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Freshwater Land Trust seeks Stewardship Intern
Freshwater Land Trust is now welcoming applications for its Stewardship Intern position. The application deadline is Monday, January 17th. …
Thanking our 2020 and 2021 Corporate Partners for Conservation
Freshwater Land Trust was excited to celebrate their 2020 and 2021 Corporate Partners for Conservation on December 10th, 2021. Guest speaker Dr. Haber discussed the recently released Innovate Alabama report on the importance of the state’s outdoor recreational infrastructure and the tremendous potential Alabama has regarding its forested land and water spaces. …
Endangered Species Virtual Tour Sessions
On December 8th, Freshwater Land Trust hosted a virtual Endangered Species "Tour" with expert speakers presenting on a variety of topics, especially focused on endangered and threatened species in Alabama. We are pleased to share the recorded presentations and a few other resources.…
New Complete Street in Titusville
There is a new buffered bike lane in the Titusville neighborhood. Over the course of 12 hours, 1st Avenue South was transformed. Thank you to AARP for funding this exciting project and volunteers for making it a reality!…
New Conservation Easement Protects Endangered Watercress Darter in Birmingham
FLT has closed on a 26.1-acre conservation easement in the Powderly neighborhood, home to the watercress darter, thanks to landowner Emily Godsey and project partner Black Warrior Riverkeeper. …
Innovative Alabama – A Report on Outdoor Recreational Opportunities in the State
Freshwater Land Trust was very excited on October 19, 2021 to read Innovative Alabama, a report by the Hoover Institution that was prepared for the Alabama Innovation Commission. FLT would like to share excerpts from the report that directly address the mission and work of our organization.…
FLT welcomes Endangered Species Intern
Freshwater Land Trust is excited to welcome Ruby Maghoney as our Urban Darter Endangered Species Steward Intern! Over the next several months, Ruby will manage and enhance seven endangered species habitats throughout Jefferson County, specifically focused on habitat for Rush, Vermilion, and Watercress darters.…
Freshwater Land Trust seeks Outreach Coordinator
Freshwater Land Trust is seeking an Outreach Coordinator through UAB's AmeriCorps VISTA program. Read more about the position, including the benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA, and apply.…
11th Jefferson County litter gitter installed in Five Mile Creek
On September 16th, Project Litter Gitter partners installed a litter gitter in Five Mile Creek at Chief William C Hewitt Park in Tarrant, Alabama. ABC Coke, a division of Drummond Company, is sponsoring the litter gitter for one year. This is the 11th litter gitter in Jefferson County and the first in Five Mile Creek and Tarrant.…
Volunteer Impact at Cahaba Riverwalk
Earlier this summer, the Cahaba Riverwalk Trail Initiative dedicated time and effort to address erosion at their adopted Cahaba Riverwalk (Grant's Mill canoe launch). Volunteers installed water bars along the trail to prevent the formation of ruts and gulleys. …
12th Annual Land Aid fundraising concert is a success!
Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, Board, Jr. Board, and Avondale Brewery for making the 12th Annual Land Aid featuring Umphrey's McGee our most successful Land Aid ever!…
Forever Wild to add 1,611 acres to Oak Mountain State Park
Big news! Earlier this week, Forever Wild voted to acquire 1,611 acres of forestland adjacent to Oak Mountain State Park.…
12th Annual Land Aid
Freshwater Land Trust’s Junior Board is proud to host our the 12th annual Land Aid, a fundraising concert benefitting land conservation and trail construction across Central Alabama. Umphrey’s McGee will be headlining this year’s event.…
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.…
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.…
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.…
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.…
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.…
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.…
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.…
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…
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 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.…
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.…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
"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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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 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!…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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 &…
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…
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…
"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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Parks Rx
Download Parks RX PDF…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…