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Nov. - Dec. 2025 | Volume 75

Note from the Director

Autumn at Little River Canyon Center has been full of energy and excitement! From beautiful wedding celebrations and the JSU Board of Trustees meeting to a lively music festival featuring Will Kimbrough, it’s been a season to remember. We wrapped up fall with our always-popular Canyon Fest, where visitors enjoyed everything from chainsaw art demonstrations and old-time fiddle and banjo music to reptiles, local vendors, great food, and more.

Next up, we’re looking forward to the finale of our 2025 Concert Series with the May's Gulf Songwriter Series XII this Sunday at 3 p.m., featuring International Folk Artist of the Year Nominee Ordinary Elephant and local favorite Stuart Douglas Stanley.

Then in December, the festivities continue! Join us for the Gift Shop Christmas Open House and Candle-Making Workshop on December 4, followed by our annual Canyon Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 13. This family-friendly day will feature That Puppet Guy, Photos with Santa, crafts, holiday treats, and more. Pets are welcome on leashes.

As many of you know, longtime director Pete Conroy has retired. While you’ll still see him around the Center, I’m honored to serve as Interim Director while the search for our new leader continues. The process is moving quickly—we’ve selected finalists and hope to have a new director in place by January.

During my time here, I’ve seen firsthand what makes the Canyon Center so special. This is a place that truly serves our community and our state—and I couldn’t ask for a better team to work with. It’s a joy to see so many visitors, students, and families filling our halls with life and laughter.

Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday season.

Gordon Harvey

Interim Director, Little River Canyon Center

Important Updates & Holiday Closure Information

1. The National Park Service is back open so the park will resume regular operating hours. For more updates follow them on Facebook.
2. The Canyon Center will be CLOSED Thanksgiving Day to give our employees much needed time with family. Happy Thanksgiving!

May's Gulf Songwriter Series

Sunday, November 16th | 3 pm - 5 pm

Featuring

Ordinary Elephant | Suart Douglas

Ordinary Elephant to Headline the Next Songwriter Series at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center



Fort Payne, AL – The May’s Gulf Songwriter Series returns to the JSU Little River Canyon Center on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 3 to 5 PM. Kicking off the afternoon at 3 o’clock is a local favorite, Stuart Douglas Stanley.

Come for the music, stay for the mountains.



Find out more here

Canyon Christmas

Saturday, December 13th

10 am- 2 pm

That Puppet Guy, Photos with Santa, Live Animals, Crafts & More!

The event is free and open to everyone including leashed pets

Field School Focus

Help Local Herps: Build a Winter Home for Reptiles and Amphibians

Want to help your neighborhood reptiles and amphibians safely survive the cold this fall and winter?



As temperatures drop, local species need a safe, insulated spot to enter a state of dormancy called hibernation or brumation. You can make a huge difference by building a simple structure called a hibernaculum!

How to Build a Hibernaculum

• Leave the Leaves: Instead of bagging up all your leaves, leave a few piles in a quiet, undisturbed corner of your yard. Leaf litter provides excellent insulation and protection.
• Stack It Up: Create more shelter by stacking up logs, rocks, or old pieces of wood. The goal is to ensure there are lots of small gaps, tunnels, and crevices where cold-blooded creatures can tuck away safely.
• Location, Location: Place your hibernaculum in a spot that won't be disturbed by pets or yard work.

These simple shelters provide protection from the elements and help keep them safe from predators. Our amphibians and reptiles will thank you. When they emerge in spring, they'll be ready to benefit your homes and gardens by eating pests like certain insects and rodents!

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