RESTORE OAK MOUNTAIN #2

 On March 25, 2021, a tornado RIPPED through Oak Mountain State Park - over 400 trees were lost. Michael and I are road cyclists and spend most of our time riding at Oak Mountain. Pausing during a ride weeks after the tornado ripped apart the back lake, we sat in total shock on a bent up bench staring at the lone survivor...a pine. With tears in our eyes and sick to our stomachs, Michael finally broke the silence saying, "We need to do something!" Immediately, the Restore Oak Mountain project idea divinely revealed itself to us.  After months of planning, a subsequent incredible collaborative volunteer effort took place. Two plants dates: December 4th and January 15th brought over 40 new trees back to the lake utilizing a carefully laid out design. 

Five oaks on an upper slope created a hammocking area with an incredible view! Riverbirches, bald cypress, and live oaks, now line the lake's bank, magnifying the picturesque scene. Beautiful white dogwoods escort you along the walkway down to the beach. Loblolly pines, set on the upper parking area, announce your arrival to a special place. An elm tree, stationed in the center of the circle drive, stands tall to welcome you. The fireplace at the pavilion is beautifully framed with staggered magnolias and laurel oaks! The rest of the oaks and maples are now shade for picnic areas and sources of additional orchestrated beauty. 

A HUGE thank you to our Advanced Landscape team (for their hard work and great attitude), Paul and Christine (for their physical help with planting, and mind-blowing photography), Tommy Diffee (for his bobcat work and laughs), Taylor Reed Graphic Designs (for her incredible marketing), Travis M. Sherman (for his extraordinary promotion skills), the super helpful Oak Mountain staff, Site One, donations from Spec16 Lighting, Mercedes Benz of Birmingham, Alabama Outdoors, Margarita Grill, Creekside BBQ, Mr. Buggs,  Jim Dargan, John McGinnis, Behn Wartenberg and multiple anonymous donors. A special category of trees were donated to honor the following: Barbara Davis, Barbara Pannabecker, Elsbeth Germanson,  and Charlotte Ryan. What an honor and privilege it was to "Restore Oak Mountain"!