Hands-on science center on 20 acres of wetlands on Big Escambia Creek. Interpretive Wildlife Center, Wetland Trail/Boardwalk, gardens, butterfly/honeybee exhibits, touch tank. Live reptile, fish, amphibian exhibits. Gift shop.

Part of the Alabama Birding Trails, Piney Woods Trail. Bird the hardwoods and lawn areas around the entrance to the science center. Next, bird the elevated boardwalk that winds above the 20 acres of wetlands adjacent to Big Escambia Creek. Large hardwoods were damaged by recent hurricanes and now provide excellent habitat for Red-bellied, Red-headed, and Pileated woodpeckers. Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are attracted year-round to the diamond leaf and water oak, tupelo, and bald cypress that grow in the wetlands. Brewer’s Blackbirds join them in the winter. Belted Kingfishers are a common sight on Big Escambia Creek as are Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Green Herons. Mississippi Kites forage just above the tree tops in spring and summer, and the occasional Osprey may be seen during spring and fall migration.

Access: Open August through May, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, call or e-mail for summer and Saturday schedules.

Directions: Return to the intersection of Escambia County Roads 4 and 11, go west on Escambia 4 for 10.5 miles. Turn left (west) on US Highways 29, and drive 23.9 miles, bear right at the traffic light. Go 0.5 miles on US Highway 31, turn right (north) into Hurricane Park and park.