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2010 Audubon Mountain Workshop and Young Naturalist’s Program
May 13-16, 2010 ~ Mentone, Alabama
Presented 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 thirtieth 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 all naturalists aged 5-12. Spaces for Young Naturalists are limited to 25 so that during class time, 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 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
Tuition, room and board for the Workshop, beginning with Thursday supper and ending with Sunday lunch, is $225.00 per person. (For an additional $27.00 per person* space is available in the Ridge Cabins, which have indoor bathroom facilities rather than the common-use bathhouse facilities in the Mountain and Canyon Cabin areas. These are available on a first come-first serve basis). The cost for Students and Young Naturalists is $175.00 per person. If you choose to participate in the activities, but bunk off-campus (Mountain Residents), the fee is $200.00. Teachers may apply for scholarships (Refer to Grants/Scholarships page or click here). Applications with $125 deposit* (per person) should be mailed as soon as possible. Workshop enrollment is limited to available cabin space. Mail your deposit now (refundable before May 1, 2010) to ensure your place at the Workshop!
* Our cost to Alpine Camp, per participant.
Click here for a registration form.
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