Through the efforts of the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Hill Family, a not for profit entity known as the AWF Isabel and Wiley Hill Conservation Education Center (AWF-IWH CEC) was formed. The Lanark Estate was conveyed to the AWF-IWH CEC to provide for long-term stewardship of the property and development of an outdoor education facility that is now known as the Alabama Nature Center.

The ANC is a Planned-Use Outdoor Education Facility offering hands-on, outdoor-based educational programs and activities for students, educators, church and civic groups, and the general public.

The ANC, which was conceptualized by the Alabama Wildlife Federation Board of Directors in January, 2001, contains 350 acres of striking forests, fields, streams, wetlands, and ponds that are traversed by five miles of boardwalks and trails in three regions: Still Creek Run, Turkey Ridge, and Hilltop Pass. In addition to the trails and boardwalks, Phase I of the ANC included a 4,000-square-foot Lanark Pavilion and now includes Phase II, new NaturePlex.

The NaturePlex is the 23,000 square foot structural facility that serves as the Welcome and Education Center for the Alabama Nature Center. The facility includes a 120-seat Theater equipped with up to date technology; Hands-on Discovery Hall with wildlife and nature-based displays; Educational Classrooms; Community Room available for meeting use and rental; and a Gift Shop.

The NaturePlex can be reserved for school field trips, teacher training workshops, seminars, and other educational programs by contacting the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Interested groups can choose from programs designed by AWF’s staff, or programs can be customized to meet your needs. Lanark, which is just a few miles north of Montgomery, is the State Headquarters of the AWF and the former estate of Isabel and Wiley Hill, who were also benefactors for the Alabama Nature Center. The grounds at Lanark contain five destinations: AWF Headquarters, Historic Lanark, Lanark Pavilion, ANC and the new NaturePlex. General admission is $5.00 per person, which includes access to the hands-on Discovery Hall, Theater, Classrooms, Community Room, Gift Shop, and hiking five miles of scenic boardwalks and trails, while learning about the fascinating natural history of central Alabama.

Enjoy the Alabama Nature Center