Cahaba River Coalition

03/26/2026

Are you a high schooler wanting to have a summer filled with experiences on the Cahaba? Interested in learning more about careers in conservation? Our Environmental Leadership Program is for you.

Applications close April 1. Apply here: https://ow.ly/OApv50YzbkB

03/23/2026

Did you know the Save the Cahaba tag benefits our Cahaba River Coalition?

This tag is a simple, beautiful, and effective way of supporting the protection of our amazing river.

🚗 GUESS THE TOP 10! In Alabama, 18.8% of vehicle registrants choose non-standard license plates, with popular options including the Barber Vintage Motorsports plate and the Cahaba River Society design

03/21/2026

In celebration of World Poetry Day, we’re sharing a poem written by a student who experienced the river through our CLEAN Environmental Education program. Her words beautifully capture the inspiration our river brings.

What does the Cahaba inspire in you? Share a line or thought in the comments.

03/17/2026

☘️ Looking for something green to wear today?

The Green Heron has you covered.

This striking bird is the star of our 2026 Cahaba River Coalition membership shirt, designed by the incredibly talented Kyle Humphrey. Become a member and wear your support for the Cahaba wherever you go.

Join Cahaba River Coalition today: https://ow.ly/u6i350Yv1SP

03/16/2026

Recently, we partnered with Alabama Audubon and The Nature Conservancy in Alabama to clear trails at Perry Lakes Park. Volunteers from across the Cahaba watershed — including Project Horseshoe Farm Marion and the Pelham High School Environmental Club — helped prepare the trails for the upcoming spring season.

These volunteers were incredible! Thank you to everyone who came out to make the park safer and more enjoyable for visitors!

03/13/2026

AmeriCorps Week may be coming to a close, but the impact of service continues long after a term ends.

Many of the people who have served with Cahaba River Coalition through UAB AmeriCorps have gone on to build careers in conservation, science, and environmental education.

• Evie Moellering ended her AmeriCorps service last year, and now serves as a Conservation Technician with Boone County Conservation District, Kentucky. She also teaches life sciences and outdoor education educator at The Seven Hills School.

• After serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, Hazel Higginbotham began working as a laboratory technician in a coral research lab at the UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is currently an NSF-funded post-baccalaureate researcher at the UTEP - The University of Texas at El Paso studying tardigrades (“water bears”). She plans to pursue a PhD in aquatic microbial ecology.

AmeriCorps is more than a service program — it’s a starting point for careers dedicated to communities, science, and conservation. Cahaba River Coalition is proud to have been part of that journey for so many young professionals working to protect our natural resources.

03/12/2026

AmeriCorps Week continues as we highlight our AmeriCorps VISTA, Reed Butler. Reed serves as our VISTA Community Engagement Coordinator, supporting outreach efforts that connect more people to the Cahaba River and the work being done to protect it.

AmeriCorps service is about more than gaining experience. Members help build capacity for nonprofits and community organizations — making a real difference through strengthening programs, expanding community partnerships, and increasing long-term impact.

We are excited to announce that as of TODAY Reed has completed his AmeriCorps service and has joined the Cahaba River Coalition staff as our full-time Lower Watershed Specialist. Thank you for all you do to further our mission, Reed!

03/09/2026

This week is AmeriCorps Week, and we’re celebrating the people who have served our watershed through AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps members play a huge role in conservation work across the country — gaining hands-on experience while helping communities tackle real challenges.

At Cahaba River Coalition, that impact doesn’t stop when a service term ends. Several members of our full-time staff first came to this work through UAB AmeriCorps, building the skills, relationships, and passion that led them to careers protecting the Cahaba.

Stay tuned this week as we also introduce our current AmeriCorps member and share where some of our past members are making an impact across the conservation field.

03/06/2026

Join us and the Cahaba River Coalition Cahaba Riverkeeper for a spring clean-up at one of our favorite birding spots in the Black Belt, Perry Lakes Park!
Help us protect this special habitat while giving back to a place that supports incredible birdlife and biodiversity. Together, we can keep Perry Lakes beautiful for birds and birders alike.

Register here-> https://ow.ly/SeyG50Yhk4W

03/03/2026

FORTY. TRUCKLOADS. 🛻🤯
That’s roughly how much Chinese privet was removed at the Shoal Creek Park privet pull last weekend!

With about 85 incredible volunteers, this powerhouse crew tackled invasive privet through pulling, cutting, selective herbicide treatment, and some BIG smiles!

Huge thanks to Shoal Creek Park Foundation for leading the charge — we’re proud to support work that makes this kind of difference. 🌿💪

Let's keep the momentum going! We have another cleanup with Alabama Audubon this weekend at Perry Lakes Park! Learn more and register here: https://ow.ly/B33H50YoEO6

02/27/2026

Today marks the close of National Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026, and we’re highlighting a success story here at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. With help from the Cahaba River Coalition, Boy Scout Troop 100 out of Gardendale, AL, and park staff, a large stand of Chinese parasol trees was eradicated along the Cahaba River. The “before” photo (top left) shows the site in 2022; the “after” photo (top right) shows the remarkable recovery by 2024.

Chinese parasol (Firmiana simplex) is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), recognized by its huge, palmately lobed leaves and smooth, bright green bark. Once planted as an ornamental shade tree, it is now considered a woody invasive that spreads aggressively, outcompetes native plants, and can even cause structural damage with its extensive root system.

Removing invasives like Chinese parasol gives native species room to rebound—supporting healthier soils, stronger riverbanks, and more resilient wildlife habitat. Thanks to community partners and volunteers, this stretch of riverbank is once again on a path back to its natural balance.

Even with successful removal, invasive species management is never truly “one and done.” Chinese parasol seeds can remain viable in the soil, and new seedlings may appear for years after eradication. That’s why routine monitoring and maintenance are essential at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. By checking treated areas regularly and removing any new growth early, we can protect the recovery of native plants and ensure this restoration success lasts well into the future.

See the comments to watch the moment the largest Chinese parasol tree came down! ⤵️ For more information about invasive species, please check out these websites: https://www.fws.gov/event/national-invasive-species-awareness-week-2026
https://naisma.org/programs/nisaw/

02/27/2026

As we close this awareness week, are invasive species invading your thoughts? It's an overwhelming problem, but some solutions can be simple.

🌱 Learn to identify invasive species.
(If you’re unsure, Alabama Extension can help.)

🌿 Plant native species in your yard.
Native plants support native wildlife.

💬 Start the conversation.
Share what you’ve learned this week.

💙 Join us TOMORROW at Shoals Creek Park and be part of the solution.
Link to register: https://ow.ly/IR6i50Yll77