By Marla Ballard

Reporter

FORT PAYNE -  Since 2009 The Little River Canyon Center (LRCC) has been welcoming visitors to Little River National Preserve, the preserve covers over 14,000 acres. The facility features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, back deck, outdoor amphitheater, pavilion, public restrooms, and trails. It is available to rent for meetings, social gatherings, corporate retreats, and other special events.

LRCC is owned and managed by Jacksonville State University. The Canyon Center is a partnership between Jacksonville State University and Little River Canyon National Preserve. It features a regular schedule of programs that include concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and more; many of which are free of charge. Upcoming weekend events, being held at the LRCC: Basket Weaving on 2/11 at 9:00 a.m.; Hike with a Naturalist on 2/11 at 10:30 a.m.; Fly Tying 101 Workshop on 2/25 at 3:00 p.m.

An evening of Jazz is scheduled for February 17. The concert presents the return of Tad of Jazz & Aubry Itson. The performance will include a wide variety of contemporary and traditional jazz styles. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with Social Hour and silent auction; Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Music and Dancing at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are $75 in advance. The ticket price includes a three-course meal and entertainment. Proceeds benefit environmental education programs at LRCC. Reservations must be made no-later-than February 10. No refunds or exchanges. Find The Winter Jazz Dinner & Concert tickets @ canyoncenter.org

“We are always looking for new talent from the area to feature at one of our events,” said Anna Lindsey, Manager of Sales & Services at LRCC.

The LRCC building itself is educational as it is a LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified structure that employs geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, added insulation and other advanced sustainable design elements. All areas are handicap accessible, except for hiking trails. However, Little River Falls has a handicap accessible boardwalk to the falls. Loan of a wheelchair with appropriate identification is available.

The gift shop offers souvenirs from local industries and artists: Zkano Socks, Orbix Hot Glass, artwork by Lydia Randolph, and local jewelry artisans. 

Guests interested in hiking may acquire a map to guide them on the Bridge Trail, Eberhart Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, Lower Two-Mile Trail, Little Falls Trail, and other trails. 

Follow on Facebook for information on upcoming yearly events that include; Canyon Fest, Earth Day, educational programs, hikes and more. Located at 4322 Little River Canyon Pkwy, Fort Payne. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: 256-845-3548. Email canyoncenter@jsu.edu