Introducing Westervelt Forest, a 70-Acre Working Forest and Wildlife Demonstration Area

Representatives of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) and the Westervelt Company unveiled “Westervelt Forest” with a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 6th. The seventy-acre working forest and wildlife demonstration area, located at AWF State Headquarters in Millbrook, Alabama, will be viewable to the 50,000+ annual visitors to the AWF’s State Headquarters and Alabama Nature Center facility.

A former family farm and forest, AWF acquired the property in 2019 with the help of The Westervelt Company and other donors who value good land stewardship. The shared goal for the property is rehabilitation of the forest and wildlife habitat, documenting the rehabilitation story, and utilizing the property for educational programs for landowners, natural resource professionals, students, and the general public.

To date, non-native invasive grasses and trees have been treated and longleaf pine, loblolly pine, and hardwood trees have been planted. Prescribed burning, establishing native warm season grasses and wildflower habitats, and timber stand improvement practices in existing pine and mixed pine-hardwood stands are planned for 2023.