Blog Articles Archives - Freshwater Land Trust

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July 16, 2021

Aquatic Life 101

Alabama is one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States and maintains some of the richest ecosystems east of the Mississippi River. The state’s network of freshwater rivers and streams, high precipitation levels, and warm temperatures create the ideal home for thousands of wildlife species.…

July 9, 2021

Composting 101

Chances are, you’ve heard of composting. But what is it, really? To put it simply, composting breaks down natural waste, like food scraps or leaves, into a nutrient-rich fertilizer.…

June 29, 2021

The Historic Red Ore Express Launches Birmingham Audio Tour

Listen up. There's a new audio tour in town. The Historic Red Ore Express has created a walking audio tour designed to showcase Birmingham’s rich history, from its role in the iron and steel industries to its storied past with civil rights and immigration.…

June 22, 2021

Forest Bathing 101

Spending time in nature is relaxing and therapeutic. But did you know that getting outdoors is more than just a fun activity? Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the process of intentionally taking in the atmosphere of the outdoors through all your senses.…

June 14, 2021

FLT welcomes summer interns

Freshwater Land Trust is excited to welcome two summer interns for the season: Dominique Foreman and Maggie Palmer. They will each be an asset in advancing projects and initiatives that are part of FLT's mission for the next two to three months.…

June 11, 2021

FLT Board and Jr. Board improve darter habitat at Roebuck Springs

On May 22, Freshwater Land Trust continued its stewardship efforts at Roebuck Springs by holding a habitat workday. Roebuck Springs is home to the Watercress Darter, a federally endangered freshwater fish only found in Jefferson County.…

June 4, 2021

Turtle Ramp on Turkey Creek property

Conservation down to the tiniest creature is part of FLT’s mission to preserve land, water, and the species that make their homes in Central Alabama. Innovative solutions like this turtle ramp ensure that animals on FLT properties remain healthy and continue to flourish.…

May 28, 2021

Blue Springs Bioblitz

Freshwater Land Trust’s Blue Springs Bioblitz was held May 22 – May 23 in Ragland, Alabama. A bioblitz is an organized event during which participants find and identify as many plant, animal, and fungi species as possible…

May 26, 2021

2020 Annual Report

We are excited to share our 2020 Annual Report! Each year, we release an annual report as a brief snapshot of project milestones, finances, and ongoing initiatives.…

May 20, 2021

May 2021: COVID-19 Notice

May 20, 2021 - Freshwater Land Trust staff are back in the office full-time as of May 10th, 2020 working from our new office space at 3501 1st Ave S Suite 201-A, Birmingham, AL 35222. During this time of transition, we ask that visitors receive express permission from a staff member before coming by.…

May 14, 2021

FLT has moved offices to M2 with a bird’s eye view of the Jones Valley Trail Extension!

Freshwater Land Trust has officially moved into our brand-new office space! We are excited to be the first tenant to occupy the newly redeveloped M2 building.…

April 23, 2021

Freshwater Land Trust breaks ground on the Jones Valley Trail Extension

Freshwater Land Trust broke ground on the highly anticipated Jones Valley Trail Extension in celebration of Earth Day! The groundbreaking ceremony took place…

March 25, 2021

Join FLT’s Half Marathon & 5k on April 24th!

Join us on Saturday, April 24th for the inaugural Freshwater Land Trust Half Marathon and 5k in Fultondale along the Five Mile Creek Greenway! Register today…

March 18, 2021

Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company Sponsors East Lake Park Litter Gitter

Freshwater Land Trust is excited to announce our newest Project Litter Gitter partner: Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company! Coca-Cola will sponsor the litter gitter in East Lake Park in Birmingham for two years starting in 2021.…

March 10, 2021

Wildwood Preserve: A local springtime destination

As spring begins to bloom, it is the perfect time to get out and experience nature. Wildwood Preserve is a 51-acre nature preserve in Birmingham that is owned and managed by Freshwater Land Trust. This property truly comes to life in the spring…

February 8, 2021

Join us as a Freshwater Fan!

