Alabama the Beautiful: Women Leading the Way Outdoors

Here in Alabama, we know our natural beauty is something truly special. For too long, outdoor activities felt like a boys' club, but thankfully, that's changing! We're highlighting three amazing Alabama women who are deeply connected to our state's wild side.

Marilyn Vetter: The Preservationist

Marilyn Vetter, CEO of Quail Forever, understands the importance of preserving our outdoor spaces. Growing up, she spent countless hours outside, learning the value of conservation from her mother. “My parents instilled that value, that nothing was to be wasted,” she says. "Every time you take a bird, you hold it and you value it because it gave something for you.”

Marilyn believes experiencing the outdoors can spark a powerful connection. For hunters, it's more than just the game bag; it's being out there with family and friends. At Quail Forever, their goal is to show everyone that "small actions lead to greater impact." Conservation can be life-changing, filling a void you never knew existed.

Christiana Roussel: Finding Magic in Nature

Birmingham's own Christiana Roussel, editor, award-winning writer, and host of the Afield podcast, is a true nature lover. She shares a quote from Thoreau: "I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."

Christiana admits she discovered the outdoors later in life. She now appreciates the joy of watching dogs work, the camaraderie of quail hunts, and the quiet exhilaration of fly fishing. And of course sitting by a bonfire. She adds, "It may have taken me a while to get here, but I’m savoring every moment of these newfound adventures."

Blakelee Moody: Home Sweet Alabama

Blakelee Moody, an Alabama content creator and outdoor enthusiast, offers a fresh perspective on being a modern outdoorswoman.

She challenges the "drive-through state" perception, asking, "When was the last time you explored your backyard?" From live oaks to azaleas, beaches to hills, Alabama offers endless beauty and wildlife.

Blakelee sees being outdoors as a calling, connecting her to nature in a profound way. "Being an outdoorswoman feels like a calling I can’t turn down," she says. "It allows me to simplify my life, silence the distractions and the noise, and bring perspective to what’s really important." Her goal is to inspire other women to get outside, embracing their femininity while falling in love with Alabama's natural wonders.