The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Located in Autauga County, this preserve sits in the rolling hills of the upper coastal plain and contains one of the largest populations of the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant, Sarracenia rubra ssp. alabamensis, a plant known from fewer than a dozen sites and found only in two counties in the central part of the state.  The Nature Conservancy is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners to preserve these plants across their range. Of the sites that remain most are small and in danger of vanishing if not managed.

Healthy populations of Harper's ginger Hexastylis speciosa, another plant found only in Alabama, can also be seen here. Much of this preserve is forested by open longleaf pine woodlands managed by prescribed fire.

Location
Autauga County, northwest of Prattville

Size
400 acres

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
This preserve contains one of the best known sites for the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant.

What the Conservancy is Doing
The Nature Conservancy is working to restore the upland forests to longleaf pine woodlands.  Since 2001 we have had an active prescribed burning program which has opened up the understory of the forest to allow many grasses and flowers to multiply.  The Alabama canebrake pitcher plant is dependent on periodic fire to maintain the open sunny conditions it needs to thrive.  We have also worked to plant longleaf pines in areas that were formally converted to pine plantations and restoring native grasses to former pasture lands.

Visiting
Due to the preserve's fragile habitat and rare species, visitation is limited.  Please call to learn whether we have a field trip planned soon.  

 

 

 

 

Things To Do

Things to Do

Hiking, view rare plant species, bird watching

Plants

Rare species found here include the Alabama canebrake pitcher plant and Harper's ginger.

Animals

Common species include Northern Bobwhite, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Wild Turkey, Timber Rattlesnake and Whitetail Deer

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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