Explore

Learn

Discover

Upcoming Events

Mar. 2025 | Volume 67

From Pete Conroy  

Canyon Center Founder and Director

Over the past few days we learned that the JAX State lease with the General Services Administration (GSA) to the National Park Service will be terminated at the end of December. It’s important to know that JSU owns the Little River Canyon Center and President Don Killingsworth has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ongoing operations and programming. The Canyon Center will not shut down or close. Here’s a link to his statement. 


Since 2009, the Park Service has partnered with us, sharing responsibilities in education, visitor services, law enforcement, and community outreach. We are proud of this collaboration, which has been recently recognized for its strong economic impact.


Jacksonville State’s Little River Canyon is a National Park Service gem, generating almost $500M in economic impact - Alabama News Center 


As highlighted in the newsletter below, our commitment to education, conservation, and community programming remains strong. Thank you for your continued support!

Pete Conroy, Director

May's Gulf Songwriter Series Season Kick Off

Sunday, March 16th at 3 o'clock

Featuring Jessica Willis Fisher | Anse Rigby

Tickets $25 in advance, limited seating so get yours early!

Buy Tickets

Celebrate Earth Day at Little River Canyon Center


Join us for a FREE day of outdoor fun at the JSU Canyon Center on Saturday, April 12th 10 am - 2 pm. Enjoy live music, yoga, guided hikes, live animal presentations, hands-on crafts, and more. Connect with local organizations working to protect Alabama’s natural resources. Bring a lawn chair and spend the day celebrating nature!


  • Live Music by Jordan Gillis & Chris Roberts
  • Yoga & Family Yoga with Soul Shine Yoga & Wellness Studio
  • Live Animal Presentations – Reptiles, Amphibians & Venomous Snakes of Alabama
  • Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition – Show off your creativity!
  • EV Showcase with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition
  • Woody’s Food Truck on-site for delicious eats!


Field School Focus

Spring Migration Brings Bluebird Activity—How You Can Help!


As spring arrives, bird activity in the canyon is on the rise, and bluebirds are among the most exciting species to spot! These beautiful birds are more than just a delight to see—they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by controlling insect populations, which helps reduce the need for pesticides.


However, bluebirds face challenges due to habitat loss. They typically nest in open prairies and meadows, but urban development and agricultural expansion have significantly reduced these natural spaces. Fortunately, we can take action to support them!


Join us on March 21 for our Bluebird House Building Workshop, where you'll learn how to create safe, comfortable nesting spaces for these vital birds. By providing bluebird houses, you’re giving them a better chance to thrive while contributing to a balanced environment.


Want to do even more? Participate in citizen science by logging your bluebird sightings on apps like Merlin and eBird. Tracking bird populations helps researchers monitor migration patterns and conservation needs.


Get involved, make a difference, and support local wildlife and outdoor spaces. We hope to see you at the workshop!

Upcoming Events

Mar

7

Hike with a Naturalist

  • Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center

Mar

12

Canyon Kids Eco Explorers (ages 3-9)

  • Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center

Mar

15

Hike with a Naturalist

  • Time: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center

Mar

16

May's Gulf Songwriter Series VIII

  • Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center
Tickets

Mar

19

Canyon Explorers- Bird Builders Challenge

  • Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center

Mar

22

Pottery 101 Workshop

  • Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Place: Little River Canyon Center

View All Activities...

What's Happening in the Park?

Photos by Meg Richardson


Hummingbird Feeders are in!

Made in the USA, the glass bottles feature a base with a wrap-around perch, eight feeding stations, and a viewing strip so you can keep an eye on the nectar level.


**Buy any size feeder, brush & ant moat, receive a box of nectar free! While supplies last.


Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM CST

Website

Give

Campus News

Stay In Touch
Facebook  Instagram