PREMIERES THURSDAY, JAN. 9 at 8:00PM

Embark upon a journey of discovery, intrigue, and wonder as Alabama Public Television presents a new episode of DISCOVERING ALABAMA with Doug Phillips. Premiering on Thursday, January 9, “Urban Nature Centers,” highlights the hidden sanctuaries that bring the beauty of nature into urban areas across Alabama. 

In the visually stunning and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Doug Phillips explores how urban nature centers offer peaceful retreats from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, often just a short distance away. These spaces serve as hubs for outdoor learning, recreational enjoyment, and the preservation of Alabama’s rich biodiversity. Through compelling commentary and picturesque storytelling, viewers will discover how private citizens and organizations play a vital role in creating and maintaining these preserves. 

 One of the featured locations is the Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook, a 425-acre haven of natural beauty managed by the Alabama Wildlife Federation. The property, once privately owned by Isabell and Wiley Hill, is now home to a state-of-the-art, 23,000-square-foot facility, complete with a hands-on Discovery Hall, theatre, classrooms, and five miles of boardwalks and trails. The program showcases the center’s offerings, including guided field trips, homeschool programs, and its collection of over 70 reptiles and amphibians, as well as its majestic raptors cared for by specialists. The episode further explores other urban nature centers across Alabama, including Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in Birmingham, North Alabama’s Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, where the visionary contributions of Marian Moore Lewis and Margaret Anne Goldsmith helped create a refuge for wildlife and a serene retreat for the community. Also seen in this special program is Coastal Alabama’s Weeks Bay Reserve.  

 There is no lack of adventure in this broadcast, and it emphasizes the importance of land conservation and the role of private landowners, federal programs, and organizations like Alabama’s Forever Wild Program in protecting natural spaces. The program inspires viewers to explore, preserve, and cherish the wild places close to home.

This year we're celebrating the 40th ANNIVERSARY of DISCOVERING ALABAMA on Alabama Public Television along with our own 70th Anniversary.  Congratulations to Doug Phillips and all the extraordinary videographers, editors, producers and others who have made this series a treasure for generations.