If you value beautiful forests, clean water, and walkable trails, you are already a fan of what we do. Why not make it official? As a Freshwater Fan, you will provide critical support for conservation and outdoor recreation throughout Central Alabama.…

December 21, 2020

Jerry Lanning receives L. Burton Barnes, III, Public Service Award

Freshwater Land Trust is proud to announce that our own Jerry Lanning, FLT’s Vice President and General Counsel, is this year’s recipient of the Birmingham Bar Association’s L. Burton Barnes, III, Public Service Award. Freshwater…

December 11, 2020

Litter Gitters installed in Trussville and Brighton

On December 8th, two litter gitter trash capture devices were installed in creeks in the cities of Trussville and Brighton, thanks to generous funding from the Jefferson County Department of Health. Over the past year, Freshwater…

December 3, 2020

Volunteers Enhance Endangered Species Habitat in Bessemer

On Friday, November 20th, Regions Bank volunteers teamed up with the Lakewood Neighborhood Association to enhance endangered species habitat in Bessemer. More than a dozen volunteers worked over five hours to remove…

November 24, 2020

The High Ore Garden

On November 7th, a team of six 2020 Master Gardener participants assisted the City of Midfield with a beautification project at the popular High Ore Line Trail. For years, the…

November 10, 2020

Geocaching: A treasure hunt on the Red Rock Trail System

Freshwater Land Trust has completed nearly 120 miles of the Red Rock Trail System (RRTS), providing residents of Jefferson County with ample opportunities to bike, jog, walk, or hike on…

October 27, 2020

Walker County Lake, a recreation destination

Walker County Lake, located off I-22 and approximately 10 minutes from Jasper’s Main Street, is one of Central Alabama’s best kept recreational destinations. Offering a variety of activities including fishing, walking…

October 22, 2020

Ladies Who Hike Make a Wish

Ladies Who Hike (LWH), a local hiking group for women, is partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation to benefit children in Alabama. On November 14th, they will complete a 27-mile hike on…

October 20, 2020

Freshwater Land Trust welcomes Sam McCoy

We are excited to welcome Sam McCoy as our new Land Stewardship Director! In this role, he will manage FLT’s over 7,500 acres of conservation properties, lead projects with high…

October 15, 2020

Turkey Creek Property Exchange with City of Pinson

On October 15th, Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) and the City of Pinson, in partnership with Birmingham-Southern College’s Southern Environmental Center (BSCSEC), finalized a property exchange involving the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve (TCNP). Through this transaction, FLT gave 28 acres of property within TCNP to the City…

October 1, 2020

Litter Gitter installed at East Lake Park

On October 1st, a litter gitter trash collection device was installed in Village Creek at East Lake Park. This brings the total to eight litter gitter devices throughout Jefferson County.…

September 21, 2020

Project Litter Gitter Initial Data

Earlier this summer, Freshwater Land Trust officially launched Project Litter Gitter. Through the EPA’s Trash-Free Waters grant, awarded to Freshwater Land Trust and partners, there are six litter gitter devices in waterways across…

September 4, 2020

Mary Beth Brown leaving Freshwater Land Trust

We are both excited and sad to share the news that our Communications Director, Mary Beth Brown, is leaving Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) to accept a position with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. In…

August 27, 2020

Letter from Our Executive Director

August 26, 2020 Dear FLT Community, Last July, I started my position as Executive Director of Freshwater Land Trust (FLT), and it has been a wonderful first year. I would…

August 26, 2020

Freshwater Land Trust receives accreditation renewal

We are excited to share that the Land Trust Accreditation Commission has renewed Freshwater Land Trust’s accreditation! Land trust accreditation promotes nation-wide quality standards for land trusts and land conservation.…

July 8, 2020

Five new litter gitters installed across four cities

Freshwater Land Trust is excited to officially launch Project Litter Gitter and install five new litter gitter devices in conjunction with the EPA’s Trash-Free Waters grant, recently awarded to Freshwater…

July 2, 2020

Recreate responsibly.

