Kathy Stiles Freeland Bibb County Glades Preserve
About the Business
The Kathy Stiles Freeland Bibb County Glades Preserve, located in Brierfield, Alabama, is a botanical wonder and a must-visit tourist attraction. This preserve is home to 61 rare plant species and the Little Cahaba River flowing through it is home to dozens of rare aquatic creatures. The site also features Brighthope Furnace, the earliest ironworks built in the State of Alabama. This breathtaking preserve is like a "lost world" of species and is currently the most biologically diverse piece of land known in the state.
The strategies for this preserve include visitor use control, restoration, prescribed burning, monitoring, and inventory. The protection goals for this site include the discovery of eight plant species that were previously unknown to science, including new species of rosinweed, blazingstar, prairie clover, and Indian-paintbrush. The preserve also supports the dwarf horse-nettle, a plant believed to be extinct since the early 1800s.
Visitors can explore the preserve during daylight hours, park at the entrance gate, and walk to the Little Cahaba River. Special events are also held throughout the year for visitors to participate in stewardship and educational activities. Don't forget to be mindful of the fragile plants in the preserve.
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Reviews
"Very beautiful place. Enjoy the sounds of the river along with fishing and other activities"
"Gorgeous little spot to just spend an hour or two sitting and marveling at nature. I went here on an afternoon in May and took pictures of about 30 *different* wildflowers, amazing. Watching the water of the Cahaba River flow through and over rocks and plants was also magical. One thing to note is that there is no marker from the main road (County Road 65) to the parking lot for this place. It felt a little creepy turning onto a dirt road with no signage, but the road to the parking lot was short and the payoff incredible. In retrospect, I didn't mind the lack of signage - it potentially reduces foot traffic to those people who who know about and want to come enjoy its wild splendor. I am glad someone brought it to my attention, and I will pass it on."
"Possibly my favorite nature preserve in Alabama. The species diversity is crazy. It's too bad the locals in the surrounding area don't seem to care about this- there's not even a sign for the place, though it's one of the most famous spots among botanists and naturalists in the US."
"Kathy Stiles freeland is at Briefield is a wonderful place near Birmingham . It is very good for one day trip or picnic. The River side is also very good."
"Quiet place with beautiful shoals,flowers, and trails that follow tributaries to the river. Good for swimming if you like fast moving wster."
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