Forest Friends at Chapman Mountain

Forest Friends at Chapman Mountain offers a gentle introduction to nature for your youngest adventurers. This free program invites families with children ages 3 to 5 to explore the preserve through songs, stories, and hands-on activities designed to spark wonder about the forest around them. Led by Angie McCollum, each session focuses on the plants and animals that call this beautiful habitat home, building a foundation of curiosity and respect for the natural world. The approach is perfectly paced for short attention spans, mixing movement and discovery in ways that engage both little ones and their grown-ups. The program takes place at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve on October 19 at 10:00 AM. While the event is free, the Land Trust welcomes memberships to support their conservation work. Space is limited and reservations are required — register once per family using the parent or guardian's information. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along even if they're not quite in the target age range yet. Families often stay after the program to enjoy a picnic they've brought from home, making it easy to extend your outdoor time together. Come prepared with closed-toe shoes for everyone, and consider long pants, bug spray, sunscreen, and water bottles. An adult must accompany children throughout the program. To reach the preserve from Huntsville, cross Chapman Mountain and make a U-turn at Moores Mill Road, then watch for the paved entrance on your right after the silver guardrail ends. Follow the gravel road down to the parking area, and you're ready for a morning of forest exploration.