Black Warrior Riverkeeper celebrating 15 years aboard the Bama Belle

Black Warrior Riverkeeper is a part of the worldwide Waterkeeper Alliance, which supports over 300 Waterkeeper organizations that protect the waterways in their communities. Black Warrior Riverkeeper protects and restores the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. Home to over one million residents, the Black Warrior River watershed includes parts of seventeen counties in Alabama.

There are a wide variety of pollution concerns along the Black Warrior River. Pollution affects recreation, fishing, wildlife, and the aesthetic value  of Black Warrior River, giving you many reasons to get involved with Black Warrior River’s mission. Plus, Black Warrior River watershed is a major source of drinking water for many cities including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, Oneonta, Cullman, and Jasper. Having positively impacted millions of people, Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s influence over the past 15 years is something worth celebrating.

June 15th Celebration

On June 15th, Black Warrior Riverkeeper is celebrating fifteen years of clean water advocacy with the event “Cruisin’ on the River.” Guests will enjoy live music, food, local beer, and a sunset cruise aboard the Bama Belle, which docks by the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk at 1 Greensboro Ave. The Levee Bar & Grill will cater a fresh, southern dinner including meat, seafood, and vegetarian entrée options. Druid City Brewing is providing a complimentary sampling of local beers. The cruise features live music performed by Henri’s Notions, which is an American Celtic band that has appeared with Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, The Kingston Trio, and David Grisman Quintet.

The Bama Belle is a Tuscaloosa icon. After being out of commission for five years, the Bama Belle is making its way downstream. Owner Craig Dodson put a lot of time and effort into revitalizing the classic boat.

You can purchase a ticket at blackwarrior15.eventbrite.com. Tickets cost $40, and include food, beer sampling, and the live music performance. The event is for ages 21 and up, but if parents purchase a ticket for their child, then they can bring a child 12 or under. Tickets are limited to 100 guests.

Ticketing begins at 5:30pm and boarding at 6pm. The boat will leave at 6:30pm and return to the dock at 9pm.

Other ways to get involved

If you are unable to attend the Black Warrior Riverkeeper Anniversary Celebration, but are interested in supporting Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s work in clean water advocacy, then don’t worry! Here are four ways you can get involved:

1. Report pollution in the Black Warrior watershed by calling 205-458-0895, emailing reportpollution@blackwarriorriver.org, or visiting Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s website. If you are unsure if the area you are in is included in the Black Warrior River watershed, then check out this map:

   

2. Volunteer in clean-up, publicity, research, and more! Learn more here.
3. Donate here.
4. Follow Black Warrior Riverkeeper on social media for continued updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.