The Tuskegee National Forest is planning to burn approximately 1,250 acres today. Forest Service roads 900, 906, 910, CR54 and Hwy 186 form portions of this burn boundary and should be traveled with caution.  During today’s burn, the public will notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment. Smoke will be visible from Interstate 85, Highway 186 Highway 29 and Highway 80 .

The wind is expected to be out of the north and carry the smoke to the south towards the interior of the Tuskegee National Forest.  As the temperatures cool later today, the smoke may begin to settle down in Choctafaula Creek drainage along highway 186. Some settling may also occur around the general area of the burn. Signs will be posted along Interstate 85, Hwy 186 and on Forest Service roads as needed.

Governor Robert Bentley has proclaimed next week "Earthquake Awareness Week" as part of the Great Central U.S. Shake Out.  This is a regional earthquake drill in which participants will simultaneously practice the recommended action during an earthquake which is DROP to the ground, Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table, and HOLD-ON to it until the shaking stops.

Beginning on Monday, February 6th, each day of Earthquake Awareness Week will have a different theme:

• Monday: Historic Alabama Earthquakes.
• Tuesday: Great Central U.S. ShakeOut, 10:15 a.m. What would you do?
• Wednesday: Know how to protect your home.
• Thursday: Protect your family by having a communication plan and a family emergency kit.
• Friday: Know how to protect your business and your employees

There is still time to sign up to be involved in the ShakeOut.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation is hosting statewide workshops entitled "Sustaining and Maintaining Your Outdoor Classroom as an Effective Learning Environment". 

The purpose of these workshops is to help teachers and schools sustain and maintain their outdoor classroom site as an effective educational tool for years to come.  They will have tips to help schools sustain excitement and maintain learning stations long after the newness wears off.

These workshops will be held at five different locations across Alabama, including Millbrook, which will host its workshop on February 23rd at the Alabama Wildlife Federation  The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m.