We are pleased to share that Cahaba River Society Executive Director Beth Stewart received the 2nd Alabama Women of Conservation Award – a notable recognition presented by The Nature Conservancy. Stewart was honored for her contribution to the conservation and preservation of natural resources in Alabama at a reception at Birmingham Southern College on Thursday, October 19th.

“We are excited to present the 2023 award to an individual who has committed her professional talents to Alabama river stewardship and to the ongoing preservation of our state’s biodiverse freshwater resources,” said The Nature Conservancy Alabama State Director Mitch Reid. “Her countless contributions and their direct impact here are respected by her peers, community members, and regulatory bodies alike.”

The Alabama Women of Conservation Award celebrates those who effect change on behalf of environmental conservation and inspire others to follow suit. Honoring Beth Stewart is a testament to her influence and her tireless efforts to balance the needs of people and nature, particularly regarding the historic and imperative Cahaba River.

“I am honored to be selected as only the second recipient of this award, which fosters and encourages the many powerful women in conservation here in Alabama,” said Stewart. “Improving our environment takes dedication and persistence over time, and it’s so meaningful and supportive to have the accomplishments of our efforts recognized and appreciated. We can only make important conservation progress together. Alabama’s environmental and conservation movement has been a professional realm in which women leaders thrive; the number of young women coming into the field gives us so much hope for the future.”

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to The Nature Conservancy for acknowledging Beth’s seminal role in conservation and bringing attention to The Cahaba River Society’s work.

Beth has led the Cahaba River Society for more than 2 decades, leading the charge to protect Alabama’s longest free-flowing river. From lobbying for safer and cleaner watershed management programs to pioneering science-based educational initiatives, Beth’s leadership has energized sustainable stewardship to protect river biodiversity and water quality for a diverse population to use and enjoy.

We are incredibly proud to have Beth leading our efforts at the Cahaba River Society. Her award from The Nature Conservancy affirms our belief in her leadership and our commitment to continue her legacy. We pledge our commitment to our mission to restore and protect the Cahaba River watershed and its rich diversity of life and encourage our community to join us in these efforts.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Beth Stewart and celebrate her well-deserved recognition. You make the Cahaba River Society and the wider environmental community in Alabama immensely proud. May your inspiring vision continue to cast its light on our path to conservation.