Highlighted in this video are four of Alabama’s arboretums and their significant contribution to the preservation of our native plants and trees.

In this program, host Dr. Doug Phillips takes an autumn stroll through Alabama woods to introduce viewers to individual members of the forest community and answer the commonly asked question, “what kind of tree is this?”

In an 1891 report, state geologist, Professor Eugene Allen Smith, noted that the area around Wetumpka was “structurally disturbed.” In this video, Dr. Phillips, along with expert geologists, examine evidence that suggests the altered landscape around Wetumpka is the result of an ancient asteroid collision.

The era of “new south” progress has brought important improvements to the southern region. However, parts of the South are also experiencing rapid growth and development that could threaten such traditional southern qualities as abundant natural surroundings and a comfortable pace of life. This video examines Tuscaloosa County, Alabama as an example of a southern community affected by accelerating new-south growth and faced with the challenge of managing this change so as to protect local...

Dr. Phillips visits Moundville Archaeological Park, famous village site of the mound-building Indian culture of the prehistoric Mississippian Period that lasted from about A.D. 1000-1550. The program examines the symbols, beliefs, and life ways of this once dominant culture and traces two centuries of study in an attempt to understand these early Americans and the significance of their earthen mounds

This video traces the history, and significance, of the Longleaf pine, Alabama’s official state tree. Experts now believe that the Longleaf ecosystem was at one time the single largest forest ecosystem in the south. This video highlights ongoing efforts to better understand and perpetuate the Longleaf Ecosystem.

Located atop Chandler Mountain in St. Clair County, this site is a unique ring of large rocks forming a natural corral, used by Indians and settlers for gathering horses, and today operated as a commercial attraction. This video shows the cultural values and natural beauty of historical Horse Pens 40.

This video visits Selma, Alabama to join the local school system’s annual celebration of Earth Day. Interviews with teachers, students, parents and various officials highlight the significance of this national day of environmental appreciation and give special emphasis to the importance of environmental education throughout the school year.

Alabama has almost 3,000 caves. Dr. Phillips takes viewers on an actual exploration of an unmapped cave in northern Alabama. Along the way he discusses how caves are formed, the diversity of geological and biological features that occur in caves, and the history and location of Alabama caves. “Classic Pilot Program”

The river’s name was taken from the Native American Chief Taskalusa (meaning black warrior) who encountered the De Soto expedition in 1540. This video recalls the history of the Black Warrior River from the time of early human settlement to the present. Special focus is given to the river’s changing status since the construction of a series of dams and locks completed earlier this century.

This video presents both the natural and the human history of Dauphin Island and describes the forces of geologic change to barrier islands. The show concludes by looking at environmental changes occurring on the island caused by growth and development and examines ways to manage such activities to benefit the island’s natural future.

This video features the life history and the environmental controversies surrounding the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), an endangered species that lives in Alabama. Issues discussed include the prevailing conflict between commercial timber interests and the interests of environmental preservationists.

This video is the second of the Discovering Alabama series featuring the Cahaba River. In it, Dr. Phillips explores the full length of the Cahaba and examines the relationship between river conditions and changes in the watershed. The program gives special attention to rain-dispersed, or non-point, sources of pollution.