Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Protecting local green spaces—find out why it matters + how you can get involved now
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When you work with people who believe in the same things you do, magic can happen. That’s why one Birmingham-based company spends a whole week together improving the communities they serve. This year, they volunteered with Jefferson County Greenways.
This organization maintains our area’s three large-acreage green spaces: Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.
Goals included building relationships, deepening teammates’ connection to the place they live and taking care of the natural environment.
Keep reading to learn more about this year’s efforts and how you can get involved in local environmental organizations.
Why volunteering in the community matters
Getting out into the community during Protective’s Week of Service. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
We spoke with Lori Dixon at the Protective Life Foundation. She explained why it’s important to the company to invest in the community in this way.
“We are Protectors in every sense of the word: We protect the people we serve through our business. We also protect our families, communities, neighbors and environment.”
Lori Dixon, Lead Associate, Community Engagement, Protective Life Foundation
We were curious to learn more about why the company chose to focus on green spaces. Here’s what she told us:
“A lot of the work we do every day is performed behind a computer. That said, we know our employees care deeply about the community, and particularly the environment. This was a great way to get them outside and connected to a cause that matters to them.”
Lori Dixon, Lead Associate, Community Engagement, Protective Life Foundation
Protective’s commitment to the community goes beyond their annual week of service. Many within the company serve in leadership roles within local environmental organizations.
We spoke to three leaders at Protective to find out how others can get involved.
1. Freshwater Land Trust Junior Board
Sara Sullivan has been with Protective for five years where she works as Lead Associate, Corporate Communications. This is her first year on the Freshwater Land Trust Junior Board.
Sullivan explained that she’s happiest outside. Given that, she was eager to take part in in the Protective Life Foundation’s Green Space Task Force last summer.
This initiative brought together 30 team members from Protective. They explored four distinct green spaces throughout Birmingham. Their goal: to get employee feedback on Protective’s funding and engagement opportunities with our local green spaces.
One of Sullivan’s highlights was the group’s visit with the Freshwater Land Trust (FLT). This included learning about the Red Rock Trail System®—129 miles of on-the-ground trails—and about its plans for the future. After this experience, she knew she wanted to contribute more.
Get involved with Freshwater Land Trust
- Take part in the Adopt-a-Trail program.
- Show up for restoration group workdays.
- Attend community litter cleanups.
Sign up for Freshwater Land Trust’s monthly newsletter and follow them on Facebook or Instagram to learn more.
2. Railroad Park Foundation Board
Jim Pickle is Vice President and Senior Counsel, Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Finance. He’s been with Protective for two years. For seven months, he has served on the Railroad Park Foundation Board of Directors.
When he and his wife visited Birmingham before moving from Washington, DC, they were very impressed by Railroad Park.
“Railroad Park is astonishing. It is a beautiful 19-acre green space in the heart of Birmingham. Hundreds of individuals from across the state undertake a variety of activities there every day.”
Pickle now serves on the Foundation’s Board to help this unique space continue to thrive and succeed.
Get involved with the Railroad Park Foundation
- Volunteer at events including Protective presents Picnic at Railroad Park.
- Organizations + companies can sign up for cleanup days at the Park.
To volunteer, contact Railroad Park directly: volunteers@railroadpark.org.
3. Vulcan Park Foundation Board
Taylor Alexander has been with Protective for 18 years. He serves as VP Investments and Head of Participation Loan Program. He just started on the Vulcan Park Foundation Board this summer.
Visiting Vulcan Park and Museum is one of his family’s favorite outdoor activities. Since Vulcan is an iconic landmark and symbol of The Magic City, he was excited to get involved.
Get involved with the Vulcan Park Foundation
- Become a member.
- Attend large community events.
- Sponsor programs, help with fundraisers or serve on committees.
- Serve as docents or tour guides.
Visit Vulcan Park & Museum to learn more.
Discover other ways Protective is giving back to the community in their 2023 Sustainability Report.
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Protective refers to Protective Life Corporation and insurance company subsidiaries, including Protective Life Insurance Company (Nashville, TN) and Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company (Birmingham, AL). Protective® is a registered trademark of Protective Life Insurance Company.
