By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

Do you know the reason for Labor Day? Labor Day was created to honor the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of the country.

Many enjoy the long weekend off by grilling out, spending the weekend on the lake, or being lazy as we see this day as the unofficial end to summer.

This Labor Day weekend, come out to Oak Mountain State Park to learn about nature with the Park Naturalist.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the Naturalist will lead a walk along the Light Trail talking about the different flora and fauna that can be seen on the trail.

Meet at the entrance to the Light Trail, located just inside the campground at 10 a.m. for this easy terrain learning walking experience.

Travel by some longleaf pines and learn about their uses and ways the park works to maintain their habitat.

On Monday, Sept. 5, come learn about the birds of Alabama by taking a walk along the Treetop Nature Trail.

Here we will talk about the birds that you can see in the cages as well as all the other birds that call Alabama home at some point throughout the year. Meet at the bottom of the stairs at Treetop Nature Trail at 10 a.m. for this educational tour.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them. Thank you for your support.