Alabama Communities Partner To Restore Their Watersheds

By Cara ClarkBusiness Alabama

The meandering blue lines and patches on your state map represent a rich network of creeks, streams, rivers and lakes that enrich Alabama. Protecting these valuable assets is one of the objectives of the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which earmarked four Alabama sites in recent years for award-winning restoration projects.

The city of Montgomery earned a grant for Genetta Park, an urban educational wetland. Red Mountain Park in Birmingham put its grant to work with agile livestock, and Auburn University won a grant to further enhance the Davis Arboretum. Birmingham-Southern College received a grant for its ongoing cleanup efforts at Turkey Creek, a biodiverse habitat for rare species.

The common denominator was a battle against invasive species and pollutants that threaten the state’s riparian resources. These projects not only provided restoration components but showed significant ecological, educational and community benefits.Jay Jensen, director of NFWF’s Southern Regional Office, says competition is stiff for the grants.

Please visit Alabama News Center for the Full Article

Category: ALL POSTS, Partner News Stories