A family oriented exposition center providing a progressive venue for livestock competitions, equestrian events, agricultural exhibitions, rodeos, concerts and other community events for Alabamians. Kelley Bartlett Conservancy will host the upcoming River Region Ranch Expo to benefit Youth Scholarships.

Press Release

Local Rancher Will Donate Property To Build Multipurpose Agricultural Facility in Pike Road Area

CONTACT: Joe Shelnutt (334) 300-5395 or Woody Bartlett (334) 288-9554

Local rancher and veterinarian Dr. H.B. “Woody” Bartlett announced plans today to donate prime ranchland property in the Pike Road area toward the construction of a multipurpose agriculture facility to include an indoor arena (spectator seating of 6500 & 150 x 300 dirt floor) accompanied by an outdoor covered arena, 400 stalls, 100 trailer hook-ups, livestock pavilion, horse & cattle pens, exhibit hall, kids cowboy playground, museum, KBC offices, restaurant, gardens, and retail space.

The idea behind pursuing such a venture came from the core mission of the Kelley Bartlett Conservancy (KBC), a nonprofit organization established in memory of Dr. Bartlett’s late wife, in 2004. The KBC was formed to provide educational opportunity to Alabama youth. “This venture will allow her dream – our dream – of enriching lives, fostering responsibility, and preserving tradition to inspire Alabama youth for generations,” Bartlett said. This latest concept would embody Alabama’s agricultural heritage in a facility where large coordinated events are produced and hosted. The KBC will use all excess revenue over expenses to fund college scholarships, educational endowments, and Ag research, and for capital facility additions and improvements.

The KBC’s Director, Joe Shelnutt envisions a system modeled after successful programs in Texas and other States where millions of dollars annually are now provided to qualified youths aspiring to realize their dreams. Volunteers, corporate sponsorships, heritage partners, and elected officials will be needed to accomplish this great potential and celebrate the depth of Alabama’s rich heritage. It is our hope to provide a fresh and progressive venue for family entertainment, agricultural presentation, education, and tradition.

In the News

Rancher donates property for agricultural facility

By Hilary Funk • July 2, 2008

A local rancher will donate property to build a multipurpose agricultural facility in east Montgomery County.

Local rancher and veterinarian Dr. H.B. “Woody” Bartlett announced the plans Thursday evening at the Kelley Bartlett Conservancy’s first Sundowner Social on the Bartlett Ranch.

Ideas for the facility include an indoor arena with spectator seating for 6,500; a 150-foot by 300-foot dirt floor; an outdoor covered arena; 400 stalls; 100 trailer hook-ups; a livestock pavilion; horse and cattle pens; an exhibit hall; a kids cowboy playground; museum; restaurant; gardens; and, retail space.

Joe Shelnutt, executive director of the conservancy, said the concept would embody Alabama’s agricultural heritage in a facility where large coordinated events can be produced and held.

He said he envisions a system modeled after successful programs in Texas and other states where millions of dollars are provided each year to support their missions, including youth programs.

More than 200 people attended the get-together that offered plenty of food and drink at the Cantina de los Cielos on the ranch. Dress code was “western casual,” and there were plenty of cowboy hats, boots and belt buckles on attendees, but there were also plenty of city dwellers. It’s what Shelnutt wanted: a good mix of people gathering to drum up support for the agricultural center.

“We could ask Woody to give $20 million, $50 million, but we’re not going to do that,” Shelnutt said as way of making a point. “One person doesn’t make a strong program. But many people, from different walks of life, make a strong organization.”

County Commissioner Reed Ingram and Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks were there to show their support for the conservancy’s work.

“We’re losing agricultural business to other cities and states,” Ingram, who sits on the conservancy’s board, said. “I think the agricultural center would be a hit not only for the county, but the city and the state.”

Sparks said the Department supported Bartlett’s work and that a new agricultural center would not affect hopeful future plans for Garrett Coliseum’s revitalization near downtown Montgomery.

“We can always have more than one event in Montgomery at the same time,” Sparks said. “I’ve known Woody (Bartlett) a long time. The work they’re doing now is great. Joe (Shelnutt) does a wonderful job.”

Established in memory of Bartlett’s late wife in 2004, the conservancy’s core mission is to provide educational opportunities to Alabama’s youth. Heretofore, the conservancy is best known for its raptor center and birds of prey exhibits. Shelnutt said the agricultural center would allow for a great expansion of its current educational programs. But he wants the community involved by way of volunteering, making suggestions and donating funds.

“We think about what impact this could have in the state of Alabama,” Shelnutt said. “We want to raise the level of participation here, and put that back into the community. This could elevate our culture to a level we probably haven’t thought of before in Alabama.”

Current programs offered by the conservancy include special horsemanship clinics, trail rides, birds of prey exhibits and group experiences like school field trips. The Cantina is a venue for special events, weddings and receptions, educational retreats and conservancy business.

“This venture will allow her dream – our dream – of enriching lives, fostering responsibility, and preserving tradition to inspire Alabama youth for generations,” Bartlett said in a news release.

“They’ve got it in their heart,” Sparks said of the conservancy. “They really want to do things for the right reasons.”

Site Plan

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Scholarship Opportunies
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