As we move into summer and continue grappling with a public health crisis, it is important for us all to remember to recreate responsibly. We can enjoy much-needed time outdoors…

June 22, 2020

Birmingham Service Corps partners with land trust

For two weeks in June, members from Birmingham Service Corps worked with Freshwater Land Trust to complete trail improvement projects across Birmingham. Birmingham Service Corps enlists Birmingham residents as paid…

June 5, 2020

Trail extension will connect Rotary Trail to 41st Street

To support Jones Valley Trail Extension, give today or contact our office for more information. Freshwater Land Trust is leading a campaign to raise $1,000,000 to build Jones Valley Trail…

May 28, 2020

Homewood installs “litter gitter” in Griffin Brook 

The City of Homewood installed a “litter gitter” device in Griffin Brook today near the intersection of Broadway Street and Redfern Street. Homewood is working with Osprey Initiative, Freshwater Land…

May 20, 2020

Now Hiring: Land Stewardship Director

Freshwater Land Trust is accepting applications for its Land Stewardship Director position. The successful candidate will lead the implementation of land conservation strategies on over 7,000 acres of fee-owned preserves…

May 15, 2020

Jeffrey Drummond accepts position with U.S. Fish and Wildlife

We are both excited and sad to share that Stewardship Director Jeffrey Drummond is leaving Freshwater Land Trust to accept a biologist position with U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Partners Program. In…

May 4, 2020

Geocaching: A Real-Life, Backyard Treasure Hunt

During the Coronavirus pandemic, we are encouraging everyone to get outside as much as safely possible. If you are looking for new outdoor activity to try, consider geocaching! Geocaching is…

April 23, 2020

Freshwater Land Trust awarded EPA’s Trash-Free Waters grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2020 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – Freshwater Land Trust and partners were recently awarded a $500,000 project grant over three years from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Trash-Free…

April 21, 2020

800 trees planted along Turkey Creek

For the past several years, Freshwater Land Trust has led stewardship projects along Jefferson County’s Turkey Creek in an effort to improve water quality and endangered species habitat. Past projects…

April 13, 2020

Trails Less Traveled To Try

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, we want you to be able to get outside, to exercise, and to enjoy spring sunshine as often as possible! But even when you are…

March 25, 2020

2019 Annual Report

We are excited to share our 2019 Annual Report! Each year, we release an annual report as a brief snapshot of project milestones, finances, and ongoing initiatives. In 2019, we…

March 19, 2020

Data released from Litter Gitter pilot project

In December 2019, Osprey Initiative installed a Litter Gitter device at the headwaters of Valley Creek in downtown Birmingham as a pilot project. The adjustable device intercepts floating litter from…

January 8, 2020

108 acres conserved in Blount County

In December, a generous landowner donated a 108-acre conservation easement to Freshwater Land Trust. Located in Blount County in the Black Warrior River Basin, the easement includes rolling hills with…

December 5, 2019

"Litter Gitter" installed in Valley Creek

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — Osprey Initiative, in partnership with River Network, Freshwater Land Trust, and the City of Birmingham, has installed an in-stream litter collection device in Valley Creek. The device,…

November 18, 2019

Culvert replaced, rush darter habitat improved at Turkey Creek

This fall, Freshwater Land Trust replaced two culverts near a Turkey Creek tributary with the goal of improving endangered species habitat, decreasing erosion, and improving overall water quality in the…

September 18, 2019

October 17: Continuing Education Seminar

Flora, Fauna, and Flow: Environmental and Legal Issues and What You Need To Know Join Freshwater Land Trust, Bradley, and a diversity of environmental, real estate, and legal experts as…

September 5, 2019

Land Aid presented by Brasfield & Gorrie

We are excited to announce our 11th annual Land Aid, presented by Brasfield & Gorrie! Join your local land trust for a beautiful September night full of great beer and…

August 19, 2019

October 18: Endangered Species Tour

On Friday, October 18, Freshwater Land Trust and Alabama Tree Farms are hosting the second-annual Endangered Species Tour, highlighting locations across Jefferson County where endangered species have been protected. Through…

August 2, 2019

Now Open: High Ore Line Trail to Red Mountain Park

Birmingham’s three-mile High Ore Line Trail is now complete and open to the public! High Ore Line Trail starts in Midfield at Jefferson County Western Health Center and runs three…

July 29, 2019

A note from Rusha Smith, our new Executive Director

Dear Friends of Freshwater Land Trust, I am thrilled to be Freshwater Land Trust’s new Executive Director. My love of this state and its amazing natural spaces drew me to…

June 27, 2019

Photos: New trail in Gardendale

On June 12, the Five Mile Creek District opened a new trail in Gardendale! You can now walk, run, and bike eleven miles round trip between Gardendale and Fultondale on…

