J.D and Annie Hays Nature Preserve

In November, 1999 Ann Hays donated to the City of Huntsville a tract of land comprising 538 acres of wilderness that has been virtually untouched for over 100 years. Not many months later, Ann Hays passed away. Her generous spirit will certainly be remembered by all nature enthusiasts from now in the form of the J.D and Annie Hays Nature Preserve.

The Hays Nature Preserve lies east of the city and the mountains. It has many similarities to the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to the west with its tupelo gum swamps. There are already about 7 miles of trails through the rolling terrain which is roughly bounded by Old Hwy 431, Hwy 431, and the Flint River. It's just south of Hampton Cove; one of the newer sections of Huntsville east of the mountains.

Plans are to basically leave the area as it is. A few small additions being planned are:

• A picnic area near the confluence of Big Cove Creek and the Flint River
• More trails
• An intrepretive center
• Two canoe launches

The Hays Nature Preserve isn't open just yet, but we'll add more information here as it becomes available.