CLEAN Environmental Edu e1757427301338 Two prominent local watershed groups band together to protect the Cahaba River — Students participate in Cahaba River Coalition’s CLEAN environmental education program, using a seine net to collect small fish and study the health of the river’s aquatic ecosystem. (Cahaba River Coalition)

Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper are now the Cahaba River Coalition.

The two historic organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting the Cahaba River and its watershed announced the merger this morning.

New Cahaba River Coalition

Deborah Barker, interim executive director of Cahaba River Society and David Butler, executive director and Riverkeeper of Cahaba Riverkeeper, will lead the new organization together until a permanent leader is named early next year.

“By bringing together the incredible work of both organizations, we will expand our reach to protect the rich biodiversity of the Cahaba. Merging our strengths in data, relationship-building, and education opens new opportunities to deepen our impact across the entire watershed. The Cahaba River Coalition will broaden both the protection we provide and further inspire people to be stronger stewards of this extraordinary river.”
Deborah Barker, interim executive director of Cahaba River Society

According to the two groups, the merger will enable them to increase river protection efforts throughout the region by:

Expanding data collection across the watershed
Respond more quickly to pollution reports and citizen concerns
Restore habitat and broaden our education, stewardship and recreation programs
Launching a new membership program

“The Cahaba River is a world-renowned biological treasure and invaluable to our state, the communities it supports and visitors from around the world. We are excited to combine our expertise to inspire future generations to honor the river we all love with collaborative solutions in the face of inevitable change.
David Butler, executive director and Riverkeeper of Cahaba Riverkeeper

Celebrate the Cahaba River on October 5th

Frydown Team Two prominent local watershed groups band together to protect the Cahaba River — A Frydown competitor serves catfish samples to festivalgoers during the Cahaba River Frydown, the annual cook-off and community celebration supporting the Cahaba River. (Cahaba River Coalition)

To celebrate the new Cahaba River Coalition, the public is invited to the Cahaba River Frydown on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company (4500 Fifth Ave. S., Building C, Birmingham).

The annual fundraiser will feature the unveiling of the organization’s new logo and visual identity, include live music, unlimited catfish and family-friendly activities, and raise funds to support the protection and restoration of the river. Learn more at www.frydown.com.

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