June 24, 2019

Adopt-a-Trail: Birmingham Ultra Trail Society (BUTS)

We’re thrilled that the Birmingham Ultra Trail Society (BUTS) has adopted Boulder Canyon Loop in Vestavia! This one-mile loop trail winds through a picturesque canyon cut by Patton Creek with…

June 12, 2019

District purchases rail corridor, opens new trail

Five Mile Creek District purchases 16.5 miles of rail corridor, opens new trail in Gardendale FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA – A new recreational trail is open in Gardendale,…

May 20, 2019

Land Trust Accreditation – Public Notice

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Freshwater Land Trust is pleased to announce…

May 20, 2019

Land Monitoring in the Springtime

As a land trust, one of our core responsibilities is monitoring our conservation properties every year. When we monitor, we’re checking that the land and surrounding ecosystems are healthy and…

April 23, 2019

Adopt-a-Trail: Sentry Heating & Air

Exciting news: Sentry Heating & Air Conditioning has adopted one mile of Shades Creek Greenway! Also known as Lakeshore Trail, Shades Creek Greenway is 2.6 miles, paralleling Lakeshore Drive and…

April 8, 2019

Adopt-a-Trail: William Harris

We’re excited to announce that local resident William Harris has adopted Clairmont Avenue Trail! Will adopted a half mile of trail and completed his first workday in February. Here, he…

April 8, 2019

April 28: Hike at Coalburg Property

On Sunday April 28, join Freshwater Land Trust for a guided hike through our conservation property in Coalburg, home to some of the highest-quality loblolly pine forest in our region!…

April 1, 2019

Job Opportunity: Land Stewardship Fellow

Position: Land Stewardship Fellow Location: Birmingham, AL Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Position – 12 months Salary: $1,600/month stipend, 32 hours/week Start Date: 08/01/2019 Application Deadline: 06/01/2019 Freshwater Land Trust is looking…

March 7, 2019

Before & After: Spring Cleaning for Darter Habitat

Birmingham’s Roebuck Springs, home to the endangered watercress darter, is looking especially good after an intensive effort to remove invasive plants and undergrowth! Now, more sunlight will be able to…

February 26, 2019

March 10: Hike at Wildwood Preserve

On March 10, join Freshwater Land Trust and Treeline Expeditions for a guided hike through Wildwood Preserve! We will walk about 1.5 miles round trip, with lots of trillium, trout…

January 29, 2019

Adopt-a-Trail: Homewood High School

We are thrilled that Homewood High School’s Environmental Club has adopted one mile of Shades Creek Greenway! Student volunteers completed their first workday in the fall and will continue weekly…

January 22, 2019

155 Acres Conserved in Shelby County

In December, Grady and Dianne Swicord donated a 155-acre conservation easement to Freshwater Land Trust. The Swicord easement is located on Coosa Mountain in Shelby County. Home to a healthy, diverse…

January 11, 2019

Adopt-a-Trail

In January 2018, we launched our Adopt-a-Trail program, a volunteer initiative supporting Red Rock Trail System. Volunteer groups take care of their adopted trail by removing litter, raking leaves, pruning and…

December 17, 2018

Adopt-a-Trail: Rotary Club of Birmingham

We are excited to announce The Rotary Club of Birmingham has joined our Adopt-a-Trail program! Volunteers will work on Rotary Trail every few months, and twice a year the trail will be…

December 10, 2018

Announcing Our 2018 Corporate Partners

On December 7, Freshwater Land Trust celebrated our 2018 Corporate Partners for Conservation. These organizations believe that land and water conservation and outdoor recreation can transform Alabama, and they provide…

November 15, 2018

Endangered Species Tour: Video & Photos

On Friday, October 12, Freshwater Land Trust and U.S. Fish and Wildlife hosted an all-day endangered species tour, highlighting six Jefferson County locations, stretching from Bessemer to Pinson, where endangered…

October 29, 2018

Adopt-a-Trail: ROAM Projects

We are excited to announce our new Adopt-a-Trail partnership with ROAM Projects, a company that promotes and facilitates trail running across the U.S. and abroad. “We focus on promoting trail running…

October 15, 2018

Bank stabilization, Sunday hike on Cahaba River

Yesterday we kicked off our seasonal Sunday hikes at Cahaba River Walk in Irondale! A popular spot for kayaking, tubing, and swimming, this short trail runs through Freshwater Land Trust…

September 19, 2018

Check out our new online store!

