Containing the southernmost reaches of the Appalachian Mountains, the Talladega Division of the National Forest includes the state’s highest peak, Cheaha Mountain, at 2,420 feet. Our host hikes the Chinnabee Silent Trail and describes the local history of the area.
The Cahaba River is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the South and is home to the rare Cahaba lily. Dr. Phillips discusses the river’s many features, as well as concerns about environmental changes to the Cahaba.
Often overlooked, this area of Alabama is rich in natural qualities including caves and sinkholes. Our host explores these unique features in historical, as well as biological contexts, and also visits the Conecuh National Forest.
Dr. Phillips sets out from his farm in Tuscaloosa County and takes viewers on an interpretative walk across the Oakmulgee to Payne Lake. Along the way, he examines a variety of plants and animals that live in the area and discusses the importance of maintaining Alabama’s natural areas.
Few places can match this park for its mountain lake setting. Dr. Phillips gives particular emphasis to the potential of the area to recover the endangered bald eagle. He also joins a group of children on a nature walk and discusses the importance of environmental education for America’s youth.
Although relatively small in size, the state’s coastal area is diverse in natural qualities: rivers, bays, swamps, marshes, and beaches, as well as resident plant and animal species. Dr. Phillips is joined by local naturalists and wildlife officials in a tour of the region.
This video highlights a range of primary environmental issues as Dr. Phillips revisits the area to examine the leading causes of environmental change. Local experts add their perspectives on farming, forestry, commercial fishing, and the overall growth and development of Alabama’s coastal areas.
Dr. Phillips presents Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park and its displays of buildings, tools, and artifacts dating from the early European settlements to the first iron manufacturer in Alabama. He explores the park’s “living history” classroom and discusses with craftsmen the reconstruction of historical log cabins.
The show opens with a re-creation of Union soldiers encountering the deep, impassable Little River Canyon as Confederate soldiers close in pursuit. Along the seventy-mile hike of the length of Little River, Dr. Phillips points out the various features of the area and recounts points of local history.
Alabama has almost 3,000 caves. Dr. Phillips takes viewers on an actual exploration of an unmapped cave in northern Alabama. Along the way he discusses how caves are formed, the diversity of geological and biological features that occur in caves, and the history and location of Alabama caves.
This park, more than 10,000 acres in size, is Alabama’s largest. It is also only minutes away from Birmingham, and Dr. Phillips contrasts the harried atmosphere of the city to the peaceful forested ridges, valleys, streams, and abundant wildlife of the park.
In recent times, Locust Fork River has gained attention for its beauty. Unfortunately, this attention also poses environmental threats to the river. On a sentimental journey back to the site of his childhood home, Dr. Phillips tells the viewer of the river’s past and discusses its future.
Dr. Phillips visits Moundville Archaeological Park, famous village site of the mound-building Indian culture of the prehistoric Mississippian Period that lasted from about A.D. 1000-1550. The program examines the symbols, beliefs, and lifeways of this once dominant culture and traces two centuries of study in an attempt to understand these early Americans and the significance of their earthen mounds
High-growth urban areas of our nation often generate noise, pollution, crime, and stress. In comparison, Alabama’s rural landscape offers its citizens respite and a sense of belonging to the earth and its riches. Alabama’s great variety of terrain, wild habitats, native plants and animals rank it among the most naturally diverse in the nation.
Since the eighteenth-century, geologists have been attracted to Alabama because of the region’s diverse geology. This video overviews the geological history of Alabama in context with the major geological eras of the earth’s development and its corresponding fossil record.
This video features the life history and the environmental controversies surrounding the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides Borealis), an endangered species that lives in Alabama. Issues discussed include the prevailing conflict between commercial timber interests and the interests of environmental preservationists.
This video is the second of the Discovering Alabama series featuring the Cahaba River. In it, Dr. Phillips explores the full length of the Cahaba and examines the relationship between river conditions and changes in the watershed. The program gives special attention to rain-dispersed, or non-point, sources of pollution.
As fields, streams, and woods are slowly replaced by shopping centers and parking lots, Dr. Phillips takes us on a walk in the woods to encounter nature on a fundamental level. Throughout the program, quotations from famous Native Americans remind us that our natural environment is the basis of life.
Alabama is one of the most forested regions in the world. The forest is a setting in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, soil, water, wildlife, plants and trees. These all work together to form a self-perpetuating natural community, or ecosystem.
