Key Reasons to Protect Cypress Nature Preserve
Rare Urban Ecological Wild: Located just over a mile from the Alabama State Capitol, this 250-acre site is a rare "urban wild"—a pristine, remnant natural ecosystem featuring ancient river bluffs, natural seeps, deep ravines, and the cathedral-like Tupelo Swamp of ancient water tupelo trees.
Essential Flood Protection & Stormwater Retention: As Cypress Creek flows from surrounding neighborhoods toward the Alabama River, the preserve’s natural wetlands act as a critical sponge. Paving or commercial development in this basin increases severe stormwater runoff and flooding risks for adjacent neighborhoods.
Natural Water Filtration & Air Purification: The wetland system provides vital ecosystem services at no cost to municipal taxpayers—filtering urban pollutants out of water entering the Alabama River watershed, purifying local air, and serving as a major carbon sink.
Public Recreation & Educational Value: Planned in partnership with community initiatives like River Region Trails, preserving this land ensures all Montgomery residents have equitable access to nature, hiking trails, boardwalks, hands-on ecological observation, and outdoor STEM education for local school students.
Irreplaceable Public Asset vs. Private Profit: Converting a rare 250-acre public natural wetland into a private event venue permanently robs future generations of Montgomery residents of public green space for the one-time profit of a commercial developer.
Words from the Community
Cypress Nature Preserve encompasses more than 250 acres of never developed land located less than a mile northeast of the Alabama State Capitol, just off the banks of the Alabama River. Defined by its unique, crater-like topography, the preserve appears scooped out of the Kings Hill and Capitol Heights neighborhoods, dropping more than 100 feet into a boggy Tupelo Swamp. This dramatic landscape offers exceptional potential for inner city outdoor recreation, education and nature observation.
“Parks and nature improve quality of life. Quality of life improves value. Developing open spaces instead of redeveloping abandoned space is unwise.
And I’ll add it is short term thinking which only benefits the developers, the politicians in their pocket, but not the community.”
— Community Member on FB“We have more land available in this city than most cities have, picking a nature reserve is not a smart move. Start tearing down all the old dilapidated structures rather than just letting them stand as an eyesore to this city. Clean it up and start selling there”
— Community Member on FB“My first time hiking Cypress, there was a moment when I found myself surrounded by butterflies, as they darted back and forth among the flowers. It was so magical, I want our kids to be able to experience this too.”
— Community Member on FB“NO! This is a rare ecosystem that can never be replaced. It would be a huge loss to future generations and the environment if this natural habitat is destroyed!”
— Community Member on FB“Cypress Pond or Swamp. It's been called many things. You wouldn't believe this is just within walking distance from downtown Montgomery but it is. It is a complete ecosystem within its boundaries and depends on nothing outside. This area was here before New Philadelphia and East Alabama Town. It was here when Native Americans roamed the land.”
— Community Member on FB