You can now purchase Freshwater Land Trust t-shirts and other items through our online store! Enter Online Store All sales are final and benefit our conservation work in Alabama. You…

August 27, 2018

Land Aid presented by Alabama Power & Greener State

We are excited to announce our 10th annual Land Aid event, presented by Alabama Power & Greener State. Join your local land trust for a fun September night full of…

August 6, 2018

Adopt-a-Trail: Goodwyn Mills Cawood

We are proud to announce our new Adopt-a-Trail partnership with Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), an architecture and engineering firm working across the southeastern United States. GMC adopted the Jones Valley…

July 20, 2018

Partner Spotlight: Chris Boles

Partner Spotlights are conversations with the people who make our work possible. Chris Boles Occupation: Retired Banker Connected to Freshwater Land Trust since: 2016 Favorite form of outdoor exercise: Gardening,…

July 13, 2018

Adopt-a-Trail: Treeline Expeditions

We are proud to announce our new Adopt-a-Trail partnership with Treeline Expeditions, an eco tour guide service that leads outdoor adventures for teens, adults, and families. Bill Andrews, director and…

July 10, 2018

Libba Vaughan leaving the Freshwater Land Trust

Libba Vaughan is leaving the Freshwater Land Trust. She will be joining Leadership Birmingham as their new executive director. “Although we are sad that Libba is leaving the Freshwater Land…

June 21, 2018

Partner Spotlight: Derek Conrad Brown

Partner Spotlights are conversations with the people who make our work possible. Derek Conrad Brown Occupation: Management and Workplace Culture Consultant Connected to Freshwater Land Trust since: 2016 Favorite local trail: Rotary Trail,…

June 8, 2018

Roebuck Springs restoration complete

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Freshwater Land Trust has completed its habitat restoration project at Roebuck Springs in Don Hawkins Park, in partnership with the City of Birmingham and U.S. Fish and…

May 23, 2018

Kiwanis Vulcan Trail: 7,700 visitors since opening

Kiwanis Vulcan Trail opened to the public on March 20, 2018. Since that time, the trail has had at least 7,700 visitors according to our trail counter! Residents, tourists, families,…

May 22, 2018

2017 Annual Report

We’re excited to share our 2017 annual report! This report is a snapshot of the positive impact individuals like you are making on the health of our woods & rivers and…

May 14, 2018

Get your tickets for Too Hot To Hike!

Since 2010, the Freshwater Land Trust has been connecting people to the outdoors through the Red Rock Trail System, Jefferson County’s growing network of trails, parks, and bike lanes. In…

May 11, 2018

Magic City Tour: Mother’s Day

By: Libba Vaughan, Executive Director For a girl who grew up in small town Guntersville, Alabama, Birmingham was my New York City. It was a Really. Big. Deal. to visit…

May 9, 2018

Seeking 2018-19 AmeriCorps Members

The Freshwater Land Trust is seeking two AmeriCorps Members to serve with us for one year beginning in September 2018. We are proud to partner with the YWCA’s Building Communities,…

April 30, 2018

Wildwood Preserve

Our Wildwood Preserve is now open to the public! The 51 acre nature preserve is nestled between I-65 and Shades Creek and is home to a variety of native wildflowers as…

March 26, 2018

Adopt-a-Trail: Dynamite Hill-Smithfield Community Land Trust

We are proud to announce our new partnership with the Dynamite Hill-Smithfield Community Land Trust (DH-SCLT). The DH-SCLT is the first community organization to volunteer for the Freshwater Land Trust’s…

March 22, 2018

Now Open: Kiwanis Vulcan Trail

We are proud to announce that Kiwanis Vulcan Trail is open and ready for you to visit! This off-road trail is now 2.2 miles long and connects Vulcan Park &…

March 12, 2018

Restoration at Roebuck Springs: home of the watercress darter

BIRMINGHAM, AL — This week, the Freshwater Land Trust breaks ground on a restoration project at Roebuck Springs in Don Hawkins Park, in partnership with the City of Birmingham and…

