At WaterWorks, we believe the best way to learn about nature is to step into it.
Located on the site of a former drinking water treatment plant, we’ve transformed a space with a polluted past into North Alabama’s hands-on hub for environmental education.
From school field trips to Scout merit badge classes and adult science nights, our programs connect people of all ages to the science of the natural world. Through small group experiences and immersive, place-based learning, we bring science out of the textbook and into the real world.
Get curious. Get outside. Get inspired.
What We Offer
WaterWorks serves students, families, and lifelong learners through a variety of hands-on science programs rooted in real-world environmental issues.
🚌 Field Trips – Designed for grades K–12, our field trips focus on topics like wetland ecology, biodiversity, water quality, and environmental stewardship. Each experience is standards-aligned, inquiry-based, and tailored to a single class or small group.
🧭 Scout Merit Badge Workshops – We offer unique opportunities for Scouts to earn nature-based merit badges through interactive, outdoor-focused sessions that meet all badge requirements.
🌙 Friday Night Science – This after-hours workshop series invites adults to explore science topics in a relaxed, hands-on setting. From exotic insect pinning to water chemistry, each session blends curiosity, conversation, and discovery.
📚 Homeschool Classes – With options for all ages, our seasonal classes give homeschool students hands-on experience with ecology, forestry, and wetland science.
🐾 Wilderness Explorers – Our preschool program introduces little learners to the wonders of nature through age-appropriate science, stories, and outdoor exploration. It’s the perfect first step for curious minds.
🍎 Teacher Workshops – Offered during the summer, these professional development sessions equip educators with tools, resources, and field-based strategies for teaching environmental science. Participants earn continuing education credit and take home classroom-ready materials.
💧 Alabama Water Watch Trainings – As a host site for Alabama Water Watch, we help community members become certified water monitors through hands-on workshops focused on protecting and restoring our local waterways.
No matter the age or background, every WaterWorks program is built to inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and spark a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Our Mission
At WaterWorks Center for Environmental Education, our mission is to inspire and educate our community by fostering curiosity and a deep appreciation for nature through hands-on environmental science.
Reconnecting
children and students with their local environment and nature
Instilling
a sense of wonder for nature through fun educational activities
Educating
students to become responsible stewards of the environment
Give Your Students an Unforgettable Experience
Class Options
Whether you’re looking to dive into environmental science, engage in hands-on activities, or connect with nature in new ways, we have something for everyone.
Book your Next Field Trip
Ready to bring the wonders of the natural world to your students? To ensure a seamless and unforgettable field trip experience, please fill out our request form completely.
Want to Volunteer?
Fill out our volunteer form and make a difference today.
