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May. 2025 | Volume 69

A Note from the Director

We hope you’ve heard the good news that Jacksonville State University received formal confirmation that the previously announced GSA lease termination has been revoked. As a result, the National Park Service offices located at the Canyon Center are no longer on schedule for closure.

This has been a difficult time for all of us that care about the Canyon and while we remain concerned about the overall future of the National Park Service, we are thankful for our twenty-year partnership. We also feel reinvigorated to continue our many collaborations with NPS at the Canyon Center.

As stated in the recent JSU press statement, “Together, we will build on our shared mission to provide meaningful programming, research opportunities, and public engagement that highlight Little River Canyon’s unique natural and cultural heritage. Jacksonville State remains proud to manage and maintain the Canyon Center, and we look forward to the future of this treasured facility and all who visit it.”

We are here to serve you and so please review the information below and make plans to join us as often as possible. I’m particularly excited to announce our summer educational programming as well as the upcoming Mays Gulf concert and our 14th Bluegrass on the Rim.

Thank you for your support of the Little River Canyon Center. It has meant more to us than you’ll ever know!

Pete Conroy, Director

Holiday Hours: The Canyon Center & Gift Shop WILL BE OPEN MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 26th 10 am - 4 pm. The event parking will also be open for parking overflow. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

May's Gulf Songwriter Series

Featuring Dylan LeBlanc | Lindy Urban

Sunday, May 18th | 3 pm - 5 pm

Dylan LeBlanc to Headline May’s Gulf Songwriter Series

Fort Payne, AL – The 9th May’s Gulf Songwriter Series returns to the JSU Little River Canyon Center on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 3 to 5 PM, featuring acclaimed artist Dylan LeBlanc and special guest Lindy Urban.

Dylan LeBlanc, the Alabama-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, will take the stage just before embarking on his upcoming European tour. Known for his raw storytelling and nomadic spirit, LeBlanc’s music reflects a life lived on the edge. His latest album, Coyote, continues to explore the emotional depths that define his unique sound.

Opening the show is rising talent Lindy Urban, a young musician from Northwest Alabama whose rich, soulful voice has been compared to Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Norah Jones. With a style rooted in the folk, rock, and blues of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Urban brings heartfelt songwriting and authentic energy to the stage.

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Field School Focus

The Field School and Little River Canyon National Preserve are excited to for the annual BioBlitz, happening May 30–31 at the Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, Alabama!

This free, family-friendly event welcomes explorers of all ages to help identify and catalog the incredible plants and animals of the Preserve. With over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of fish, 145 species of birds, and many rare plants, the biodiversity here is remarkable—and we need your help documenting it!

Participants use smartphones and the iNaturalist app to snap photos, record sounds, and log their findings. Last year, we recorded 559 species and over 1,200 observations!

Whether you're a budding biologist, nature enthusiast, or just curious about the world around you, the BioBlitz is a chance to engage in real community science, connect with experts, and explore the beauty of Little River Canyon.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call 256-845-3548, visit CanyonCenter.org, or follow the JSU Field School on Facebook.

Join us for a weekend of discovery, learning, and outdoor adventure at the Little River BioBlitz!

Upcoming Events

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LITTLE RIVER CANYON NATIONAL PRESERVE JEEP POKER RUN

Saturday, May 17th beginning at 10 am

Calling all Jeeps! Join us for a day full of fun and adventure with the Little River Canyon Jeep Poker Run. Select "going" on Facebook if you plan to attend. Cash or check accepted

Meet up at 10am (CDT) at the Little River Canyon Center. Cards in by 1:30pm with awards at 2pm. There will be prizes, raffles, and more. Enjoy delicious food available for purchase Sally's Smokin' Butt BBQ food tuck.

Bonus: The first 50 to register will receive a coupon for a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A!

All proceeds will support the Friends of Little River Canyon National Preserve in their efforts to raise funds for various park projects.

Come out, have fun, and support a great cause. Minimum age: 18 years old.

Contact: Marsha Merrell – 804-564-4260

Sponsors: Friends of Little River Canyon National Preserve, Absolution Offroad, & Little River Canyon Jeep Outfitters

New Arrivals:

Lydia Randolph’s Art & Book Just Arrived!