Meet Alabama River Alliance’s award winning champions for clean water

Last week, the Alabama Rivers Alliance honored several “river heroes” at their annual Alabama Water Rally conference in Montgomery.

The River Celebration Awards Banquet recognized those special organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward river protection in our state.

“Much of the work of these individuals and organizations goes largely unrecognized except in our own circles,” Cindy Lowry, executive director of Alabama Rivers Alliance, said. “We cherish the opportunity to honor their work and service with our River Celebration Awards and are proud to work alongside them defending our rivers throughout Alabama.”

The recipients of the River Celebration Awards were:

Emerging Leader of the Year – Charles Miller, ARA Junior Board Co-Chair, for his above and beyond dedication to Alabama Rivers Alliance and many other groups throughout Alabama.

Volunteer of the Year – Shelly Taliaferro, professor at Auburn University of Montgomery, for her dedication to connecting students to the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

Outstanding Group of the Year – Waterkeeper Alabama for their outstanding work collaborating together on issues impacting all of Alabama like sewage issues, coal ash and more.

Beyond Rivers Partner of the Year – Sierra Club Mobile Bay for their tireless work to engage and mobilize citizens about important environmental issues, such as the impacts of dredging on Dauphin Island.

Business Partner of the Year – Robert & Susan Tate at PROForma for their dedication to giving back to their community and deserving groups throughout Birmingham.

In addition to these awards, three individuals were also recognized with the lifetime achievement award of RIVER HERO. This award is given to individuals who have spent the better part of their lives working to protect and defend Alabama’s waterways. They go above and beyond the average calling to ensure that all Alabamians can enjoy clean and heathy water.

The 2018 RIVER HEROS were:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Stephen Guesman – The Friends of the Locust Fork River and Alabama Cup Racing Association
• Dr. Betsy Dobbins – Samford University, Friends of Shades Creek, and Cahaba River Society

• Eric Reutebuch  – Alabama Water Watch and Lake Watch of Lake Martin

To learn more about the Alabama Rivers Alliance, visit www.alabamarivers.org