This video presents both the natural and the human history of Dauphin Island and describes the forces of geologic change to barrier islands. The show concludes by looking at environmental changes occurring on the island caused by growth and development and examines ways to manage such activities to benefit the island’s natural future.
The river’s name was taken from the Native American Chief Taskalusa (meaning black warrior) who encountered the De Soto expedition in 1540. This video recalls the history of the Black Warrior River from the time of early human settlement to the present. Special focus is given to the river’s changing status since the construction of a series of dams and locks completed earlier this century.
Dr. Phillips takes the viewer through the Sipsey Wilderness and recalls the influence of nineteenth-century romanticism and the emergence of a national movement for the preservation of America’s wilderness regions.
The video traces the history of Village Creek and examines how careful urban planning can help maintain a high quality of life in cities and prevent environmental degradation.
Our nation is rooted in a rich, natural heritage that helped define our national identity. Central to this heritage is the history of our society’s changing relationship with wildlife. This video gives an overview of Alabama’s role as a national leader in wildlife conservation and restoration.
This video follows a team of research scientists as they go on an actual search for the Red Hills salamander and examine the ecological significance of this threatened species. Private landowners, along with wildlife officials, develop strategies to conserve the salamanders’ habitat.
Located atop Chandler Mountain in St. Clair County, this site is a unique ring of large rocks forming a natural corral, used by Indians and settlers for gathering horses, and today operated as a commercial attraction. This video shows the cultural values and natural beauty of historical Horse Pens 40.
Using beautiful nature footage from throughout Alabama, this special presentation is a visual feast accompanied by a continuous musical background for viewers who delight in Alabama’s forests, beaches, fields, mountains, rivers, flora and fauna.
This video traces the history, and significance, of the Longleaf pine, Alabama’s official state tree. Experts now believe that the Longleaf ecosystem was at one time the single largest forest ecosystem in the south.
Experts now believe that the Longleaf ecosystem was at one time the single largest forest ecosystem in the south. This video highlights ongoing efforts to better understand and perpetuate the Longleaf Ecosystem.
In an 1891 report, state geologist, Professor Eugene Allen Smith, noted that the area around Wetumpka was “structurally disturbed.” In this video, Dr. Phillips, along with expert geologists, examine evidence that suggests the altered landscape around Wetumpka is the result of an ancient asteroid collision.
In this program, host Dr. Doug Phillips takes an autumn stroll through Alabama woods to introduce viewers to individual members of the forest community and answer the commonly asked question, “what kind of tree is this?
Visit historic Fort Morgan and witness an active archaeological dig, take a trek through an ancient maritime forest and witness the capture, banding, and release of migratory birds. Dr. Phillips talks to local residents in presenting the past and considering the future of Fort Morgan Peninsula, one of Alabama’s best coastal wonders.
Take a journey back in time for a visit to Fort Toulouse/Jackson State Park and the park’s annual Frontier Days Festival. Meet Ailbamous Indians, French soldiers, Davey Crocket, Andrew Jackson’s regiment, and converse with 18th century botanist William Bartram while also learning about the natural appeal of the location.
Launch a canoe with Dr. Doug and discover the wild allure of the Sipsey River Swamp. The 100-mile long Sipsey River is one of Alabama’s few remaining unimpounded rivers, much of it surrounded by river-bottom swamp.
Alabama’s “Forever Wild” land conservation program is recognized nationally for its effectiveness in protecting significant wildlands. This video reflects on the history of how the “Forever Wild” program was established and tells how Alabamians can participate in promoting such land conservation.
The Dugger Mountain Wilderness contains Alabama’s second highest peak, Dugger Mountain, and is one of several federally designated “wilderness areas” in the state. In this program, Dr. Phillips hikes through the wilderness as he follows the Pinhoti Hiking Trail. Along the way, he encounters many natural wonders while considering the citizens, scientists, and government officials interested in protecting the area.
This video visits Selma, Alabama to join the local school system’s annual celebration of Earth Day. Interviews with teachers, students, parents and various officials highlight the significance of this national day of environmental appreciation and give special emphasis to the importance of environmental education throughout the school year.
The era of “new south” progress has brought important improvements to the southern region. However, parts of the South are also experiencing rapid growth and development that could threaten such traditional southern qualities as abundant natural surroundings and a comfortable pace of life. This video examines Tuscaloosa County, Alabama as an example of a southern community affected by accelerating new-south growth and faced with the challenge of managing this change so as to protect local rural and environmental values.
