Freshwater Land Trust

Freshwater Land Trust Conserving, connecting, and caring for lands and waters in Central Alabama. linktr.ee/freshwaterlt

Tomorrow is National Trails Day! We’re fortunate to have more than 175 miles of trails, parks, bike lanes, and sidewalks...
06/05/2026

Tomorrow is National Trails Day! We’re fortunate to have more than 175 miles of trails, parks, bike lanes, and sidewalks throughout Jefferson County. Through the Red Rock Trail System, Freshwater Land Trust is working to expand equitable access to the outdoors, connecting communities to green spaces and to one another.

This year, exploring the Red Rock Trail System is easier than ever with our new interactive trail map. Search by trail type, surface, or location to find the perfect route for your next adventure.

Ready to hit the trail? Visit the link in our bio to find a trail near you. Then tag us and show us how you’re celebrating National Trails Day!

📷: Ross Bridge Greenway by Rachel Callahan, Railroad Park, Jemison Trail by Kalli Jones.

06/04/2026

🦉 NEW TRAIL SIGNS: New wildlife signage on the Shades Creek Greenway highlights local species and promotes safe coexistence after encounters with a territorial barred owl.

Have you seen the new signs along the Shades Creek Greenway? We were proud to partner with Samford University, the City ...
06/02/2026

Have you seen the new signs along the Shades Creek Greenway? We were proud to partner with Samford University, the City of Homewood, and the Alabama Wildlife Center to create three signs highlighting some native species found along the trail: the Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl, and, of course, the Spotted Salamander. 🧡

This plans for these were formed after, as you may recall, some early-morning runners had encounters on the trail with a nearby nesting barred owl. The purpose of these signs is to increase an appreciative understanding of the importance of species special to Shades Creek, and to encourage respectful coexistence with these vital members of our community! Photos of our chosen avian species were provided by the immensely talented Damion Bankhead.

Since acquiring Mardis Mill Falls in December 2024, we’ve made significant progress restoring and improving this beloved...
05/28/2026

Since acquiring Mardis Mill Falls in December 2024, we’ve made significant progress restoring and improving this beloved natural space. Earlier this year, our stewardship team completed a prescribed burn to help restore the property’s rare sandstone glade, encouraging the return of native, fire-adapted plant species that depend on periodic disturbance to thrive. We have also removed a substantial amount of nonnative vegetation to further support the health of this unique ecosystem.

Mardis Mill Falls is a popular swimming hole in Blountsville and home to a stunning waterfall and sandstone glade: an open, rocky landscape of exposed bedrock covered by a thin layer of soil that supports specialized, heat-tolerant plants found in few places. To better protect this sensitive habitat, our team installed protective boulders along the roadside to help shield the glade from disturbance and vehicle encroachment.

In addition to restoration work, we’ve made several public access improvements, including expanded parking, new trash and recycling receptacles, and updated signage to help visitors enjoy and care for the property responsibly.

We’ve got a few more additions planned for this popular recreational space, so stay tuned for updates and an invitation to the reveal of the progress at our newest public access property!

Fun fact: all the flowers pictured are fire-resistant! 🌺 🔥

Our stewardship team has been hard at work restoring Beaver Creek, a tributary of Turkey Creek. Attendees of our Endange...
05/23/2026

Our stewardship team has been hard at work restoring Beaver Creek, a tributary of Turkey Creek. Attendees of our Endangered Species Tour last fall saw firsthand how severely eroded parts of the stream had become, and we are excited to share the progress that has been made since then.

Over the past several months, the team has reshaped sections of the stream channel, installed rock vanes to help direct water flow and protect streambanks, and added landscape wattles, which are biodegradable tubes filled with natural material that help prevent soil from washing away during heavy rain. The team also planted dozens of native trees and installed hundreds of live stakes of black willow, alder, elderberry, and silky dogwood. Live stakes are branches harvested from existing native trees and replanted along streambanks where they take root and grow into new plants. Native wildflower and grass seed mixes were also spread throughout the restoration sites to support long term ecosystem health.

This work is already making a difference by improving habitat for the endangered vermilion darter and helping reduce flooding impacts in downtown Pinson.

This project was made possible through support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, the Jefferson County Department of Health, and the City of Pinson. Small rock for the project was generously donated by Wade Sand & Gravel, trees were donated by Cool Green Trees, and reconstruction of the site was led by Wilbanks Engineering and Environmental Solutions. We also had volunteer help from Odontuya Adiya, an intern visiting from Mongolia through the O’Neal Library.

