The best way to appreciate nature is to experience it.

That is a theme of the Land Trust of North Alabama as it seeks to conserve land at a time of historic population growth in the Huntsville area.

“We provide opportunities for people to get out into nature and experience it,” Land Trust Executive Director Mary Bostick said about one of the most important parts of the nonprofit’s mission.

The Land Trust owns and manages more than 9,000 acres of land in six counties in north Alabama. It has eight nature preserves that are open to the public. They are open from dawn until dusk every day.

“We are obviously pretty known for our trails,” Bostick said. “People hike. They mountain bike. A lot of people just enjoy going on a stroll, having a picnic, wildlife viewing, nature photography.”