The construction of the new canopy/birding tower for Perry Lakes Park has begun. The Alabama Forestry Commission has donated to The Rural Studio the Rumley Fire Tower from Sumter County near York, Alabama. Following extensive tower construction training, Thesis Students Adrienne Brady, Natalie Butts, Paul Howard, and Coley Mulcahy have finished the deconstruction of the tower, cleaned and regalvanized the steel, prepared foundations, constructed a beautiful cantilevered boardwalk along the oxbow lake edge approach, and are almost finished re-erecting the relocated tower. Perched on the edge of the lake, the tower provides views up to 100′ high, a full 20′ above the existing hardwood and cyprus canopy. Together the tower and boardwalk offer new and amazing viewing for birders unmatched anywhere in the United States. Now THAT is Extreme Birding…

As the Project nears completion, you can help by participating in the “Buy a Step” fundraiser. The steps used for ascending into the canopy are for sell to donors for $100 each. At the time of this writing, there are less than 40 steps left; they are selling fast. each donor will be honored with an engraved stainless steel name plate affixed permanently to the step.

For more information, contact Natalie Butts or simply download the purchase form here.

All donations are tax deductible.