Oftentimes, historians and naturalists work hand in hand to preserve and promote the natural beauty and the cultural-historical significance of a site, area, or region. Furthermore, as a means of understanding the human history of a site, an appreciation of the natural resources of that site can provide insight into the quality of that human history. To that end, history and nature work in tandem as two of the featured attractions along the proposed Tensaw Parkway in north Baldwin County. That is no truer than with the inclusion of portions of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail within the auspices of the Tensaw Parkway Scenic Byway.

The proposed Tensaw Parkway begins on the Mobile Bay Causeway at Battleship Memorial Park and continues along the State Highway 225-59 corridor all the way to the Monroe County line. Along the corridor, historical, cultural, and natural attractions are highlighted as a means of appealing to tourists that desire better availability of watchable wildlife and to who hope to immerse themselves in the history of the region. The Parkway features Battleship Memorial Park and its numerous displays that include the U.S.S. Alabama, the submarine U.S.S. Drum and several aircraft and ground assault equipment dating to the pre-WWII era through the conflicts of Korea and Vietnam. The history of the region is further demonstrated in Spanish Fort and Historic Blakeley State Park through their scars of battle left when the last major battle of the Civil War took place, in and around those sites. The Confederate defenses at those locations served as the line of battle in fighting that took place leading up to and beyond the surrender by Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, Va. effectively ending the American Civil War. Fort Mims, located north of the Blakeley battlefield and situated off State Highway 225, offers visitors the prospect of walking hallowed ground that was the location of a tremendous battle between local settlers and Red Stick Creeks. This site became the initiator of the larger Creek War which itself was a component of the War of 1812.

Bicentennial Park in Stockton celebrates the rich heritage of Baldwin County through its ongoing projects including the Native American lifestyles exhibit and the upcoming 19th century blacksmiths shop. With education and recreation at the center of the Park’s goals the natural component of the facility is supported by a 2 mile walking trail that provides visitors the good fortune to see the flora and fauna of the river delta for themselves.

The Tensaw Parkway’s natural attributes are enhanced by the water access points along its 55 mile expanse. Primary among these is the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center located on the Mobile Bay Causeway. The center presents water access points and educational opportunities through its walking trail and magnificent meeting facilities onsite. Complementing the unparalleled facilities is the birding opportunities at the Causeway-based facility.

Birding enthusiasts, in particular, will enjoy the spring and fall seasons along the Tensaw Parkway at numerous sites including the Five Rivers Center. According to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail website, “the decks of the Delta Hall and the perimeter trail around the facility provide excellent vantage points to observe birds that are representative of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta marsh and waterways.” The location puts visitors within range of several gull and tern species in addition to the Brown Pelican, Osprey, herons, and egrets.

The birding spots on the causeway also include Battleship Park and Meaher State Park. Here, enthusiasts can watch an assortment of shorebirds in addition to the mixture of ducks and gulls. Both facilities are listed in the official guide of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail which can be examined in more detail by visiting alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. Further along the Tensaw Parkway, travelers can stop to observe the array of bird species at scores of locations. For instance, at Cliff’s Landing, located off State Highway 225 on County Road 7 is listed by the Birding Trail website as one of the best places in the state to see Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites throughout the spring and summer. Historic Blakeley State Park provides the visitor with viewing opportunities of the woodland species within a large, inviting setting. Other sites off the Tensaw Parkway, including the Splinter Hill Bog site on County Road 47 and the Mobile Tensaw Delta Wildlife Management Area on County Road 86, add to the potential for birding on a year-round basis.