By Dixie Norwood
MSNHA graduate assistant
True to my word, I decided to take a little time during Spring Break to write on one of the nature trails located at Wheeler National Wildlife
Refuge. Here you go:
When I was probably 3 or 4 years old, my family took a camping vacation to one of the Carolinas. I remember it was still quite chilly, but the setting was remarkable. Now, some may question why I would use the word remarkable to describe a young girl’s memory. Well, have you ever caught a glimpse of something and the moment you see it, you drift back to a direct memory straight away? That is exactly what happened to me when I first saw Atkeson Cypress Trail. You see, the moment I saw the sunlight glistening through the Bald Cypress trees, I was taken back to that camping trip many moons ago.
There is a pretty amazing back story behind the name of this nature trail. Thomas Zephaniah Atkeson was an amazing human being — someone who experienced a tragic accident and persevered to accomplish more than could ever be asked of him. His story is worthy of true admiration and respect.
In the late 1930s, Tom Atkeson began work as a junior biologist at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. With World War II looming, he joined the army. Unfortunately, he was severely injured during a training session and lost not only his ability to see but also his hands & part of both arms. After being medically discharged two years later, he was eventually granted a job again at Wheeler. With the help of a guide and a driver, Atkeson memorized the layout of the refuge. In 1962, he was asked to become manager of the wildlife refuge, an amazing feat for someone with his physical challenges. He served in this role for nearly 30 years, achieving many awards & honors for his work.
I found this write up while searching the internet and thought it fitting to include in this blog. It’s from an annual narrative written about the refuge in 1999: “During his tenure as Refuge Manager, Wheeler NWR grew to be one of the flagship refuges in Region 4. His dedication to the refuge and wildlife was recognized numerous times during his career. He was twice recognized as Alabama Conservationist of the Year and named America n Motors National Conservationist of the Year. The City of Birmingham proclaimed a Tom Atkeson Day and presented him with a key to the city. He was named Federal Handicapped Employee of the Year in 1983, though he despised the word ‘handicapped.’ Honors continued until his retirement.”
As inspiring as this back story is, the trail itself is really a wonderful setting for photographers and bird watchers. The stress of grad school
slowly melted away as I walked the wooden trail bridge through the swampy landscape. I could have stayed there looking over the edge at the ducks wading in the water, the turtles sunning themselves, and the calmness of the atmosphere. Even with other audible sounds around me, I felt like I was the only person in the world experiencing such a magnificent scene.
Take the time and check out this nature trail for yourself. No matter the time of year or what you may have building up on your calendar, get out and experience this trail. I know I will be back very soon, remembering the good times of days gone by!
Note: I visited before the Atkeson Trail & Visitor Center (including the grounds, parking lot & Observation Building) will be closed on March 13 for renovations. Estimated reopening date is Oct. 31. Check the refuge’s website for updates.
