Hays Nature Preserve
| Hays Nature Preserve | |
|---|---|
| J.D. and Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve | |
   | |
| Type | Nature preserve |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 34°38′44″N 86°28′02″W / 34.64556°N 86.46722°W |
| Area | 538 acres (218 ha) |
| Established | 1999 |
The J.D. and Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve is a 538-acre (218 ha) nature preserve near Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Alabama. Together with the adjacent Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, the preserve forms the city's largest undeveloped parkland.[1] The preserve has over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.[2]
History
In 1999, Annie Hays and the Hays family donated 538 acres of land to the city of Huntsville, Alabama for the creation of a nature preserve. In exchange for the donation, the city named the preserve after J.D. and Annie S. Hays and pledged to provide at least $50,000 for annual maintenance.[3]
In 2024, a ADA compliant fishing pier was constructed on Bar Lake within the preserve. Construction of the pier was funded by an $85,000 donation by the James Gordon Williams Legacy Fund. Williams, whom the pier was named after, was a former employee of the Hays family.[4][5]
Conservation
Unlike many of the other preserves in the Huntsville area, the Hays Nature Preserve protects lowland habitats, including river front and swampland.[6]
Every year, the Huntsville Green Team hosts an Earth Day celebration at the preserve to educate the public about sustainability.[7]
Flora and fauna
More than 120 different species of plants can be found in the preserve.[8]
Animal species that live in the preserve include armadillos, red-tailed hawks, deer, and coyotes.[8]
The preserve is a part of the North Alabama Birding Trail.[9][10]
References
- ^ Bradford, Debi (30 May 2010). "Hays Nature Preserve, Finis". AL.com. Advance Local. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Weaver, Kailyn (11 March 2016). "Pink Goes Green Initiative". University Wire. Carlsbad: Uloop, Inc. ProQuest 1772272168. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ McCarter, Mark (23 November 2014). "This day in Huntsville history: In 1999, land donated for nature preserve in Hampton Cove". AL.com. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ Gattis, Paul (16 July 2024). "Mayor Tommy Battle, City leaders cut ribbon on ADA-compliant pier at Hays Nature Preserve". City of Huntsville. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ Kuria, Joey (18 July 2024). "Now open - 1st inclusive pier at Hays Nature Preserve". Hville Blast. Rushing Waters Media. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ Wills, Kenneth M.; Davenport, L.J. (2016). Exploring Wild Alabama: A Guide to the State's Publicly Accessible Natural Areas. Tuscaloosa, AL: The University of Alabama Press. pp. 24–25. ISBN 978-0-8173-5830-3. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ Cortes, Tony (12 April 2025). "Huntsville Green Team holds 18th annual Earth Day celebration at Hays Nature Preserve". WHNT News 19. Nexstar Media Inc. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ a b "HIDDEN HAYS: DISCOVER BEAUTY, TRANQUILITY OF CITY'S LARGEST PUBLIC PARK". US Fed News Service, Including US State News. Washington, DC. 18 April 2017. ProQuest 1888796054. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
- ^ Seale, Michael (18 April 2023). "7 birding trails near Huntsville—an amazing spring experience". Hville Blast. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Hays Nature Preserve". City of Huntsville. Retrieved 8 June 2025.