Alabama State Parks Launches Statewide Habitat Restoration Initiative to Combat Invasive Species and Restore Native Landscapes

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (June 17, 2026) — Alabama State Parks has launched a new statewide habitat restoration initiative that will expand its ability to combat invasive species, restore native landscapes, improve wildlife habitat and engage communities in hands-on conservation efforts across Alabama.

Funded through a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, the Statewide Native Habitat Restoration Crew provides Alabama State Parks with a dedicated, mobile conservation capability that can be rapidly deployed to parks throughout the state. The initiative will support conservation projects, volunteer service opportunities and environmental education programs across Alabama's 21 state parks.

“Invasive species are one of the greatest challenges facing many of our natural areas,” said Tasha Simon, Chief of Natural Resources for Alabama State Parks. “When invasive plants become established, they can displace native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, alter ecosystems and impact the overall health of the landscape. This initiative gives us the tools and resources needed to address those challenges more effectively while engaging volunteers and community partners in meaningful conservation work.”

Alabama State Parks manages more than 48,000 acres of public lands, many of which require ongoing restoration and invasive species management.

The program officially launched June 4 at Lakepoint State Park, where students from the TRiO Upward Bound Program at Wallace Community College joined Alabama State Parks staff and volunteers to remove invasive Chinese tallowtree, an aggressive non-native species known for spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants. The Lakepoint event combined hands-on restoration with environmental education, allowing participants to learn about invasive species management while helping improve habitat conditions within the park.

“This initiative represents much more than a new piece of equipment,” said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. “It represents a statewide conservation team that can be deployed wherever the need exists across our park system. By restoring native habitat, removing invasive species and engaging volunteers in stewardship projects, we can make a greater impact on the landscapes we manage and the experiences we provide our visitors.”

Grant funding was used to purchase and outfit specialized trailers, tools, safety equipment and restoration supplies that can be deployed wherever restoration needs arise within the park system. Funding will allow Alabama State Parks to support restoration projects and volunteer workdays at parks statewide while expanding opportunities for environmental education and community engagement.

“The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils is proud to support Alabama State Parks through this initiative,” said Clara Romine, grants director for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils. “By investing in habitat restoration and invasive species management, we are helping protect Alabama’s natural resources while strengthening opportunities for community involvement and environmental stewardship.”

Alabama State Parks plans to utilize the Statewide Native Habitat Restoration Crew at parks across the state throughout the year. Future projects will focus on removing invasive plant species, restoring native plant communities, improving wildlife habitat and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

Organizations, schools, civic groups, and community partners interested in establishing a volunteer service day or participating in habitat restoration projects are encouraged to contact Simon at Tasha.Simon@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Future projects will be scheduled at parks across Alabama, bringing together park staff, volunteers, schools, and community partners to improve and protect public lands. Information about future restoration projects and volunteer opportunities will be shared through Alabama State Parks social media channels.

About Alabama State Parks

The Alabama State Parks Division, a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, manages 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water across Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountain landscapes and offer a variety of recreational opportunities including camping, lodging, hiking, golfing, fishing, nature tourism, and educational programming. Alabama State Parks primarily operates through visitor-generated revenue and partnerships that support long-term sustainability and public access. For more information, visit alapark.com.