March 1, 2018

New Selma Dixon mitigation bank

In February, the Freshwater Land Trust closed on a conservation easement on a new mitigation bank in Dallas County, Alabama, in partnership with Goodwyn Mills and Cawood (GMC). As holder…

January 5, 2018

"Complete Streets" Events

“Complete streets” are streets that are safe and comfortable for everyone, whether you’re walking, cycling, driving, or riding the bus. They are safe for people of all ages and abilities. Complete streets…

December 21, 2017

Nine New Acres Conserved in Trussville

In late December, Dennis and Dianne Dempsey donated a nine-acre conservation easement on their property in Trussville, Alabama to the Freshwater Land Trust. The Dempseys join a growing community of landowners…

December 18, 2017

2017 Corporate Partners for Conservation

On December 14, we were proud to celebrate our 2017 Corporate Partners for Conservation. Because of our corporate partners, we are able to conserve land in ways that transform the…

December 2, 2017

Sunday Hike Series: 2017 Recap & 2018 Dates

This year, we launched our seasonal Sunday Hike Series, hosting seven hikes and over 200 hundred people! We love sharing our work with friends, family, and supporters, and – most of…

November 8, 2017

Endangered Alabama fish found upstream of dam removal site

Four years after the Freshwater Land Trust and partners removed a 100-year-old dam, a critically-endangered fish species is making a new home in a section of Turkey Creek in north…

August 25, 2017

The Wild Feathers to Headline 9th Annual Land Aid

We are excited to announce our 9th annual Land Aid event! Headlining this year’s concert is acclaimed American rock band The Wild Feathers, supported by two Nashville-based bands The Delta…

August 10, 2017

Staff Q&A: Farewell to Lacy & Charles

For the past year, Lacy Kamber and Charles Miller have served with us as Americorps VISTA members. They have been an integral part of our team during an exciting year…

June 1, 2017

New Staff Q&A: Mary Beth Brown

Last month, Mary Beth Brown joined the Freshwater Land Trust as our new Director of Communications! Mary Beth is an Alabama native and a graduate of Auburn University. After working…

May 25, 2017

Kiwanis Breaks Ground on New Park and Vulcan Trail

We are excited to announce that last Friday, May 19, 2017, the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham broke ground on their Centennial Park/Vulcan Trail project. This $4.6 million investment will reconnect…

February 8, 2017

Turkey Creek Restoration Continues thanks to FLT partners

In a small watershed in northwest Jefferson County lives a tiny, vibrantly colored fish found nowhere else on earth. The Vermilion darter (Etheostoma chermocki), inhabits now a 9 mile stretch…

January 30, 2017

2017 Board of Directors

The Freshwater Land Trust is excited to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors this year: Thomas N. Carruthers, III Principal Owner Red Rock Realty Group Tom has…

January 23, 2017

Freshwater Land Trust Hike Series

The Freshwater Land Trust is excited to announce its 2017 Seasonal Hike Series! Throughout the spring and fall seasons, we’re hosting monthly guided hikes so that you can see and…

November 30, 2016

Why the Red Rock Trail matters

In 1925, renowned landscape architects Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr. and John Charles Olmstead designed a plan for Birmingham that included parks within walking distance of every home. A planned network…

November 14, 2016

12.5 acres of streamside property preserved for the Cahaba River in Mountain Brook & Vestavia.

In late September, Ed and Memily Colvin joined a growing group of landowners who have looked to the Freshwater Land Trust to help guide them in their conservation goals. The…

October 28, 2016

20 for 20 Anniversary Challenge

Make your gift via paypal The Freshwater Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization therefore your contribution is tax deductible. A hiking trail. A fishing hole. A backyard creek. Why do…

October 27, 2016

New Staff Q&A: Carolyn Buck

Carolyn Buck recently joined the Freshwater Land Trust team. We sat down with her to find out her plans for the future and learn what she is looking most forward…

October 25, 2016

Red Rock Tuesday Featuring Zyp Bikeshare Birmingham

Next Tuesday, November 1, we will be featuring Zyp Bikeshare Birmingham at its Smithfield station on our monthly segment of Red Rock Tuesday. Zyp Bikeshare comprises 40 kiosks and 400…

