2012 Audubon Mountain Workshop and Young Naturalist's Program
May 10-13, 2012 ~ Mentone, Alabama
Sponsored by the Birmingham Audubon Society
PURPOSE AND LOCATION
In order to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Birmingham Audubon Society is sponsoring the thirty-fifth annual Audubon Mountain Workshop at Alpine Camp on Lookout Mountain near Mentone, Alabama. The Mentone vicinity is an old Alabama resort area featuring rustic cabins and lodges, broad mountain vistas and clear streams. The Little River flows for many miles on top of the mountain, eventually dropping into the Coosa River Valley where it forms Little River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons east of the Rockies. Alpine Camp is situated directly on the River.
PROGRAM AND STAFF
 A broad-spectrum overview of the area will include classes on topics such as animal ecology, beginning and advanced bird identification, wildflower and edible plant identification, stream biology, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians, geology and fossils, canoeing and mountain crafts. You will have multiple options for work in small groups and you will be able to register in advance for preferred courses. Each subject will be taught by an expert in the field. There is also a Young Naturalist's Program for naturalists aged 5-12. Spaces for Young Naturalists are limited to 25 so that our experienced staff may adequately supervise the children while introducing them to the wonders of the natural world.
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES
During the summer, the Alpine Camp is run as a camp for boys by Richard O'Ferrall, Jr., who lives on the premises with his wife Alice. For this one weekend each year they open the camp to the Birmingham Audubon Society for the Workshop. Participants will be housed primarily dormitory style, up to 8 per cabin, in attractive, rustic, one-room cabins. (Limited accommodations for families are available upon request.) Central common-use bathhouse facilities are in separate buildings near the cabins. Meals are served in a central dining hall. The Alpine Lodge, on the bluff overlooking Little River, serves as the library and informal gathering place, while the camp gymnasium serves as the main classroom and group assembly point. (The camp does not allow smoking inside any of its buildings.) Recreational opportunities include canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Miles of trails are within easy access of the grounds.
COSTS AND OTHER LOGISTICS
Audubon Mountain Workshop begins with Thursday supper and ends with Sunday lunch. Registration application and cost information for the 2012 workshop will be posted here no later than Febuary 1, 2012. Birmingham Audubon Society will accept registrations after that date. Scholarships are available for educators in the greater Birmingham area. Applications will be online January 5, 2012.
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