Alabama State Parks

Marketing and Communications Manager Christie Aitken recently spoke with WBRC 6 News about the newly launched Alabama State Parks Ambassador program. Listen in to learn more: https://lnkd.in/d4-AtEyW #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #AlaparkAmbassador

A tree grown from seeds flown on an American spacecraft in lunar orbit has been planted at Monte Sano State Park Huntsville, AL. It’s called a Moon Tree. The Alabama State Parks Division, Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS), NASA, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and local community leaders gathered Thursday, March 20, 2025, to dedicate the Moon Tree. “Our partnership with Von Braun Astronomical Society dates back decades, and it’s wonderful that this partnership has led to the planting of this amazing Moon Tree,” said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. Located near the John Scoble Memorial Pavilion in the park, this living link to the historic Apollo missions will be protected by fencing, and permanent signage will soon be installed to commemorate its significance. For more info on this exciting planting, visit https://lnkd.in/ed9WNZgB. Photo Credit: Alabama State Parks #MonteSanoMoonTree #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #MonteSanoStatePark

??Happy St. Patrick's Day! ??Today, we are chasing rainbows and finding gold at the end of every trail. ??We are so lucky to have the best park guests exploring our beautiful green spaces! ??The Alabama State Parks Division team wishes you and your loved ones a day filled with laughter, luck, and adventure! ??: Robert Barske, Alabama State Parks #ALstateParks #AlabamaStateParks #StPatricksDay #ChasingRainbows #GreenSpaces #YearOfTheTrailsAL #GiantStepsAcrossAL #SweetHomeAlabama #HikingTrails #AlabamaTrails

?? Alabama State Parks encourages guests to be weather aware as inclement weather approaches Alabama. ??When making weather-related plans, it’s important to have reliable sources of information. ??Please check your location on the map to determine which of the four US National Weather Service offices issue alerts for your area. ? Birmingham ? Huntsville ? Mobile ? Tallahassee, FL #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #Weather #ALwx Map of NWS offices provided by U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). National Weather Service

New views loading at Cheaha State Park-Alabama! The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is currently working on the new Cheaha State Park Lodge. The lodge will feature three hotel towers, 32 guest units, and much more! Private balcony views will help guests take in the already-majestic views that Cheaha State Park is known for while having access to the fantastic opportunities to stay, play, and explore within the park. With a rooftop bar and conference and hospitality space available, this will be the perfect place for conferences, business meetings, executive retreats, weddings, and family reunions to come! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJ8zdW7Y Renderings: Courtesy of Chambless King Architects #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #CheahaStatePark #Conventions #Weddings #FamilyReunions #RooftopBar #Tourism

?Exciting news - Introducing the Alabama State Parks Ambassador Program: Alapark.com/Ambassadors ??We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new Ambassador Program, a unique opportunity for park regulars, hikers, bikers, photographers, and adventure lovers of all kinds! ??As an Alabama State Parks Ambassador, you will collect photos and videos of your favorite memories and spots in the parks and submit them for monthly use! ?Selected Ambassadors will have their work featured on Alabama State Parks social media and promotions, creating a lasting impact in their local park community. ?Why should YOU become an Alabama State Parks Ambassador? ??Inspire others to connect with nature and get outdoors! ??Join a passionate community of like-minded people! ??Exclusive merch items & swag! ??Have your work featured on our social media pages! ?Apply today Alapark.com/Ambassadors and begin the adventure! Spaces are limited. #AlabamaStateParksAmbassador #ParksAmbassadorAL #AmbassadorProgram #ParksAmbassador #ALstateParks #YearOfTheTrailsAL #GiantStepsAcrossAL #AlabamaTrails

??What better way to celebrate The Year of Alabama Trails than at one of our beautiful State Parks! ?Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps shares, “We have more than 500 miles of trails within the State Parks system, and there’s something for everybody. You can find easy trails for beginners or harder trails for people who want to challenge themselves. The trail system is one of our most popular activities.” Business Alabama shares more: https://lnkd.in/eUb3ETEd ??From avid hikers to beginners and those who simply want a leisurely stroll outdoors, the Alabama State Parks Division has the perfect trail for YOU. Follow this page for more trail-specific recommendations to come! ??: Alabama State Parks #YearOfTheTrailsAL #SweetHomeAlabama #AlabamaStateParks #HikingTrails #ALstateParks #AlabamaTrails #GiantStepsAcrossAlabama

