DAPHNE, Ala. — The United States Sports Academy donated “Mobile Bay,” a painting created by world-renowned artist Wyland with school children from Mobile and Baldwin counties and a limited edition print of Wyland’s “Ocean Paradise” to 5 Rivers — Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, Dec. 4 at the 5 Rivers Center in Spanish Fort.

Valued at over $50,000, the canvas was donated in support of 5 River’s mission to conserve Mobile Bay’s wetlands. The academy also donated “Ocean Paradise” by Wyland and Guy Harvey to the 5 Rivers Center to place in their newly opened Welcome Center. Both pieces will be on public display at 5 Rivers.

Environmental artist Wyland created “Mobile Bay,” an 8-foot-tall by 20-foot-wide canvas Oct. 7 on the academy’s campus with the help of school children from Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Robertsdale, Gulf Shores, Foley, Mobile and Satsuma.

While on the academy’s campus in October, Wyland also painted a 30-foot-high mural of three dolphins on the academy building. Titled “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” the mural combines the simplicity and power of the Japanese Sumi techniques with Wyland’s personal style and vision.

The 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center is operated by the State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This new facility, located on the Mobile Bay Causeway, serves as a gateway for outdoor recreation, conservation education and land stewardship in Alabama.

For more information about 5 Rivers, visit www.alabama5rivers.com.