List of National Natural Landmarks in Alabama facts for kids
Alabama is home to seven amazing places called National Natural Landmarks. These special spots are recognized by the United States government because they show off the best of nature's beauty and scientific importance. They are like natural treasures that help us learn about Earth's history, unique plants, and cool animals.
Contents
Alabama's Natural Wonders
Beaverdam Creek Swamp
Imagine a forest where the trees stand in water! That's a tupelo gum swamp. Beaverdam Creek Swamp is a rare example of this type of swamp, especially since it's not near the coast. It's located in Madison and is part of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. This swamp is a special place for many plants and animals.
Cathedral Caverns
Deep underground near Grant is Cathedral Caverns. This huge cave is about 11,000 feet (over 3,300 meters) long! Inside, you'll find "Goliath," a giant stalagmite that stands 45 feet (about 14 meters) tall. Stalagmites are rock formations that grow up from the cave floor. It's like a natural sculpture gallery!
Dismals Canyon
Dismals Canyon is a beautiful sandstone gorge near Hackleburg. A gorge is a narrow valley with steep, rocky sides. What makes this place extra special are tiny creatures called dismalites. These are a type of fly larvae that glow in the dark! You can see their amazing bioluminescent (living light) glow on night tours. This 85-acre area is a natural conservatory, protecting these unique creatures.
Mobile Tensaw River Bottom Lands
Near Spanish Fort, you'll find the Mobile Tensaw River Bottom Lands. This is the second largest river delta in the entire United States! A delta is where a river splits into many smaller streams before flowing into a larger body of water. This huge area, covering 260,000 acres (about 1,050 square kilometers), has many different habitats and lots of wildlife. You can even explore parts of it on the 200-mile Bartam Canoe Trail.
Newsome Sinks Karst Area
The Newsome Sinks Karst Area near Union Hill is a fascinating place. A "karst area" means the land has been shaped by water dissolving soluble rock, creating many caves and sinkholes. This area has more than 40 caves, with over 50,000 feet (about 15,000 meters) of known passages. It's a huge underground maze!
Red Mountain Expressway Cut
In Birmingham, the Red Mountain Expressway Cut is a unique landmark. It's part of Red Mountain Park. When the expressway was built, it cut through Red Mountain. This cut shows off layers of rock that tell an amazing story about Earth's geological history. It's like looking at the pages of a very old book about our planet!
Shelta Cave
Shelta Cave in Huntsville has a cool history. It used to be a dance hall! Now, it's home to the National Speleological Society, a group that studies caves. This cave is super important because over nine species of cave-dwelling animals were first discovered here. It's a vital home for unique underground creatures.
See also