September 27, 2016

Red Rock Tuesday feat. Parks Rx

Next week, October 4, we will be filming our October segment of Red Rock Tuesday featuring Parks Rx. This new program was officially launched by Birmingham REACH for Better Health…

September 27, 2016

Parks Rx

Download Parks RX PDF…

September 23, 2016

Norwood Boulevard Blast 5k

This coming Saturday, September 24, the Norwood Resource Center (NRC), a non-profit organization founded as a grassroots initiative, will be hosting its third annual Boulevard Blast 5K and Fun Run/Walk.…

August 29, 2016

Freshwater Land Trust Welcomes Libba Vaughan

This is an exciting year at the Freshwater Land Trust as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, we’ve accomplished great things for land conservation in…

August 23, 2016

Pete Yorn to Headline 8th Annual Land Aid Event at Avondale Brewery

Join us for our 8th Annual Land Aid concert featuring acclaimed indie singer/songwriter Pete Yorn. Land Aid 2016 will be held at Avondale Brewery Company on Friday, September 16. Doors…

August 16, 2016

20 Species: Confederate Daisy

High on the secluded ridges of the Freshwater Land Trust’s private preserve on Double Oak Mountain, towering over suburban Shelby County, grows a hardy and rare flower. Sprouting from its sandstone outcrops,…

August 12, 2016

20 Projects: Civil Rights Trail

During the Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham, Alabama became the site of history. During the 1963 civil rights campaign, the Alabama metropolis was plunged into the national, televised spotlight as African-Americans,…

August 10, 2016

Q&A: Drew Pendleton

As summer comes to an end, we’re saying, “see you later” to several of our interns. We sat down with Drew Pendleton, our summer PR and communications intern thanks to…

August 5, 2016

20 Projects: Cosby Lake

Nearly 20 miles northeast of downtown Birmingham lies the city of Clay, Alabama. Part rural community, part Birmingham suburb, the city stretches from the edges of Center Point and Trussville…

August 2, 2016

Q&A: Americorps VISTA Volunteers Adam & Evan

Q&A: Americorps Volunteers Adam & Evan As we move into the final stretch of summer, we’re taking the time to sit down with our outgoing team members. After joining the…

July 27, 2016

Freshwater Land Trust Announces Leadership Changes

After 15 years of leadership as Executive Director, “Mother Nature’s Real Estate Agent” Wendy Jackson is bidding farewell to the Freshwater Land Trust and has been named as Executive Vice…

July 26, 2016

Upcoming Red Rock Tuesday in Homewood

It’s time again for another Red Rock Tuesday! On August 2, we will be filming the August installment of Red Rock Tuesday with Jeh Jeh Pruitt and the Good Day…

July 22, 2016

20 Projects: Village Creek

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary of helping preserve and conserve the landscape of central Alabama. Over the next few months, we’ll give you in-depth looks…

July 21, 2016

Workday with Vulcan Materials at McCallum Park

In the early morning sunrise over Vestavia Hills, McCallum Park was bustling. Trucks and cars filled the red rock parking lot. On one end sat a mountain of gravel; on…

July 20, 2016

20 Species: Pygmy Sculpin

Alabama’s biological diversity is frequently cited as one of the best in the nation. However, within that diversity, there are a few select species that make their home in Alabama,…

July 19, 2016

20 Projects: High Ore Line & Trail

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary of helping preserve and conserve the landscape of central Alabama. Over the next few months, we’ll give you in-depth looks…

July 15, 2016

20 Champions: Bishop Johnson

Behind Faith Apostolic Church in Powderly, a neighborhood southwest of downtown Birmingham, weaves a peaceful gravel and rock path. This path leads to a concealed spring that houses the endangered…

July 13, 2016

20 Species: Rough Hornsnail

In the currents of the Lower Coosa River and Shelby County’s Yellow Leaf Creek, there is a small but sharp species making its way through the water. It’s a species…

July 8, 2016

20 Projects: Tapawingo Springs

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary of helping preserve and conserve the landscape of central Alabama. Over the next few months, we’ll give you in-depth looks…

July 6, 2016

Upcoming Red Rock Tuesday

It’s about that time to gear up for our next Red Rock Tuesday with Jeh Jeh Pruitt and the Good Day Alabama Team! On July 12, we will be filming…

