Spring open trails day at Wehle joins in Chunnenuggee Fair celebration April 15
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Special to the News
On Saturday, April 15, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wehle Land Conservation Center in Bullock County, in partnership with the Forever Wild Land Trust, will host a spring open trails day in conjunction with the 2023 Chunnenuggee Fair in Union Springs.
During the open trails day at Wehle, the public is invited to take part in free fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping as part of the festivities.
Wehle staff will also lead guided nature walks to showcase the property’s biological diversity and unique birding opportunities. The event is free to attend.
“If you haven’t yet visited the Wehle Land Conservation Center, this upcoming open trails day is a great opportunity to explore the many recreation options it has to offer,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR commissioner and chairman of the Forever Wild Land Trust board of trustees. “If you have visited Wehle, the guided nature walks scheduled for Saturday make it worth a return visit. We encourage everyone attending the Chunnenuggee Fair in Union Springs to also visit Wehle to enjoy this family friendly event.”
The Wehle Land Conservation Center is a facility of ADCNR’s State Lands Division. Learn more at www.alabamaforeverwild.com/wehle-tract.
The Alabama Tourism Department has named 2023 as the Year of Birding in Alabama. This event takes place during peak bird migration with opportunities to see a diverse and beautiful array of songbirds, especially in the morning hours.
Join the experienced staff from ADCNR’s State Lands Division during the guided nature walks to learn about birds and other wildlife, as well as the free resources available to better develop your own bird identification skills. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars.
Wehle Land Conservation Center Event Schedule for Saturday, April 15:
All Day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Displays and information about Wehle available for viewing, including trail maps, bird checklists, brochures, and more.
8-10:30 a.m.
Guided nature walks along the Alligator Lake Trail loop.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Guided nature walks along the Alligator Lake Trail loop.
Additional Recreation Opportunities (self-guided):
All Day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Hiking and nature watching from the Pleasant Hill Road Trailhead and Alligator Lake Trail loop.
All Day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Free fishing at Blue Heron Lake and Wood Duck Lake. A valid fishing license is required for those ages 16 to 64.
All Day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Horseback riding. Bring your horses and enjoy the more than 6 miles of trails at Wehle.
2 p.m. on April 14 until 3 p.m. on April 16
Free camping. There are nine hook-ups available on a first come, first serve basis. Amenities include horse stalls and paddocks, a covered pavilion, showers and restrooms. Check in with the camp host upon arrival.
Directions: From Union Springs, follow U.S. Highway 82 East to Midway, Alabama, and turn right (south) onto Alabama Highway 51 for a half mile. Take a left (east) on Pleasant Hill Road for 5 miles. Follow the Wehle Land Conservation Center signs. Once on the property, follow signs to Blue Heron Lake for the guided nature walks and fishing opportunities. Follow the signs to the campground for the horseback riding trails. Park at trailhead parking lot along Pleasant Hill Road to access trails for self-guided hikes.
The Bullock County Historical Society’s Chunnenuggee Fair takes place along Prairie Street in Union Springs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15. Festivities include a juried arts and crafts show, live entertainment from local and regional musicians, a cake sale, children’s games and rides, and lots more. For more information, visit www.chunnenuggeefair.com.