This post was written by La’Tanya Scott, Education Director, Cahaba River Society

In June, Cahaba River Society’s CLEAN (Conservation Leadership through Educational Activities in Nature) Program hosted the Birmingham Water Works Summer Ambassador Program for an adventure on the river.

As the Education Director for The Cahaba River Society, it was particularly special for me to see many folks face their fears on the Cahaba River. Everyone wore life jackets and learned basic canoe paddling skills to ensure safety and comfort, but many of these participants couldn’t swim and were making their first trip to the river. But they exemplified “being brave in nature” by facing spiders and the mysteries that linger in trees. This group was one of my highlights of the year so far. I will never forget “Yellow Shorts,” Ms. Andrea, Ms. Lisa, the young ladies in the boat with Coach, and many more.

During our programs, I can often be heard saying, “Don’t be Darius!” Darius was a past participant who initially avoided handling fish. But as the day progressed, he got more and more comfortable. A little too comfortable. He would reach into the net and grab a fish with one hand, which isn’t great for their fragile bodies. I’m not sure Darius ever learned the gentle way to handle a fish. This group had a few Darius-like participants, but after a few friendly “Don’t be Darius” reminders, they adjusted their approach, and no fish were harmed.

Getting to know these students and teachers was a real treat. I’ve been thinking about several of them and our experiences ever since.

“Yellow Shorts” demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm holding the seine net, one of our most mundane tasks.

Coach’s boat had a mutiny. They strayed too close to the trees, so two young ladies jumped out. They might have gotten wet, but they loved every second of the program.

Miss Lisa was my boat partner during a previous trip, and she can paddle! I would gladly have her as a canoe race partner any time!

Two young ladies who decided to stand in the river and eat their lunches alone connected with the group during our water quality assessments and had a great time.

Ms. Andrea made everything fun as students canoed, sat in the river, played with water, and even floated in the shallows.

I love the moments when participants find safety, solitude, and comfort outdoors. Those moments make braving a hot summer day to present our CLEAN educational program worth it.

Thank you, Mr. Jeremy, for helping us serve your students this year, and thank you to The Birmingham Water Works Summer Ambassador Program for joining us on the river! Their excitement and willingness to help take canoes off our trailer and put equipment back up was amazing! Keep up the good work, BWW and BWWA!