[Announcer] This program is supported by grants from the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation.

The Alabama wildlife Federation, working for wildlife since 1935.

And the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Alabama providing educational and social opportunities for adults.

(upbeat music) Alabama, a land of miles and miles of forest, 23 million acres of forest lands with many types of forest and the diversity of tree species and forest habitats greater than can be found elsewhere in the nation.

(upbeat music) Hi, I'm Doug Phillips, new comers to Alabama, always marvel at the state's endless beautiful forest.

Often commenting, everything is so green comparing to other states.

Some folks proclaim Alabama's forest lands, a uniquely vast Grand Sylvan Realm.

(upbeat music) This program is about a land unknown to many people.

A land that in many ways has maintained its native natural wonders.

(upbeat music) A place of bound for buck country, forests, streams and wildlife, more diverse they can be found in much of the inhabited world.

(upbeat music) Come along with me as we explore the wild wonders of this land.

Come along as we discover Alabama.

(upbeat music) Welcome to Discovering Alabama, during Discovering Alabama's almost 40 years of doing TV programs.

We've done numerous shows about Alabama forest.

We've examined the intriguing history of these lands.

We've looked at their significant economic value and we've considered their great environmental and ecological values.

But today we're bringing you a special program that regales simply in the presence of these lands.

First, we'll enjoy a little overview of Alabama's impressive national forest.

Next we'll talk a little more and then we'll take an uplifting journey across Alabama's private forest.

(upbeat music) Alabama's national forests are public lands.

They're available for public use, offering a variety of opportunities for respite and recreation.

Alabama's private forest lands that greater majority of Alabama's forest land comprise the extensive timberlands and farm lands across the state that sustain the multiple forest values and rural values.

So vital and supporting many qualities of life in Alabama.

(upbeat music) Those many qualities of woods, water and wildlife that you and I enjoy about living in this state.

(upbeat music) Thank you for joining me for this special presentation of Alabama's Grand Sylvan Realm.

Alabama's forests are uniquely abundant and diverse, helping set our state apart from other regions.

I hope all Alabamians will join and promoting the protection and perpetuation of this impressive forest heritage.

(soft tempo music) (upbeat music) [Announcer] Discovering Alabama's produced in partnership with the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies.

Discovering Alabama is produced in partnership with Alabama Public Television.

Discovering Alabama is a production of the Alabama Museum of Natural History.

(upbeat music) This program is supported by grants from the Solon and Martha Dixon Foundation.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation, working for wildlife since 1935.

And the Osher Lifelong learning Institute at The University of Alabama, providing educational and social opportunities for adults.