?As we close out #InternationalWomensDay, we’re shining a light on Christie S. Aitken, Marketing & Communications Manager for Alabama State Parks! ??Christie leads a small but mighty team of PR and marketing practitioners who engage the mission of Alabama State Parks across all 21 parks. ?? Fun fact: She and her team manage nearly 50 state park social media pages—yes, all of them! (And exciting things are coming soon, so be sure to follow each park’s social media to stay in the loop! ????) ??From print publications to social media, storytelling, and beyond, Christie’s team celebrates, educates, and inspires—encouraging people to stay, play, and explore in Alabama’s beautiful state parks. Their work brings the parks to guests through newsletters, web updates, and more. ??Christie joined the Parks Division in November 2023, but her love for Alabama’s parks goes back to family “beach days” at Wind Creek State Park when her kids were young. She believes everyone deserves a core park memory (or ten!) and encourages people to start planning their own adventures at Alapark.com.?? ??Her personal mission? Telling good stories about good people and life-changing missions—which she does by working alongside every department within the park system. ?? In her own words: "I get to serve alongside some of the most hardworking and mission-minded professionals. My team (Cindy Wallace, Amanda Hall , Olu Dosunmu-Ogunbi, M.A., and Maggie Schaub) works diligently to communicate our parks to the world daily. Working with these pros who elevate others through this incredible work is what it’s all about, and I wake up every morning grateful to work alongside them and our park teams." Christie, the Alabama State Parks team is grateful for you, and today, we celebrate YOU! ?? #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #CelebrateWomen #Communications #Marketing #Storytelling #Digital #SocialMedia

?Happy #InternationalWomensDay! As the team at Alabama State Parks continues celebrating a division full of dedicated women who make our parks a wonderful place to be, we want you to meet Chief Naturalist Renee Raney. ??Renee leads statewide interpretive programming, education, and outreach initiatives that connect visitors to our state parks' natural places, cultural significance, and wellness benefits. ??Fun Fact: You can even look through and join some of those programs here: https://bit.ly/43uBxu1 — and you totally should! ??Renee has made an incredible impact through her 8 years with Alabama State Parks, which brings her to 31 years of combined service with the State of Alabama! ??Renee is a passionate advocate for connecting families with nature, dedicating her life to inspiring people through environmental education and outdoor recreation. Her additional focus on empowering females to be fearlessly comfortable in nature has helped many women enjoy the beauty of the parks. ??Renee has provided environmental education programs across Alabama for over two million participants during her time serving the State of Alabama. ??An active explorer in Alabama State Parks, Renee had the following recommendations when asked about some of her favorite spots across the park system: - Joe Wheeler State Park, The Champion Trail - Desoto State Park, The Yellow and DeSoto Scout Trail - Oak Mountain State Park, the Enchanted Fairy Garden - Gulf State Park, Biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail We appreciate you, Renee. Thank you for your excellent work in education, and all you do for Alabama State Parks! ?? #AlabamaStateParks #CelebrateWomen #AlstateParks #Naturalist #InterpretiveEducation #Programs

??Alabama State Parks Division is celebrating #InternationalWomensDay and introducing you to women who lead our park system in excellence. ?Meet Natural Resources Section Chief Tasha Simon! Tasha Simon serves as the Alabama State Parks Natural Resource Section Chief, overseeing the management of 50,000 acres of diverse parkland, including forests, wetlands and grasslands. ??She has been with the parks for nine years and brings over 25 years of experience in environmental compliance and natural resource management to her role. Tasha's favorite part of her work is protecting the natural resources of the park system. ??Tasha shares, "I love using prescribed fire as a tool to protect and restore our native ecosystems and working with our park personnel and partners to improve our park habitats. We have some of the best people in place who are passionate about making their park's natural resources the incredible places for people to reconnect with nature and their families." ?Collaborating closely with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to address complex environmental challenges and foster sustainable stewardship of public lands, Tasha's leadership ensures that Alabama’s parks preserve their ecological integrity and provide meaningful recreational and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. ??Some of Tasha's favorite stops in Alabama State Parks are: - Gulf State Park Pier - Bald Rock at Cheaha State Park - King's Chair Overlook at Oak Mountain State Park - DeSoto Scout Trail during the Spring. Thank you, Tasha, for all you do for Alabama State Parks! We are grateful for YOU! #AlabamaStateParks #ALstateParks #NaturalResources #NaturalResourceManagement #PrescribedFire #PrescribedBurns #CelebrateWomen