Junior Rangers: Plant ID & Press

Lakeview Trailhead Lakeview Trail, Gulf Shores

Whether your young explorer is already working on their Junior Ranger certification or wants to get started today, join us as we explore local plant species! In this hands-on program, our Junior Rangers will take a short walk to observe and identify plants found in the area. Afterward, participants will create their own plant press and collect a few specimens that can later be added to nature journals or used in crafts. This program is best suited for participants age 6-12.  Registration: Registration is required. https://reserve.alapark.com/register/junior-rangers--plant-id--press Know Before You Go: Location: Lakeview Trailhead, located off of Refuge Road. Google link provided below. Google Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fB7eHts3QSNG6PXr8

Terrific Turtles

Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

Visit the Learning Campus to learn about some of the native turtles that you may find in Gulf State Park and meet our resident turtles up close! All Ages / FREE No registration required For more information, call 251-923-3101 or email info@learningcampusgsp.com To view the precise location of this program, use this what3words link:  https://w3w.co/apricot.seasoned.parks

Night Sky Series: September Skies

Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Members of the University of South Alabama Department of Physics will give a presentation, and set up the telescopes on The Great Lawn. They will set up a telescope to hunt for deep sky objects and point out the visible constellations. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to this viewing. Also, there are several free apps for smart phones available that identify stars, constellations and planets by pointing the smart phone to a direction in the sky. The skies around Bellingrath Gardens have less light pollution than nearby larger towns so dimmer stars will be visible. Sunset in Mobile, Alabama on September 16, 2026 will be at 6:56 PM with Astronomical Twilight at 8:17 PM. A talk will be presented from 6:40 PM to 7:10 PM. After the talk, participants will go to the great lawn to the telescopes to observe the night sky. Member: Free | Non-member: Gardens Admission Plan Your Visit Date: September 16, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Purchase Tickets