Charles Scribner celebrates 20 years with Black Warrior Riverkeeper

It’s time to celebrate one of Alabama’s conservation leaders—Charles Scribner—who’s marking 20 years with Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting one of Alabama’s most important natural resources, the Black Warrior River watershed.

Since joining as Director of Development in 2005 and stepping into the Executive Director role in 2010, Charles has been a steady force for clean water and conservation across the region, helping shape local environmental efforts, from river cleanups to community advocacy.

Here’s a look at his impact and what’s ahead. 

Charles’ passion for environmental advocacy 

Charles’ journey to Birmingham began with a transformative college internship at Hudson Riverkeeper, and a deep love for both the Waterkeeper mission and a girl from Alabama (his now-wife, Elizabeth). It was that spark that led him south, where he accepted a role with Black Warrior Riverkeeper right after graduating from Princeton. 

“I would feel blessed to serve for over 20 years at any of the Waterkeeper organizations across the globe, but it is especially rewarding to do this work in Alabama, America’s leading state for freshwater biodiversity and an unbeatable place to raise a family.”

Charles Scribner, Executive Director, Black Warrior Riverkeeper 

One of his biggest accomplishments? Leading a nine-year fight to stop the proposed Shepherd Bend Mine—a project that threatened to pollute Birmingham’s drinking water, landing the Black Warrior River on American Rivers’ Most Endangered Rivers list.

Here’s why protecting the Black Warrior River matters. 

20 years of conservation in Birmingham

During Charles’ time with Black Warrior Riverkeeper, he’s had many accomplishments. Some include: 

• Earning an MPA degree from UAB
• Receiving multiple awards including Alabama Rivers Alliance’s James Lowery Service Award + the UAB College of Arts and Science’s Alumni Service Award
• Creating countless partnerships, including a Volunteer Litter Cleanup Volunteer program in 2021. 

“Since 2021, we have removed over 125,000 pounds of trash from the watershed while forming impactful new partnerships with businesses, governments, religious organizations and student groups.”

Charles Scribner, Executive Director, Black Warrior Riverkeeper

What’s next for Charles?

Spending two decades with a single organization is a remarkable achievement. Looking ahead, many in Birmingham hope Charles will continue his advocacy for local conservation issues. The good news: he hopes so, too. 

“There is no way I would have stayed at Black Warrior Riverkeeper for 20 years, and hopefully 20 more years, without my amazing colleagues. The good people on our staff and board make my job much more effective and fun.”

Charles Scribner, Executive Director, Black Warrior Riverkeeper

What do Charles’ fellow conservationists have to say about Charles and his impact on the Black Warrior River?

“I’ve known Charles for more than 20 years and can say that he is a true force of nature and a profound asset to the clean water movement. His 20-year commitment to the Black Warrior River is a powerful testament to the impact a brilliant and dedicated leader can have. I’m inspired by the incredible legacy he has built.”

Marc Yaggi, Chief Executive Officer, Waterkeeper Alliance

“In celebrating 20 years of dedicated service, we honor our Executive Director, whose unwavering commitment and kind spirit have not only transformed the Black Warrior Riverkeeper but have also inspired countless individuals, including myself.

His leadership has created pathways for growth and opportunity, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on a community and its environment.”

Harmony Mendoza, President, Black Warrior Riverkeeper Board of Directors

Hopes for Black Warrior Riverkeeper

According to Charles, he envisions Black Warrior Riverkeeper not only continuing its mission to protect and restore this vital river basin but also serving as a unifying force.

“There are so many forces dividing people into factions, yet water should unite us. We are all mostly made of water, and we all need it to flourish.”

Charles Scribner, Executive Director, Black Warrior Riverkeeper

With Charles’s ongoing leadership and the unwavering commitment of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper team, the future looks promising for both the organization and the communities it serves.

Cheers to 20 years, Charles—and many more!

Want to get involved with the Black Warrior Riverkeeper? Check out their events and volunteer opportunities.

Check out more stories on the Black Warrior Riverkeeper:

• Black Warrior Riverkeeper volunteers remove 100,000 pounds of litter from watershed
• Scientists officially name two new species of Alabama darters
• Black Warrior Riverkeeper receives Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Award

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