Even after severe rainstorms caused setbacks earlier this spring, restoration partners quickly stepped in to repair and strengthen the streambanks, demonstrating the dedication behind this project and its long-term success. We are grateful to have such wonderful partners helping restore and protect these important waterways for both people and wildlife.

Jennifer and Savannah spent Saturday celebrating one of Central Alabama’s most iconic natural wonders at the Cahaba Lily...
05/21/2026

Jennifer and Savannah spent Saturday celebrating one of Central Alabama’s most iconic natural wonders at the Cahaba Lily Festival in West Blocton and visiting the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge!

Freshwater Land Trust is honored to conserve and care for 2,261 acres along the Cahaba River, and two conservation properties that contain the rare and beautiful Cahaba lily. We’re grateful for partners like the Cahaba River Coalition who help protect the unique natural resources that make our region and watersheds so special.

There’s still time to catch the lilies in bloom for yourself; peak season isn’t over yet!

Lily photo by

05/18/2026

Freshwater Land Trust’s conservation and stewardship work helps protect seven federally endangered species across our 12,500 acres. Every species in an ecosystem plays a part, and their healthy existence is an indicator of how well that ecosystem is doing.

For our 30th founding anniversary this year, we’re honoring the voices that have helped shaped our journey. Dr. Mike Howell, a celebrated biologist and professor emeritus at Samford University, is one of the main reasons we know of the precious watercress darter in Seven Springs, and he was an important voice in the intial efforts to conserve that spring.

To join as we celebrate 30 years, and to support our work along critical waterways like Seven Springs, head to the link in our bio.

Happy Bike to Work Day! 🚲 We had a great time riding alongside Redemptive Cycles at yesterday’s Trample, where we explor...
05/15/2026

Happy Bike to Work Day! 🚲 We had a great time riding alongside Redemptive Cycles at yesterday’s Trample, where we explored the future Civil Rights Trail and Valley Creek Rail-to-Trail while enjoying the community that comes from biking together.

At Freshwater Land Trust, one of the goals of the Red Rock Trail System is to expand access to non-motorized transportation for Jefferson County residents. Through the facilitation and development of new trails, and in partnership with organizations like the Birmingham Department of Transportation and its Complete Streets Initiative, we’re helping create safer, more connected ways for people to bike, walk, and move throughout our communities.

Visit the link in our bio to explore our new interactive map, including bike lanes across the Red Rock Trail System!

It’s Cahaba Lily season! 🤍From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day in our region, the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis co...
05/12/2026

It’s Cahaba Lily season! 🤍From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day in our region, the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria) blooms in fast-flowing, shallow, rocky river shoals. Also known as the Cahaba Lily, this rare species is one of the most iconic plants in the Southeast and a defining symbol of the Cahaba River. While it belongs to the broader spider lily family, it stands apart for one key reason: it only grows in these very specific, fast-moving river conditions.

Cahaba Lilies are found only in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Though similar-looking spider lilies exist, the Cahaba Lily is a distinct and rare species uniquely adapted to life in these rocky shoals.

Key details about Cahaba Lilies:
-Unique habitat: Require swift-flowing water, full sun, and exposed rocky shoals.
-Blooming season: Mid-May to mid-June (Mother’s Day to Father’s Day), with each bloom lasting just 24 hours.
-Because of their short blooms, moths like the plebeian sphinx moth (Paratrea plebeja) act as critical nocturnal pollinators. Other pollinators include pipevine swallowtail butterflies (Battus philenor), various bumblebees, and other butterflies (blue swallowtail, tiger swallowtail). 🦋

As you may know, FLT works to protect land along waterways, including more than 1,100 acres in Coosa County that contain a significant population of Cahaba Lilies. (Pictured)

You can see these remarkable blooms for yourself during the Cahaba Lily Fest this Friday from 9-2 at Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, or on your own time!

Did you know May is Bike Month? 🚲 Every Thursday, Redemptive Cycles hosts a group ride for anyone with two wheels to joi...
05/09/2026

Did you know May is Bike Month? 🚲 Every Thursday, Redemptive Cycles hosts a group ride for anyone with two wheels to join! On May 14 (the day before Bike to Work Day), we’re co-hosting Trample and giving attendees a Red Rock Trail System update. We’ll be riding by both existing and upcoming trails, including the Civil Rights Trail and Valley Creek Rail-to-Trail.

Visit the link in our bio for more info on preparing for a Trample!

Address

3501 1st Avenue S Suite 201-A
Birmingham, AL
35201

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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