Host Dr. Doug and faithful companion Turkey journey across Alabama to examine the seven major soil areas of the state and learn about the more than 300 soil types associated with these areas. Guest experts discuss the vital ecological function of healthy soil and highlight the importance of Alabama soils to the state’s economic and environmental health.
Alabama Forests are part of the larger southern forest ecosystem, the most productive forest regions in the nation. This unique forest region is especially diverse due to its climate and soils, and because of geological conditions associated with particular events of prehistoric times. This program highlights the importance of Alabama forests in context with the history and significance of the southern forest system.
Forest Issues.
Follow host Dr. Doug Phillips as he takes a nighttime stroll through the Alabama woodlands by the light of the stars. He explains how to enjoy such a night hike without the aid of a flashlight, lantern, etc. Along the way, viewers are given a lesson in studying the night sky as Dr. Doug is joined by a group of teachers interested in astronomy.
The term “wetlands” is relatively new. For much of the nation’s history wetlands were considered wastelands, and thus frequently drained, polluted, or otherwise altered and ruined. Today, there is new recognition of the many important ecological and economic benefits of wetlands. This video overviews the diversity of wetland resources in Alabama, describes the many values they contribute, and highlights the dilemma of inadequate wetlands protection in the state. Guest experts provide scientific and policy explanations to further clarify wetlands issues.
Harvard University’s world-renowned ecologist, Dr. E. O. Wilson is an Alabama native and can testify personally to what a growing number of scientists today acknowledge – “Alabama is the aquatic state!” In this video, Dr. Phillips takes viewers on a riverboat trip to examine firsthand the diversity of streams and rivers that set Alabama apart as a unique realm of freshwater resources. Guest commentary by Dr. Wilson and other experts provides added insights into both the impressive qualities of Alabama’s freshwaters and the environmental threats they face.
As Alabama was being settled, the portion of the state now called Lee County was a rough frontier akin to the Wild West. Over time, the establishment of churches, local governments, businesses, farms, and notably, Auburn University, helped change Lee County into a thriving area. During recent decades, the demise of farming, together with an upsurge of industrial and commercial development, are changing much of the county in new ways. This program explores the history and heritage of Lee County and examines the implications of accelerating development that may significantly alter the county for all time.
Alabama’s Little River Canyon has been called "the Grand Canyon of the South." And, indeed, it is one of the most dramatic physiographic features in the South.’ In 1985, Discovering Alabama featured Little River Canyon in one of the series’ earliest shows, drawing public attention to the unique natural attributes of the canyon and helping to win protective National Preserve status for a part of the canyon. In this program Discovering Alabama marks its 20th year anniversary by returning to Little River Canyon to examine the canyon’s current status and consider its future.
In recent decades, coastal Alabama has begun experiencing burgeoning growth and development and rapid population increase, with many consequences that threaten the health of some of the nation’s most biologically productive ecosystems, Alabama’s estuaries.’ In this program, Discovering Alabama host Dr. Doug Phillips canoes down Baldwin County’s Magnolia River for a return visit to one of Alabama’s best kept estuaries, Weeks Bay (originally featured among the series’ earliest shows thus drawing public attention to the natural values of this special estuary and helping win protective federal designation as a National Estuarine Reserve.) Host Dr. Doug Phillips examines troublesome changes and impacts affecting Weeks Bay today and talks with local leaders who discuss the rising potential for environmental decline throughout Alabama’s coastal area.
Exotic, invasive plant species have established a foothold, and they are refusing to let go. Millions of state and federal dollars are spent each year trying to stop these alien invaders from conquering yet more of our precious native lands. Dr. Doug Phillips braves the kudzu, the privet, the alligator weed and more to examine the growing problem of invasive plant species, the threats they pose, and how – if – these Alien Invaders can be controlled.
Mountains, prairielands, woodlands, rivers, coastal marshlands. Fun, adventure, relaxation, inspiration, nature study. Alabama’s diverse natural settings provide for diverse forms of recreational and educational experience, available along the many outdoor trails in every part of the state. In this program, host Dr. Phillips highlights the variety of Alabama’s outdoor trails as he chooses to hike "the one less traveled," taking viewers on a pleasant journey of wilderness solitude and reflecting upon the history of early trails in the state, the many benefits of outdoor trails today, and related implications for the future. Also featured are guest interviews with Alabamians involved in the development and promotion of various trail systems in the state, including such non-traditional trail offerings as Alabama’s birding trails, golf trail, and covered bridge trail.
