FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Freshwater Land Trust Celebrates Foundational Ideas and Future Impacts with 30th Anniversary Event
Birmingham, AL- May 13, 2026
Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) is proud to announce the celebration of its 30th anniversary, recognizing three decades of work protecting Central Alabama’s natural resources and connecting communities to the outdoors. Since 1996, FLT has helped conserve environmentally significant lands, expand public access to trails and greenspaces, and advance projects that strengthen ecological health and quality of life across the region. As the organization reflects on its history and the partnerships that shaped it, FLT is also looking ahead to an ambitious new chapter.
Founded in 1996 as the Black Warrior-Cahaba Rivers Land Trust, the organization was created as part of a consent decree, a court-enforced settlement that stemmed from litigation against Jefferson County for large-scale wastewater pollution in local waterways. This case led to one of the first and largest Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP) mandated by the EPA and resulted in a $30 million fine to the county, along with the establishment of the land trust to manage these funds. With this SEP, the land trust acquired 4,000 acres along the Black Warrior and Cahaba Rivers to protect habitat and improve water quality in the affected watersheds—the primary sources of drinking water for citizens of Jefferson County and much of Central Alabama.
Since that time, FLT has become the first nationally accredited land trust in Alabama and a renowned leader in land protection, environmental stewardship, and trail development. In the last 30 years, FLT has conserved more than 12,500 acres of land across 14 counties, protected critical habitats for threatened and endangered species, and expanded access to greenways and natural spaces across the area. FLT’s conservation footprint is expected to reach over 15,000 acres by the end of this year, and several restoration projects are underway to improve stream banks and benefit significant species. In 2010, FLT also spearheaded the creation of the Red Rock Trail System®, a growing network of existing and planned trails, bike lanes, sidewalks, and parks in Jefferson County with the goal of connecting all county residents to a trail or greenspace within one mile of their homes. With more than 175 trail miles already in place and key trail connectors actively underway, that vision is quickly becoming reality.
Throughout its history, FLT has played a leading role in shaping Central Alabama’s environmental and recreational landscape by undertaking successful projects that improve placemaking and create health, transportation, and economic benefits in this part of the state, one of the most biodiverse states in the country. The land trust has been instrumental in the creation of treasured greenspaces such as Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and Red Mountain Park, and pioneered restoration efforts to ensure a future for federally endangered species such as the watercress, vermilion, and rush darters. Innovative programs directed by FLT have mobilized community efforts to address local environmental issues; “Project Litter Gitter” spurred countywide partnerships and corporate participation to combat in-stream pollution, removing more than 26,000 pounds of trash and recycling from local creeks and streams to date.
FLT will celebrate 30 years of transformative conservation and outdoor recreation, community partnership, and regional impact over the next six months with various noteworthy announcements and special events, culminating in a momentous gathering and fundraiser, Freshwater Fête, on Friday, November 13. “Freshwater Land Trust began as a bold response to a significant environmental challenge in Jefferson County,” said Executive Director Rusha Smith. “Today, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities and partners unite to protect the places we value. Our 30th anniversary is not just a celebration; it’s a launchpad for our continued impact over the next 30 years.”
The 30th Anniversary Celebration will serve as both a tribute to historical accomplishments and a turning point for the future. Funds raised will support FLT’s goals for the next 30 years, which include:
- Completing the Red Rock Action Plan’s 36-mile connected trail loop around the greater Birmingham metro area, boosting the Red Rock Trail System® to over 200 walkable and bikeable miles in Jefferson County.
- Protecting 30,000 additional acres of land throughout Central Alabama, conserving environmentally significant spaces in more counties across the region and ensuring the lasting preservation of over 50,000 acres.
- Opening six new publicly accessible properties across the region, doubling the number of FLT’s existing ones and creating more landmark recreational spaces facilitated by FLT.
“This is about building on our past momentum to create a more desirable and more connected future for our region.” said Sid Trant, Chair of FLT’s Board of Directors. “Alabama is ‘the beautiful’ because of its incredible natural resources, and our organization’s continued, expeditious work ensures these resources remain for the ecological value of the state and for the recreational enjoyment of all its residents.”
Freshwater Fête will feature immersive storytelling, recognition of honored individuals, and exciting updates, as well as dinner, a live auction, and music. The evening will highlight FLT’s journey “From Idea to Impact”—a theme that captures the organization’s evolution from a single moment into a driving force for regional change.
In the months leading up to the event, FLT will share a series of special announcements and events, including a timely office move this summer. To aid in the conservation of land in Central Alabama and the connection of trails in Jefferson County, FLT encourages its extended community to share stories that resonate and invites all supporters, friends, and partners to join in this celebration to help invest in its future goals.
For more information about the event, to become a sponsor, and to view tickets, visit the Freshwater Fête fundraising page here.