By 
June 25, 2025
The City of Huntsville supports four great organizations — Huntsville Botanical Garden, Burritt on the Mountain, the Land Trust of North Alabama and Singing River Trail — by helping cover their operating costs. This support allows them to focus on their important work, whether it’s preserving history, protecting green spaces, promoting education or connecting communities with nature. Each of these organizations plays a key role in shaping Huntsville’s rich cultural and natural landscape.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden has long been a beloved part of the community, providing a space where people can connect with nature.
“Our goal is to connect people to plants to promote a healthier quality of life in our region,” said Sue Wagner, Executive Director of Huntsville Botanical Garden. “We’re excited to bring these experiences to Huntsville through plant science, conservation and education.”
Education is a key component of the garden’s work. Programs like field trips, camps and teacher professional development initiatives — such as the Cultivate program—help foster a love for plants and sustainability among students and educators alike.
One of the most exciting recent projects is the Mother Earth Troll Garden.
The new garden spans 1 acre and offers a maze experience alongside a whimsical, 20-foot seated Mother Earth troll. Created by renowned recycle artist Thomas Dambo, these trolls have been installed worldwide, attracting visitors from around the globe. Huntsville is fortunate to be home to the Southeast’s only Dambo troll.
Beyond the troll maze, Huntsville Botanical Garden has more ambitious plans on the horizon, including a new greenhouse complex.
Burritt on the Mountain
Perched atop Monte Sano Mountain, Burritt on the Mountain (locally known as simply “Burritt”) is more than just a scenic overlook of Huntsville. As one of Huntsville’s most treasured historic sites, it is a place where history, culture and education intersect to provide a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Burritt was established in 1955 as Huntsville’s first museum, thanks to the generosity of Dr. William Henry Burritt, a local physician and philanthropist, who donated his estate and its accompanying land to the City.
Burritt has grown far beyond Dr. Burritt’s initial vision, evolving into a dynamic cultural and educational hub. It offers a wide range of programs and services that enrich the community, including over 150 guided field trips annually, Folk School workshops on trades such as blacksmithing and stained glass making, popular community events such as Cocktails at the View, and nature trails that allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of Monte Sano.
“Burritt is more than just a museum—it’s a place where history comes to life,” said Melanie Thornton, CEO of Burritt on the Mountain. “We want visitors to feel immersed in the stories of Huntsville’s past while also enjoying the beauty of our mountaintop setting.”
Land Trust of North Alabama
For decades, the Land Trust of North Alabama has played a crucial role in conserving green spaces and providing outdoor recreational opportunities in the Huntsville area. Founded in 1987, the Land Trust has been instrumental in preserving critical landscapes in North Alabama.
Over the past year, the Land Trust has continued its efforts to acquire and protect key properties, specifically focusing on parcels that connect existing preserves as both recreational areas for people and migration corridors for wildlife and plant life.
Another major area of growth for the organization has been environmental education. In 2019, the Land Trust served about 500 people annually through its education programs. By 2024, that number had surged to nearly 8,900.
Looking ahead, the Land Trust is focused on its latest initiative: the Nature Discovery Center at Hickory Cove, located on the east side of Chapman Mountain.
“This center will serve as our new home, as well as an educational and visitor services hub for outdoor recreation,” said Executive Director Marie Bostick. “We’re in the middle of a capital campaign and are working on developing a trail network and expanding programming on the property to engage the community.”
Through land conservation, education and advocacy, the Land Trust of North Alabama continues to make a lasting impact on the region, ensuring that the natural beauty of Huntsville remains a defining feature of the community.
Singing River Trail
In the heart of North Alabama, a visionary project is weaving together communities, economies and natural landscapes. The Singing River Trail (SRT) is more than a planned 220-mile greenway spanning multiple counties in North Alabama — it’s a movement aimed at promoting connectivity, economic growth and outdoor recreation across the region.
Born out of and launched in 2017 as part of Launch 2035, SRT is designed to connect cities, towns and rural areas through a trail network that includes roads, bike paths, nature trails, equestrian trails and more. Its vision is rooted in economic development, outdoor access and the idea that communities thrive when connected.
Along its route, the trail encourages business growth, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs, restaurants and retail shops to cater to trail users. Accordingly, SRT partners with Launch 2035 to host an annual Launch Tank, a “Shark Tank”-style event that allows entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas live to hundreds of business leaders, public officials and community members.
“People sometimes think about trails as just a place to walk or bike, but they are so much more,” said Associate Director Anna Clem. “A project like the Singing River Trail can help revitalize small towns, support local businesses and even attract talent by making North Alabama a more desirable place to live and work.”
Looking ahead, the SRT team is focused on installing signs on the existing 51 miles of trails, expanding trail connections, securing additional funding and continuing to promote awareness of the project. Partnerships with municipalities like Huntsville are critical in bringing this ambitious vision to life.
How the City Supports Nonprofits through Outside Agency Appropriations
*Each year, the City of Huntsville makes appropriations to numerous nonprofits and organizations that enhance the culture, community, education, recreation, public safety and other essential aspects of a growing community. In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the City will deliver appropriations to 38 nonprofit agencies and organizations totaling $3,310,996.
Over the next few months, City Blog will highlight the nonprofits and organizations that will receive appropriations in FY25 and their work to better our community:
