PELHAM – Two events coming up at Oak Mountain State Park will give residents a chance to become one with nature.

First, on Monday, Feb. 18, area residents are invited to join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Attendees will meet with an OMSP Park Naturalist at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center at 10 a.m. for a quick introduction and overview of bird count details. The group will go birding on the way to the Alabama Wildlife Center where they will count as many birds as they can in the observation room for an hour.

The data will be used by scientists to better understand and help wildlife. The event is stroller friendly, but no dogs are allowed.

Attendees are welcomed to bring binoculars and a camera. The second event, on Saturday, Feb. 23, offers a look into the life cycle of salamanders and frogs.

Vernal Pools or Ephemeral Pools are bodies of water, usually void of fish, that form over the winter months and are the support system for the beginning of life for amphibians.

During this event, see egg masses up close and help welcome new salamanders into the world. The group will meet at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center at 1 p.m.

After a quick introduction, the group will go a short distance to the Vernal Pool.

Attendees should wear weather appropriate clothes. Leave strollers and dogs at home for this event. This is an easy and short walk to the vernal pool but keep in mind that the ground will be wet in areas. OMSP suggests wearing old shoes or boots, but be sure to bring a camera.

For more information, contact OMSP at 620-2520.