Today, April 22, 2022, is Earth Day, a time set aside to celebrate the Earth, learn about the environment, and promote conservation. In this edition: Camp Fletcher BioBlitz, Earth Day message from Dr. Jim McClintock, Birmingham Water Works drinking water protection update, upcoming events, and more.
In this edition: AL Supreme Court rules in favor of protecting Birmingham Water Works Board Lands, Grants Mill Road update, Low Income Household Water Assistance Program coming to AL, Guided Canoe Trips, how you can help turtles this spring, upcoming events, and more.
Encouraging young people to become leaders for water is core to our work. For 15 years, Education Director Gordon Black has built our CLEAN Environmental Education and Volunteer Stewardship programs to have a major impact by connecting young people to the Cahaba.
Celebrating Education Director Gordon Black, updates on State & Federal Policy, Shades Creek Greenway Restoration Partnership, commemorating the life of Dr. EO Wilson, and more!
The scale of the rainfall on October 6 and the swiftness, level and power of the flooding it caused has been called “unprecedented.” Yet flooding and erosive damage to property and infrastructure has been increasing in our region for years, as development replaces forests and outdated stormwater systems prevent groundwater absorption and send more and more runoff gushing into drains and creeks. In fact, we’ve had two flash flood emergencies just in 2021, and multiple other deluge rains this calendar year.
Read this month’s edition to find out about virtual Cahaba learning, a victory in protecting our headwaters, how you’re helping get the Cahaba safe for swimming, and more.
Learn about what our team has been working on this summer; find out what fish are unsafe to eat; read Cahaba River Society’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement; help get lead out of drinking water; join us for the Cahaba River Fry-Down 2021, & more!
CONTENTS:
Program Update from River Sustainability Director
Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Bill introduced in US House and Senate
UA Honors College Students fundraiser for Perry Lakes Park
Irondale Residents: your input is wanted!
Book your 2021 CLEAN Environmental Science Field Trip–Virtual and In-Person options available!
Upcoming Events:
Exploring Cahaba Lilies with Dr. Randy Haddock and Hoover Public Library (May 25)
Cahaba River Ramble (June 19-26)
Cahaba River Fry-Down (Oct 3)
This edition includes: Welcoming Ben Wegleitner, River Sustainability Director ~ A legal action to protect Birmingham Water Works Board lands that preserve our drinking water ~ CLEAN Environmental Education programs available ~ Army Corps commits funding to fish passage study ~ Catherine Coleman Flowers & The Guardian partner on sewage survey ~ Exploring Southeastern Biodiversity with Dr. Scot Duncan, & more!
Protecting drinking water lands, a proposed quarry in Clay, a proposed prison in Brierfield–find out about emerging threats to your River and what Cahaba River Society is doing to protect it.