Rendering of 4-H AL Environmental Science Education Center. Image courtesy of Davis Architects

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby is going to be a busy individual today as he helps celebrate two of our state’s newest projects to provide top-level environmental educational facilities. He’ll be present at 10 a.m. when the Alabama 4-H unveils its new $5 million, 17,500 square-feet Environmental Science Education Center nestled along Lay Lake near Columbiana. He will then make his way to Birmingham this afternoon for a 2 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on Ruffner Mountain‘s new visitors center.

This morning’s 4-H dedication ceremony will also feature the release of several rehabilitated red-tail hawks by the Southeast Raptor Center, part of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, a symbol of 4-H’s commitment to the environment according to a statement included in their press release. A Shockwave slide show presentation is available on the organization’s website.

The 4-H center has received LEED Gold certification while Ruffner is seeking LEED certification upon completion of the project.