Ardmore’s Naturalist Program Visits the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center

Ardmore’s Naturalist Studies students have been preparing all year for the field study at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. SDFEC is 5,300 acres of outdoor classroom bordering Conecuh National Forest. The land was donated to Auburn University nearly 40 years ago by Solon and Martha Dixon, an Alabama couple who had a vision of an experiential learning center where students could apply what they are learning in the classroom.

Our kids got to spend time learning about the fire-dependent longleaf ecosystem, the history of longleaf in the United States and the plants and animals that live here. They spotted alligators in a blue sinkhole pond, waded in the crystal-clear springs and walked through areas that had recently undergone a prescribed burn.

Students got to see several federally endangered species and learn why they are important, how they are being managed and what their habitats are like. Being able to talk to the experts who deal directly with managing these plants and animals was a unique opportunity for these students.  

This opportunity was made possible in part by grants from AMV RC&D, Dekko, PPG and T.R.A.I.L.



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