How a gift shop saved this iconic Alabama lookout

Little River Canyon was once heralded as one of the “most overlooked towns”—but it was tourism that saved this iconic little lookout from falling to private contractors and turning into another real estate development.

A gift shop is credited with raising enough money to keep these lands public. Keep reading for a story you’ll hear first on the Bama Buzz.

Immediate issues

According to the folks at Little River Canyon National Preserve, it was not long after the preserve was established that the view from the rim was first put in jepoardy. A huge house was built, causing folks who pull off at the rim to get distracted by the house, not the stunning view.

“When students were dropped off to see the Canyon their focus became the big house instead of the river, soaring vultures or cliffs. Then real estate agents were seeing dollar signs and visitors from around the world would ask, ‘What’s that big house doing over there?’” 

Pete Conroy, Jacksonville State University Canyon Center Director

Why development was a problem

Despite the nearly 15-thousand acres preserved by the National Parks Service, the eastern border of the rim of the Canyon wasn’t included—meaning developers could raise the land and build whatever they wanted.

Folks at The Conservation Fund and the Nature Conservancy in Alabama banded together with Jacksonville State University to protect the rim before more homes were built.

“We weren’t able to transfer the land over to the National Park Service because of some technical restrictions, so I thought that Jacksonville State University might want to be a partner.” 

Andrew Schock, The Conservation Fund’s Vice President + Regional Director

Gift shop to the rescue

JSU’s Board of Trustees and President Don Killingworth mulled it over for about a year before agreeing to take on the land. Despite the land being a donation, there was around $20k worth of legal work to ensure the transfer was legal and no development could happen.

That’s where the gift shop comes in.

“All of this cost has been covered by revenue generated in our gift shop. Anna Lindsey-Brown, has done a great job establishing our store into a well-respected, unique place to shop.”

Pete Conroy, Jacksonville State University Canyon Center Director

“We are thrilled to have our revenue go to land conservation and we definitely want our customers to know that their purchases really matter!” 

Anna Lindsey-Brown, Gift Shop Prganizer

As of June 14, 2024, JSU owns the land. They handed over all developmental rights to the Freshwater Land Trust, ensuring the area stays forever wild.

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