Author: Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

Sick of politics? Here is a reason to be excited to vote – Protect your State Parks in November

Tired of the Presidential Campaigns?  Turned off on politics?

Well, here is one very good reason to vote on November 8th in Alabama.

Vote Yes on Constitutional Amendment 2 to protect Alabama State Parks funding.

Since 2012, $15 million has been transferred away (mostly guest fees) from our State Parks System causing a fiscal crisis.  Constitutional Amendment 2 bans the transfer insuring that our State Parks are protected and permanently funded.

Checkout some of the new cool activities at Alabama’s State Parks.

omflipsideramp Continue reading “Sick of politics? Here is a reason to be excited to vote – Protect your State Parks in November”

Returning Woodlawn back to it’s glory days by bringing back nature

Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy, Alabama Chapter

Inspirational.

Checkout the inspirational story told by Birmingham’s Woodlawn High School teacher Tashina Lee and her students.  Turning vacant lots into natural spaces, the Woodlawn community is working with the Nature Conservancy of Alabama to “return Woodlawn back to it’s glory days.”

Birmingham is the “Soccer Capital of the South” this weekend

Birmingham will become the “Soccer Capital of the South” this weekend with 232 soccer teams from 7-8 different states participating in this year’s Birmingham Bash. 

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The annual Birmingham Bash Soccer Tournament hosted by the Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA) will take place October 1st and 2nd at 7 different venues in Shelby County and Southern Jefferson County.

Continue reading “Birmingham is the “Soccer Capital of the South” this weekend”

The Cahaba River Frydown – Celebrate clean drinking water and make room for some catfish

One of the can’t miss events of the Fall, the Cahaba River Frydown.

frydown2016_fb%20ad_1200x628_v3-01If you love clean drinking water, the Cahaba lily, and the river that is considered one of the eight most important biological hotspots in the United States by The Nature Conservancy – you need to make plans to celebrate and support the Cahaba River at the 7th annual Fry-Down this weekend! Continue reading “The Cahaba River Frydown – Celebrate clean drinking water and make room for some catfish”

Joe Watts named “top bird” at Birmingham Audubon

 

 

Joe Watts, new President at the Birmingham Audubon Society
Joe Watts, new President at the Birmingham Audubon Society

Longtime community advocate and leader in the Alabama Scenic Byways movement, Joe Watts has been elected President of the Birmingham Audubon Society.

Pictures via Joe Watts Facebook page
Pictures via Joe Watts Facebook page

Watts leads the 70 year old Birmingham institution which has been experiencing a renaissance in the past few years with the hiring of an executive director, staff and the establishment of a permanent office.

Checkout their impressive 2015-16 Annual report.

So… that’s where the “Protect Our Environment” car tag money goes

When you drive around the state of Alabama, one of the most popular “vanity” car tags is this one:

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Most people don’t know that the organization in charge of these car tags have been around for more than 20 years, supporting environmental education programs throughout the state.

Continue reading “So… that’s where the “Protect Our Environment” car tag money goes”

Birmingham Girl Scout champions State Parks

Maggie Hoaglund Photo Credit: Kelly D Photography
Maddie Hoaglund
Photo Credit: Kelly D Photography

Birmingham Girl Scout Maddie Hoaglund is going for gold – the Girl Scout Gold Award.   And the winner will not only be her, but also Alabama’s State Parks, our environment and the people of Alabama.

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In today’s al.com Hoaglaud penned an opinion piece about the “Love Your State Parks Day” event she has organized at Oak Mountain State Park,  raise awareness about the upcoming vote on the State Parks Constitutional Amendment, and to say “thank you” to all the people that work at the state parks.

Check out Hoaglaud’s op-ed – here

And don’t miss the Love Your State Parks Day at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, September 24th.