Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail at the University of South Alabama
We took a peaceful walk through the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trails on the campus of the University of South Alabama early in the morning on October 1, 2022. The weather was perfect with beautiful skies and mild temperatures. The trail begins just across the street from a very well maintained outdoor workout area for students and faculty. The sound of running water flowing across a small spillway and under the road added to the tranquility of the morning.
As we strolled across a sturdy foot-bridge above the murky cypress bog that was smothered in lily pads and dotted with cypress knees, a lone egret emerging from its slumbers in the crest of a cypress paid little attention to our presence. The bridge brought us to a narrow footpath that skirted the bog before it meandered through a pine forest. The trails crisscross at intervals so that hikers can choose how far they want to trek through the woods.
Aside from the cypress bog, the trail varied little in the type of terrain and forest growth that could be found. It was well marked, and there were many informative plaques with nature quotes and information about the abundance of plant and animal life that inhabited these woods. It was an easy walk with only a couple of slight inclines.
We passed several other hikers and a couple of bikers during our two hour visit. The trail is one of the major improvements that have been made to the University of South Alabama in the last few years. The campus is much larger with many more facilities than when I attended first in the 80s and then in the 90s completing my BS and M Ed degrees in education. It is a lovely campus.
Altogether, this was a nice trail and worth the 30 minute drive from Irvington. I will probably keep it on my rotation of trails to visit during each season, but it wasn’t as quiet as other trails in the area. The forest did little to muffle the sounds of the surrounding city. That didn’t seem to bother the wildlife as there was plenty of evidence that small mammals, reptiles and birds called this park home.
Find out more about the trail at the university’s website.
Click the link below to take a virtual walk with me through the Glenn Sebastian Trail.
