Nestled among the natural beauty of Millbrook, Alabama, the Alabama Wildlife Federation has been a champion for wildlife, conservation, and outdoor education for generations. Through its work at the Alabama Nature Center and across the state, AWF connects people of all ages with Alabama’s remarkable natural resources while inspiring responsible stewardship for the future.
As we celebrate our 2026 Nonprofit of the Year, we also have an opportunity to support the meaningful work AWF is doing every day to educate, inspire, and connect people with Alabama’s wildlife.
This year, AWF is focusing on strengthening their Raptor Education Program through improvements to raptor housing and training equipment.
AWF recently completed a remarkable $750,000 Wildlife Education Building at the Alabama Nature Center, providing upgraded facilities for approximately 100 animals used in educational programming. The facility will be dedicated in memory of Dr. Sam Miller, whose family and friends chose this project as a lasting way to honor his life and legacy.
Among the animals cared for through these programs are three raptors that serve as powerful educational ambassadors. These birds help bring wildlife education to life for children, families, schools, and community groups throughout our region.
The next step is to enhance the specialized equipment needed to safely care for, transport and train these raptors. Their current wish list includes:
-Upgraded Raptor Housing Units used during transport for the Nature On Wheels program and for routine care
A new Flight Training Station for the existing Raptor Mew
The estimated cost of these improvements is approximately $10,000.
We would love to see our Chamber membership come together to help make this project possible. Every contribution, large or small, will help provide the equipment needed to care for these incredible animals and expand the educational experiences they make possible.
Nonprofits serve a vital role in the health of our economy. Supporting the MACC Nonprofit of the Year is one more way our business community can demonstrate what makes Millbrook special: businesses and organizations investing in one another and in the quality of life of the communities we serve.
If you or your business would like to make a contribution toward the Raptor Education Program, you can follow the link below. Be sure to mention “2026 MACC Nonprofit of the Year” in the additional details. You can also bring your donation when you attend our 2026 Giving Luncheon on December 10th at the Catfish House.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and invest in the important work of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, MACC’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year.
If you have exciting news to share with the Central Alabama business community, send your press releases (and high-quality images) to [email protected].
