Discover, explore, and learn with a day trip to Alabama Nature Center a nature sanctuary in Millbrook, Alabama. This 350-acre outdoor education facility was designed specifically for hands-on learning for all ages. The ANC is an initiative of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, founded in 1935 by a group of sportsmen to promote conservation and wise use of our state's wildlife and natural resources. A visit to the ANC is good for getting us out in nature and also benefits the AWF and its mission.

With five miles of boardwalks and trails, this property allows you to wander among forests, through fields, along streams, across wetlands, and around ponds.

Throughout the year, the ANC hosts many events open to the public, such as guided nature walks, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

It's also a favorite place for field trips and home-school programs and a destination for kids' spring and summer camps. Kids enjoy days full of canoeing archery, fishing, meeting animal ambassadors, and other programming at the discovery hall.

Animal ambassadors are favorites at ANC. They are the resident creatures who serve as educational examples of the vast wildlife and ecosystems we have here in Alabama. They include many different representative creatures, like Domino the marbled salamander, and many other amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

By interacting with these animal ambassadors, you'll learn about the unique adaptations, behaviors, and ecological roles of each species, as well as the challenges they face due to factors such as urbanization, invasive species, and loss of essential habitats.

Fishing field trips and special fishing events are a big draw to the ANC, which has a group of volunteers dedicated solely to assisting kids with fishing fundamentals on these days. The fishing pond is open to the public on Saturdays only.

Beyond activities you can do in a day trip, keep in mind the ANC also hosts special events like the fall family campout in November, which is exactly as it sounds. It is a tent-only overnight campout for families to enjoy a back-to-nature experience with others while enjoying ANC programming and activities. It's a great deal with a low, per-person fee of about $5.

While general admission to the ANC is free, memberships range from $35 for individuals on up and have their benefits. And speaking of benefits, the fees benefit the AWF's work toward its mission. Members enjoy perks such as discounts on programs and events, a subscription to the AWF's quarterly publication, and access to NaturePlex, a state-of-the-art facility with interactive exhibits and learning spaces. You can learn more about memberships on the Alabama Wildlife Federation website. Be sure to check the ANC's event calendar to see what's happening during your visit.

If you're planning a visit to the ANC, you might also want to check out Jackson Lake Island, another Millbrook natural attraction. This one comes with a Hollywood twist: It's the former site of Spectre, the idyllic town depicted by Tim Burton's 2003 film "Big Fish." Pack up your day-tripping gear in a Foldie, and hit the road.

Have you visited this nature sanctuary in Millbrook, Alabama? We'd love to hear about it if you have or go in the near future. Tell us all about your animal encounters and the fascinating facts you learn while there.