The Shoals Backyard
Our Mission - "The Shoals Backyard exists to protect, restore, and celebrate the natural spaces of the Shoals and Northwest Alabama through hands-on stewardship, community clean-ups, and outdoor education. We work to keep our trails, creeks, forests, and waterways clean and healthy while fostering a deeper understanding, appreciation, and sense of responsibility for the natural world we share."
Our Team
Will Wiggins
Founder, Board Member
I work as a Land Steward at Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve with the Land Trust of North Alabama, where I help protect, maintain, and share one of the most stunning natural areas in the region. I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s in IT, but my heart has always belonged to the outdoors. Whether I'm hiking, kayaking, or studying local plant and wildlife species, I'm constantly inspired by the natural world. I'm currently enrolled in the Alabama Master Naturalist program through Auburn University and am pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport and Outdoor Recreation Management. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Keep the Shoals Beautiful and as the Program Coordinator for the Shoals RiverTown Committee of the Tennessee RiverLine. Nature is my classroom, and I'm always eager to learn, and teach, more.
I'm a biologist at University of North Alabama who studies darters, colorful freshwater fishes native to the southeastern U.S. I'm an Alabama Master Naturalist who works with multiple organizations dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of North Alabama biodiversity. My hobbies include hiking, birding, and "rewilding" my back yard with Alabama native plants.
Kara Million
Board Member
Tyler Hill
Board Member
Gardener, cook, and outdoorsman. I grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including some native plants. I enjoy foraging and hiking with my dog Maple and I also kayak and fish. I moved to the area with my wife Mary Beth in 2021, and have come to love the natural beauty of the Shoals. I'm excited to be a part of Shoals Backyard and share my passion for the outdoors with my community.