Pitcher plant at The Nature Conservancy’s Splinter Hill Bog, photo courtesy of The Nature Conservancy in Alabama

Welcome to the Bham Now Nature Roundup for the week of July 13.

Two of my favorite stories posted over the past two weeks were about the founding of the Forever Wild program and the solar gas station in McCalla, Alabama.

Each story had one common theme. They stepped out of their comfort zones and accomplished something big for nature and Alabama’s environment.

Paint Rock River Wildlife – photo from The Nature Conservancy in Alabama

In the case of Forever Wild, a remarkable diverse partnership of groups worked together, for perhaps the first time ever, to create a program that has protected more than 266,000 acres. They expanded our parks. Protected our drinking water. Preserved rare habitat. And enhanced wildlife and recreational opportunities.

The solar powered gas station in McCalla? Every year, for the next 15, the operation of that “mini-solar powered store”will reduce their use of 2594 gallons of gas a year and planting 591 trees annually.

Solar powered convenience store in Alabama — Staff at The Store in McCalla, Alabama with the LEED certificate and newly installed solar panels. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now.

Check out their stories, and let’s think of ways we can all step forward, do something different and bold to protect and preserve our natural heritage here in Alabama.

It can be done.

Now onto this week’s news and events.

News

Bham Now – Forever Wild turns 26. How Alabama established one of the greatest conservation programs in the state’s history

Bham Now – Alabama’s first solar gas station opens in McCalla

Bham Now – 3 outdoor conservation events in July you don’t want to miss, including the Turkey Creek Float Your Boat Summer Festival

Bham Now – Venerable fallen tree at Avondale Park Amphitheater remembered and celebrated on social media

WSFA – Federal court rules in favor of environmental groups over AL Power license

FullSizeRender 386 Bham Now Nature Roundup for the week of July 13, 2018 — Solar panels behind The Store in McCalla. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now.

Events

Alabama Rivers Alliance – Defend Our Rivers Paddle – July 14
Coosa Riverkeeper- Watering Hole Series: Farm Burger – July 17
Birmingham Audubon – Summer Birds & Brews at Ghost Train Brewing Co. – July 19

Screen Shot 2018 07 10 at 10.04.35 AM Bham Now Nature Roundup for the week of July 13, 2018 — White-topped pitcher plants and Forever Wild’s Splinter Hill Bog. Photo by Billy Pope.

Turkey Creek – Float Your Boat Summer Festival – July 21
Ruffner Mountain – Night Festival – July 21

Night Fest Poster Primrose Bham Now Nature Roundup for the week of July 13, 2018 — Ruffner’s new Night Fest poster that was released this week.

Coosa Riverkeeper – Watering Hole Series: Rojo – July 31
ASAN – 4th Annual Graze – September 9th
Alabama Rivers Alliance – Southern Exposure Film Fellowship Premiere Screening at Altamont School – September 13
Cahaba River Society – Cahaba River Frydown 2018 – September 30
Wild South – Wild South Movie Nights

Ruffner Wetlands 27 Bham Now Nature Roundup for the week of July 13, 2018 — Ruffner Mountain’s wetlands. Photo by Ruffner Mountain.

Regularly visit Bham Now’s Event Calendar to get the latest on nature events in and around Birmingham!

Calendar of Events

Alabama Wildlife Federation – Schedule
Wild South 2018 Events Calendar
Alabama Wildlife Center 2018 Events Calendar
Discovering Alabama Broadcast Schedule
Birmingham Zoo 2018 Calendar of Events
Birmingham Audubon Society Upcoming Events
Sierra Club Alabama Chapter Meetings and Hikes –
Fresh Air Family 2018 Calendar
Alabama Birding Trails Calendar
Little River Canyon Center 2018 Calendar