By Terrance Johnson
MSNHA grad student & outdoor-recreation consultant
Help us outfit the next generation of adventurers in Northwest Alabama.
At the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, we believe some of our greatest experiences happen in the outdoors. Giving access to those spaces is the best gift we can give this holiday season. Researchers tell us that exploring nature is good for our social, psychological & physical health — and especially beneficial for your young people.
Over the summer, in partnership with the Tennessee RiverLine, MSNHA introduced dozens of first-time paddlers to kayaking at no cost through community paddle events. Two groups who participated in these events were Common Ground Shoals and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Shoals. Most of these youth had never been on the water and probably would have minimal opportunities to do so without this initiative. They practiced new skills, got some invigorating exercise, learned the value of waterways — and had fun!
Those sessions reinforced our dedication to provide outdoor experiences for everybody. We want to continue building accessibility to our natural landscape, and you can help. In fact, we need your help and we’ve made it easy for you. Our big idea? Create a loan closet for camping and backpacking gear that will be free-to-rent for any local group looking for an overnight adventure.
For as little as the cost of a morning cup of coffee, you could contribute to one of the 15 sets of gear we need to build this rental program. At $200 per set, our fundraising goal is $3,000. Your donation would break down barriers for people who may not
have the chance to immerse themselves in our natural wonders without this access opportunity. Go here to donate.
If you’d rather donate physical gear, we can accept your new or gently used equipment (with all the parts!) at the MSNHA office,472 N. Court St., Florence. Below is a list of items that would help stock the closet. If you want to donate a piece of equipment not listed or are unsure if your gear will work for us, email msnha@una.edu.
- Backpacking packs (~40L)
- Single-person tents (rainfly required
- Sleeping bags (rated for 30 degrees or lower)
- Sleeping pads
- Pocket rocket-style camping stoves
Thank you so much for supporting northwest Alabama’s unique natural environment and for helping create opportunities where everyone can enjoy & learn from it. The MSNHA community thrives on collaboration, cooperation & access for all. You make that happen when you donate to this project.
