Watershed Moments

The Cahaba River Watershed isn’t just the longest free-flowing river in Alabama. It’s a treasure trove of biological diversity as well as the primary drinking water source for the Birmingham metro area – one-fifth of the state’s population.

 

For obvious reasons, protecting such a vital local resource is something the Cahaba River Society was created to do.

 

The relationship between Alabama Outdoors and the Cahaba River Society is one that goes back more than a decade to the inaugural Cahaba River Ramble in 2006. That 5k and 10k race through the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge laid the groundwork for a partnership that has only grown stronger through the years.

 

“For several years, Alabama Outdoors hosted a Party on the Porch on the Friday night before the Ramble,” said Cahaba River Society Director of Development, Casey Laycock. The neighborhood get together has been a staple in Alabama Outdoors’ community engagement, helping raise awareness for – and generate support of – local organizations. Casey continued, “That event helped raise money for our cause, but the exposure it provided was tremendous and had a positive long-term effect. Giving us the chance to tell our story in the community was invaluable.”

 

Then came the opportunity to be the presenting sponsor for the Big Cahaba Clean-up, the most ambitious Cahaba River clean-up ever attempted. “We had more than 200 volunteers agree to scour trash from the Cahaba River from Trussville to Helena,” Casey said. “That’s close to 50 miles of river.”

 

Although inclement weather caused the event to be shut down, it didn’t deter the team at Alabama Outdoors. Instead of accepting it as bad luck and simply moving on from the massive event-that-could-have-been, Alabama Outdoors instead organized several smaller clean-up efforts throughout the season, completing the undertaking with far fewer hands than originally planned.

CLEAN Environmental Education Program

But things didn’t stop there. With the active involvement and support of Alabama Outdoors, the Cahaba River Society has been able to reach more than 37,000 Alabama youth and teachers with the CLEAN Environmental Education Program. CLEAN is opening doors to new environmental careers that are historically underrepresented by a large percentage of the youth it reaches.

 

“The overall experience with Alabama Outdoors has been incredibly supportive, collaborative and impactful,” Casey said. “They are truly involved in the communities surrounding their stores and believe in taking care of the world around them for the betterment and enjoyment of generations to come. We have been fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to grow with them over the years. Alabama Outdoors is AMAZING!”

 

Cleaning our drinking water, protecting our natural habitat and inspiring others to get involved. They’re all examples of how a wellspring of inspiration can lead to the dedication that flows through everyone at Alabama Outdoors. Just like the mighty Cahaba.

 

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