The UA Arboretum and the Alabama Museum of Natural History invite the community to join in a free exploration of the outdoors and science in springtime with their all-ages “Spring Fling” event, which will be held at the UA Arboretum on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Visitors can expect to see native wildflowers in full bloom as well as showy ornamentals like azaleas and camellias. This time of year is also a great time to observe a great variety of birds stopping by the Arboretum on their annual journey north. The event will include guided Nature Ramble walks starting every half hour and will be led by experts who will share their knowledge of the blooms, birds, amphibians, insects, and other wildlife along the trails.

From guided Nature Rambles to engaging with local organizations at their tables, “Spring Fling” attendees will be able to explore botany, ecology, biology, and more.

Big Al will also be making an appearance at the event from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Location

4801 Arboretum Way
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

• Check out the Directions page for step-by-step driving directions and parking info.
• Find the Arboretum on the UA campus map.
• Download a printable trail map (pdf)

Driving Directions

Visitors cannot enter through the gate on Pelham Heights Road. Please make sure your GPS or map directions go to the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway (15th Street East) and Loop Road.

To enter the Arboretum, go through the tall, red, metal gate; pass through the running park/former University golf course; proceed to the rear of the paved parking lot; veer left at the Arboretum sign; and proceed through the black automatic gate down the one-lane gravel road.

Traffic flows both ways. Please drive slowly and pull over for approaching vehicles.

Parking

The main visitor parking lot is located uphill from the pavilion and greenhouses. You will travel approximately 0.3 mi through the forest, turn right at the intersection, and continue on the drive to reach our main visitor parking lot. This lot is where most visitors will want to park as it has easy access to the pavilion, greenhouses, restrooms, and trails.

A secondary small parking lot is available adjacent to the Children’s Garden. Two additional spots are located near the Wildflower Garden, and additional spaces may be available in the staff parking lot behind the Greenhouses, particularly for those guests who have difficulty navigating steps or trails.

Handicapped accessible parking is available in our staff parking lot next to the greenhouses. Please turn left at the intersection and take the next right up the hill past the shop to reach the staff/handicapped parking area. There is also a handicapped accessible parking spot beside the road near the wildflower garden.

Please do not park in or along the road without permission from Arboretum staff. Parking on the grass or any area other than gravel/road is prohibited.

For large events, visitors may be asked to park at the paved lot at our entrance and walk or ride a shuttle van to the Arboretum facilities.

Visitors are also welcome to park in the paved area and walk to the Arboretum.

Inclement Weather Plan

In the event of rain, “Spring Fling” will be moved indoors at the Alabama Museum of Natural History. The Museum is located in Smith Hall on The University of Alabama’s campus. The street address is 427 Sixth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

A decision will be made on Thursday, April 4.

Check out our Directions page for step-by-step directions and parking and public transit info.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this event, contact Kristin Harrell (Education Outreach Coordinator, Alabama Museum of Natural History) by calling 205-348-6383 or emailing kristin.harrell@ua.edu.