Across the nation today, numerous rivers and streams are being encroached upon by sprawling growth and development. Such is the case with a beautiful mountain-fed stream in north Alabama. The Flint has historically been surrounded by hardwood forests and abundant wildlife. Today, the accelerating growth in Madison county and surrounding areas is rapidly robbing the Flint of its special natural qualities. In this show, host Doug Phillips floats the Flint River from near its mountainous headwaters to its juncture with the Tennessee River. Along the way, interviews with various experts and local residents help to highlight the impressive history of the Flint and the pressing changes that threaten the river today.
The white-tailed deer (species name, Odocoileus virginiana) is a fascinating creature that exemplifies much of what is good about our state. This majestic animal has long been synonymous with Alabama’s diverse woodlands, wildlands, and rural countryside. In this program, host Dr. Doug Phillips joins various experts on the whitetail to look at the history of this animal, to see how people and deer are bound together today, and to learn of some cutting-edge research into the lifeways of the whitetail, and to consider what the future will hold for white-tailed deer in Alabama.
The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is one of those uniquely special places in Alabama and on planet earth. Back in the 80s, many voiced concerns that the Delta might not be around for our children to enjoy in the 21st Century. Today the Delta is a living, thriving testament to what collaborative conservation efforts can achieve.
Art and nature have a long and intimate relationship. Since prehistoric times, humans have created art that reflected the natural world in the form of crafted tools and handiworks, etchings and paintings, music, dance, architecture, poetry and literature. Likewise, nature embodies the inspiration of art, challenging man to capture its beauty. In this episode, viewers are taken on a quest to explore nature in art and art in nature. The program visits several Alabama artists of different modalities as they transform and convey the marvels of nature through their creations. Highlights include a demonstration of Native American dancing at the Moundville Native American Festival, the poetry of children’s author Charles “Father Goose” Ghigna and conservation photography of Beth Maynor Young. The program also examines the glasswork of Cal Breed, inspired by years of studying the beauty of the ocean, and wraps up with a performance by bluesman Willie King. Interviews with these artists provide added perspective on the relationship between the artist and his surroundings the creator and the Creation.
In the 1960’s when America undertook its bold initiative to put a man on the moon, a first step was finding a suitable place on Earth to build and test the powerful rockets that would be needed. That place turned out to be North Alabama in the Huntsville area to be exact. Here NASA found a unique combination of suitable undeveloped land together with easy access for materials transport via the Tennessee River. The rest is history. This show traces that history, the natural history and the human history, of Alabama’s role in America’s legacy of space travel. Produced with special assistance from NASA, and including guest interviews by NASA officials, the show also honors the nation’s 40th year celebration of the first arrival of man on the moon.
Various species of that unique flying mammal, bats, can be found in Alabama. Several, such as the Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the Big Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius) are considered imperiled due to declining populations. This program follows a team of bat scientists on a research expedition into Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest to study the habits and ecological status of bats. Included are expert assessments of the special capabilities of bats and their important role in the natural environment.
Since 1985, Discovering Alabama has been bringing you the wild wonders of our state. And since 2005, we’ve been bringing you those wonders in glorious high definition. But there’s only so much of this magnificent footage we can fit into a regular show. So, for this special addition, pull up your easy chair, get ready for some pleasant music, and kick back and enjoy the unique allure of Alabama.
Today awareness grows for the importance of close cooperation between the school community and the surrounding local community. For most of Discovering Alabama’s 25 years, the series has been offering assistance to Alabama schools encouraging close engagement of the local community with the school community, promoting learning that connects the needs of Alabama’s human communities to the role of Alabama’s natural communities. Now, through an innovative collaborative called Project Community, Discovering Alabama has joined with a statewide partnership of agencies and organizations teaming with Discovering Alabama to provide added K-12 assistance with hands-on natural science and conservation education. In this show, Discovering Alabama visits Alabama schools, teachers, and students for a first-hand look at hands-on learning using Alabama’s outdoors to augment the natural sciences and many other subjects. Also featured are recent technological innovations linking hands-on nature study to Discovering Alabama’s various computer-based K-12 resources, including the Discovering Alabama Virtual Field Trips.
