River Defender logo from the Alabama Rivers Alliance
We dare to defend our rivers!
For years, this has been the motto of the Birmingham-based Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA). In fact, you can probably visit their office downtown across from the Cathedral Church of the Advent and purchase a koozie, bumper sticker or t-shirt.
Photo of Little River Canyon 2017 – by Pat Byington, Bham Now
Here is a little Birmingham Earth Day history. On this day, April 22, 1990, President George H.W. Bush celebrated the 20th Earth Day at Birmingham-Southern College. The occasion? He was presenting the college a “Point of Light Award” award and signing a national declaration supporting recycling.
Screenshot from the film “Something About Little River” . From Alabama Rivers Alliance Facebook page.
Don’t miss this year’s much anticipated 13th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Birmingham at its new location, the Sidewalk Cinema, on Sunday, October 20th, 2:00pm (doors at 1:00).
Coosa Riverkeeper’s Justinn Overton, Frank Chitwood and Karli Riley. Photo by Charles Miller.
Earlier this month, the Alabama Rivers Alliance recognized leaders from Birmingham and across the state at their River Celebration Awards Banquet as part of their annual Alabama Water Rally conference.
Solar home in Blount County. Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now
Alabama is not exactly known for solar homes. But drive north from Birmingham through the beautiful countryside of Blount County, and you will find five, all within 10 minutes of each other. Earlier this October, I went up for this small community’s annual solar home tour. Here’s what I learned.
The historic bridge over the pristine Little Cahaba River has been closed for 25 years. The proposed new road and bridge would introduce traffic and pollution. Photo submitted
This Thursday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m., the Cahaba River Society hosts a free documentary showing (it’s short!) and Q&A at Avondale Brewery in Birmingham. This sneak peek screening is intended to raise public awareness about the potential impact of a proposed Cahaba Beach Road and bridge project. Get educated, then let ALDOT hear your voice at the public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Keep reading to learn more, or visit savethecahaba.org.
Join the Friends of Turkey Creek on July 14th at the annual Float Your Boat Summer Festival
Over the next two weekends, three important “can’t miss” July outdoor conservation events have been scheduled by the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Friends of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Ruffner Mountain.