.
12:30 – 1:30 PM - Lunch on your own.
1:45 – 2:30 PM – Alabama Wildlife Center – Live Birds of Prey Program - Discover the captivating world of raptors in this engaging and educational program. Learn to identify these majestic birds through their unique adaptations while exploring key aspects of raptor biology, including their behavior, training, and conservation efforts. Gain fascinating insights into the lives of these incredible creatures and experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with at least three glove-trained raptors, making your learning journey truly unforgettable.
2:45 – 4:15 PM – Field Trip Block 3 Refer to the field trip schedule for specific options.
4:30 - 6:00 PM – Field Trip Block 4 Refer to the field trip schedule for specific options.
6:00 – 7:30 PM – Water’s Edge Dining Room. Buffet included as the part of event package. Programing only attendees may purchase buffet separately.
7:45 – 8:30 PM – Keynote Program - "Alabama's Biodiversity: Protecting Our Natural Treasures" - Join retired wildlife biologist Ray Metzler, Alabama Forestry Commission, for an inspiring journey through Alabama's incredible biodiversity. From the burrowing gopher tortoise to the majestic bald eagle and the elusive indigo snake, Alabama is home to a wealth of unique and fascinating species. This presentation will explore the critical role these creatures play in their ecosystems, the challenges they face as threatened or endangered species, and the ongoing efforts to ensure their survival. Discover how conservation efforts are helping to protect these icons of Alabama’s natural heritage and how you can contribute to preserving our state’s ecological legacy.
Sunday Programming
7:00 – 8:30 – Breakfast – Water’s Edge Dining Room. Buffet included as the part of event package. Programing only attendees may purchase buffet separately.
9:30 – 11:30 – Guided Field Trip to Wehle Conservation Center, Midway, AL. – A guided birdwatching experience provided by the biologist that manages the Wehle Land Conservation Center. The center is located on 1550 acres of rolling pine hills and hardwood bottoms managed by The Forever Wild Land Trust. This Wiregrass Birding Trail stop has documented over 175 bird species. Among them are the Northern Bobwhite, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, Kentucky Warbler and Bachman’s Sparrow. In addition to the rich birdwatching opportunities, you will also learn about the rich history and admire a charming covered bridge. Be sure to bring your binoculars and wear closed toed shoes for walking.
