Family donation expands Monte Sano Preserve by 25 acres

A generous donation by the Harman family–longtime Huntsville residents–has expanded the Monte Sano Nature Preserve by 25 acres.

This newly protected property shares approximately 1,826 feet of boundary with land owned by the Forever Wild Land Trust and managed as part of Monte Sano State Park.

The addition strengthens an already significant conservation corridor, ensuring the continued protection of vital habitat for native plants and wildlife.

The Harman family donates 25 acres in memory of William Max Harman

The Harman family made the donation in loving memory of their brother, William Max Harman, described by his family as “a true naturalist and lover of life.”

The land features a typical upland hardwood forest with minimal invasive species and provides important habitat connectivity for the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

By conserving this property, the Land Trust also helps maintain a natural buffer between surrounding residential and commercial areas, protecting the mountain’s scenic character and ecological integrity for generations to come.

Beyond habitat conservation, the site may hold potential for future public recreation or environmental education opportunities, according to the Land Trust of North Alabama.

We are very grateful to the Land Trust of North Alabama. With their help, the Harman family has been able to donate 25 acres for the benefit of nature.

It was a group effort with encouragement from Inge Harman and her husband, Roger Rasnake, Hill Harman, Sara Harman, Hannah Carter, Maggie Rasnake, Julia Rasnake, Jeff Simson, and Delia Harman. Everything is done in loving memory of our parents, Inge Steuer and Harlan S. Harman, who raised our family there since 1950.

The Harman family in an official statement

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