July 1, 2016

20 Projects: Rotary Trail

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary of helping preserve and conserve the landscape of central Alabama. Over the next few months, we’ll give you in-depth looks…

June 30, 2016

20 Champions: Holli Watts

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re taking time to reflect on our past success stories, while also looking to the future as we take…

June 24, 2016

20 Projects: Double Oak Mountain

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary of helping preserve and conserve the landscape of central Alabama. Over the next few months, we’ll give you in-depth looks…

June 22, 2016

20 Species: Cahaba Shiner

Free-flowing for 194 miles through the state of Alabama – the last river of its kind in the state – the Cahaba River plays home to a diverse population of…

June 16, 2016

20 Years Ago: Wendy Jackson

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at the Freshwater Land Trust, we’re taking time to reflect on our past success stories, while also looking to the future as we take…

June 15, 2016

20 Species: Black Warrior Waterdog

While it’s also referred to as a “mud puppy,” the Black Warrior waterdog is canine in name only. Rather, it’s a current candidate for the federal endangered species list that…

June 10, 2016

The Locust Fork Mitigation Bank

Northeast of the city of Birmingham in the rolling farmlands of Blount County, big days are ahead for a 111-acre swath of land in the Locust Fork Watershed. A new…

June 8, 2016

20 Species: The Rush Darter

In the Tombigbee-Black Warrior drainage in central Alabama lives one special little fish that calls three central Alabama watersheds and their cool, clear, shallow freshwater streams home. The rush darter…

April 25, 2016

20 Species: Flattened Musk Turtle

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we protect more than just water and land; we protect many different species: plants and animals alike. In our 20th year, we are recognizing 20…

April 8, 2016

20 Donors – Bob and Ann Tate

Bob and Ann Tate, long-time wildflower and bird enthusiast, own 14-acres of beautiful property covered in wildflowers on the Cahaba River. After their two sons grew up and moved out-of-state,…

March 31, 2016

Upcoming Red Rock Tuesday

It’s that time again! We’re kicking off the start of spring with a Red Rock Tuesday at Rotary Trail next week! On Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 a.m., we will…

March 28, 2016

Yellow-Coated Cars Mean Beautiful Spring Flowers

It’s that time of year again when trees and flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing and our cars are continuously draped with a yellow coat of pollen. Although pollen triggers…

March 24, 2016

20 Species Worth Saving – The Cave Salamander

The brilliant orange color with black spots from head to tail makes the cave salamander a memorable species. Typically found in limestone caves, around natural springs or around rocky outcrops,…

March 22, 2016

World Water Day

Today is an international observance day for water related issues. The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day in 1993, and it has been held annually…

March 17, 2016

Good Water = Good Beer

Water is an essential part of beer — 90 percent to be exact. As local craft breweries have become more popular, local water quality has become ever more important. Water…

March 16, 2016

Irondale Riverwalk reopens for spring paddlers

The new and improved Irondale Riverwalk at Grants Mill Road was unveiled earlier this month and is now open to the public just in time for spring! This newly designed canoe…

March 16, 2016

20 Donors – The Howards

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we believe conservation work is more than preserving the natural environment—it’s about preserving a way of life. James and Olivia Howard believe that, too. In…

March 10, 2016

20 Species Worth Saving – The Vermillion Darter

At the Freshwater Land Trust, we work to not only save greenspaces, but also save the natural habitats located on or around those greenspaces. Since this is our 20th year…

March 2, 2016

Celebrating 20 Years in Conservation

In celebration of our 20th anniversary and the people, partners and places that have made our conservation work possible, the Freshwater Land Trust is excited to start off the next…

March 1, 2016

Double Oak Mountain Acquisition

Two miles of ridgeline on Double Oak Mountain preserved forever. BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—For more than 60 years, Double Oak Mountain has represented a family’s legacy. Over the years, this family watched…

March 1, 2016

Meet Kaitlin Goins

Kaitlin Goins is returning after two years (and a lot of experience in between) to head up communications efforts for the Freshwater Land Trust. She interned with FWLT in the…

March 1, 2016

2016 Pheasant Hunt

We’re gearing up for our annual Pheasant Shoot at Westevelt Lodge on February 26th! Join us and other conservation-minded partners and friends for a fun day of bird hunting and…

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