While Discovering Alabama is a natural history series showcasing the beautiful natural wonders of our state, in this show we are compelled to examine a tragedy assailed as the most catastrophic oil spill in U.S. history. On April 20, 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and burned, taking the lives of eleven work crew and leaving a damaged well casing to spew oil five thousand feet beneath the Gulf of Mexico. The spill continued for months creating an environmental disaster with long-term ecological and economic implications for Alabama. This episode of Discovering Alabama returns to coastal Alabama to visit with various experts and authorities who are working to help Alabama rebound from the impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Dr. Doug Phillips offers a very personal look at the aftermath of the tornadoes that ravaged our state on April 27, 2011. As the preeminent documentarian of Alabama’s natural history it occasionally falls to Discovering Alabama to record events all of us would just as soon forget. In the days following the tornadoes, the Discovering Alabama crew traveled the state. Remarkable before and after footage of natural areas laid bare speaks for itself. Dr. Doug speaks for all of us when he says, “The lives rent asunder by this tragedy will never be the same. We would fool ourselves to think otherwise. Yet here, too, with each other’s support, care, with the love we have for one another, we share the pain of remembering and the hope for tomorrow.”
Alabama’s coastal area served as the gateway to the New World for many of early European adventurers and explorers. From exploration forward the area has remained significant in American history. This program highlights the many impressive events, sites, and artifacts of Alabama’s coastal history across time from early America to the present.
Across Alabama’s coastal area is an uncommon wealth of educational opportunities. The area’s great natural diversity lends itself to excellent learning experiences at myriad environmental centers, learning labs, and programs and more. This program highlights this abundance of education resources and opportunities for all age groups.
Dr. Doug Phillips explores confluences, conflicts, and cooperation in Alabama’s North River Watershed. Reaching across political boundaries and personal agendas, citizens, governments, environmentalists and business leaders have united to create a plan for water management that may well be a model for the rest of the state and the nation
Alabama has the 2nd largest producing forestland base in the U.S. with 23.0 million acres. The state ranks at the top with more than 70 different forest communities and almost 200 species of trees. Alabama’s National Forests, State Parks, and other public lands provide impressive representation of the states forest diversity. However, the majority of Alabama’s forestlands are not public lands but, instead, are privately owned lands, and owned not by large commercial entities but by individuals and families who typically own relatively small tracts of forestland. “Alabama Private Forests” visits with private landowners across the state to highlight the values of these lands from the perspective of private owners. Also featured are various natural resource professionals with expertise in forest management and forest ecology. A major aspect of the video is the role of professional consulting foresters assisting forest owners with the stewardship of their forestlands.
Alabama has had five different capitals since its first territorial legislature made the claim for statehood. This video visits each of these capital sites, examines archival records, and interviews a number of historians, archaeologists, educators, and others in telling the interesting stories associated with the history of Alabama’s five state capitals. The video is produced in celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial.
Cranes are among the oldest living species on Earth, and whooping cranes (Grus americana) are the rarest of the world's 15 crane species. Historically whooping cranes ranged widely across North America relying on an abundance of native wetland habitats. However, as the nation settled and developed, the whooping crane population declined dramatically due to habitat loss, uncontrolled hunting, and other factors. By 1950 only about 20 of the birds remained. Today collaborative efforts are making progress in recovering the whooping crane population, and Alabama’s Wheeler Wildlife Refuge has become a contributing resource for this recovery, providing vital wetland habitat for the cranes’ annual migration south. Host Dr. Doug Phillips reflects upon the eloquent writings of the early American conservationist, Aldo Leopold, to punctuate the majesty and significance of cranes.
Our state was the first in the union to create an official agency to take care of its history: The Alabama Department of Archives and History. Join Dr. Doug Phillips as he explores what it means to “take care” of history. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the documents, government records, artifacts and relics preserved by the Archives. Meet the people who make the tough decisions on what to preserve. Experience the Museum of Alabama with 5th Graders from Andalusia Elementary School.
Discovering Alabama’s “Prattville and Autauga County” highlights the overall appeal of Autauga County while giving primary focus to the globally significant history associated with famed industrialist Daniel Pratt and his influence on the development of the town of Prattville, today the seat of the government for Autauga County. The episode includes interviews with some of Alabama’s most notable historians, discussing the county’s past and present, and reflecting on concerns for the area’s future.