36th Year ~ May 9-12, 2013 ~ Mentone, Alabama
Sponsored by Birmingham Audubon Society
"A consortium of educators and students gather each spring....this activity has attracted naturalists who are intrigued by the concept of 'outdoor' education," Dr. Dan Holliman wrote in the April 1984 issue of the Journal of the Alabama Sciences. With the urging of Birmingham Audubon members, Dan Holliman agreed to direct the first Audubon Mountain Workshop in 1978. These members had participated in Blanche Dean's three-day Nature Workshops around North Alabama exploring a blend of local fauna, flora and geography of each unique area. Blanche Dean, an inspirational science teacher at Woodlawn High School, began the Workshops in the early 1950s and continued to make significant contributions to outdoor education until her death in 1974.
"Blanche and Dan" will be honored during the 2013 Workshop with a display in The Lodge. A scholarship has also been established in memory of Dan Holliman. The scholarship will be awarded to a Birmingham-Southern student where Dr. Holliman taught.
2013
The Workshop continues today with the purpose to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. A broad overview of the area is provided through classes on topics including animal ecology, beginning and advanced bird identification, stream biology, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians, geology and fossils, canoeing and mountain crafts. Classes take place on the campus of Alpine camp and around Mentone, an old Alabama resort area featuring rustic cabins and lodges, broad mountain vistas and clear streams. Little River flows miles along Lookout Mountain eventually dropping into the Coosa River Valley where it forms Little River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons east of the Rocky Mountains. Alpine Camp is situated directly on Little River.
 Workshop Faculty
Participants, whether beginners or seasoned naturalists, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in classes led by faculty from Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University, University of Alabama at Birmingham and other regional institutions. Educators with demonstrated field expertise and authors of resources including Gosse Nature Guides may also lead classes.
Attend the Audubon Mountain Workshop and explore, learn and discover. Daytime classes and evening adventures allow campers to be as active and involved as they wish. Enjoy the camaraderie of The Workshop in a beautiful setting.
Accommodations and Facilities
During the summer, Alpine Camp is operated as a camp for boys. Camp Director Emeritus Richard O'Ferrall, Jr. and his wife Alice, who live on the premises, have been part of the Workshop's history as hosts. Workshop participants are primarily housed dormitory style, up to eight per unit, in rustic, one-room cabins. Limited accommodations for families are available upon request. Central bathhouse facilities are located in separate buildings near the cabins. Ridge Cabins include in-cabin baths and are available for an additional charge. Meals are served in a central dining hall. The Alpine Lodge, located on the bluff overlooking Little River, serves as an informal gathering place and is home to the Workshop Canteen. Recreational opportunities include canoeing, fishing and hiking. Miles of trails are within easy access of the campus.
Young Naturalist Program
Naturalists aged 5-12 have their own program during the day. The 2013 Young Naturalists Program will introduce a new curriculum and classes offered for two different age groups.
Young Naturalists will explore Little River Canyon ecology throughout the campus of Alpine Camp for Boys, join their families for lunch, and participate in evening activities with their parents. Spaces for Young Naturalists are limited to 25 to allow Young Naturalist faculty to adequately supervise the children while introducing them to the wonders of the natural world.
Camp volunteer opportunities may be available for teenagers who are not yet ready to join adult classes. Please inquire.
No smoking is allowed in any building on campus.
No pets allowed.
Registration form and cost information for the 2013 Audubon Mountain Workshop is attached below.
A directory of Audubon Mountain Workshop class offerings and faculty descriptions is attached below. Use this directory as a reference for workshop class selection.
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