Where Nature and Knowledge Intertwine

Get curious. Get outside. Get inspired.

More than a plant.

Located on the site of a former drinking water treatment plant, we’ve transformed the space into North Alabama’s hands-on hub for environmental education.

Our programs connect people of all ages to the science of the natural world. Through small group experiences and immersive learning, we bring science out of the textbook and into the real world.

Field Trips

Bringing Lessons to Life

From outdoor explorations to laboratory sessions, students engage in hands-on field research across rich Alabama ecosystems. Students can experience a range of activities such as water quality testing, animal pelt examinations, dissections, tree identification, and more!

Hands-on and interactive

Explores real-world issues

Discussion-based

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More field trip info →

Our Programs

Teacher Workshops

Equipping educators with hands-on tools to bring environmental science to life in their classrooms.

Friday Night Science

Unwind with an evening of discovery, featuring expert-led workshops and science-centered meetups for adults.

Homeschool Classes

Engaging, curriculum-aligned lab sessions that turn the natural world into your student’s classroom.

Scout Merit Badge

Empowering young leaders to earn badges through immersive conservation projects and outdoor leadership training.

30+

Volunteers

$15000+

In Donations

7+

Wide-scale Projects

since 2025 rebrand

2026 Funding Goals

Pitcher Plant Bog

The Pitcher Plant Bog will be a new educational feature at WaterWorks designed to highlight Alabama’s native carnivorous plants. This indoor bog will allow students to observe pitcher plants up close while learning about wetland ecology, nutrient-poor soils, and plant adaptations. The bog will serve as both a teaching exhibit and a living habitat that demonstrates how these unique plants survive in wetland ecosystems.  

  • Estimated budget: $6,000
    • Pond liner and substrate
    • Plumbing and pump upgrades
    • Plant specimens

Stream Table

A stream table will allow students to explore how water moves through landscapes by creating and observing miniature river systems. Students can experiment with erosion, flooding, sediment movement, and watershed dynamics in a hands-on setting that brings watershed science to life.  

  • Estimated budget: $7,000
    • Lumber
    • Basin
    • Pump and water circulation system
    • Sediment
    • Accessories

Outdoor Wetland Restoration & Monitoring

WaterWorks has secured funding through the Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management (ADEM) to restore the wetland behind our facility as a functioning Best Management Practice (BMP) to improve water quality flowing into Flint Creek. This restoration will help

  • Estimated Budget: $50,000
    • Student waders
    • Dip nets and sampling equipment
    • Water quality monitoring equipment
    • Field sampling tools and supplies

Help us take a step towards our goals!

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Our Story

How it all started

In 1941, our site served as Hartselle’s original drinking water plant. After decades of service, pollution in Flint Creek forced the pumps to fall silent in 1993. In a bold, future-focused move, the retired facility was sold to AMRV RC&D for just $10— setting the stage for a massive repurposing.

Where we are today

We’ve evolved into a center for environmental science, where adventure meets education for all ages alike. Through our diverse programs, we foster a culture of sustainability, knowledge sharing, social community, and a lasting respect for nature.

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