In The Press - Freshwater Land Trust

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2025

April: Shades Creek Greenway expands, connecting nature and community (WVTM 13)
April: Mulberry Fork kayak launch update given to commission (Daily Mountain Eagle)
April: Rugby Avenue Traffic Calming (City of Birmingham)
March: Birmingham’s Complete Streets initiative adds 30+ miles to Red Rock Trail System (Bham Now)
March: Alabama’s tried and true trails (Business Alabama)
March: Red Rock Trail System growing, 30 miles of bike lanes and sidewalks added (WVTM 13)
March: Alabama Tourism launches ‘Year of Alabama Trails’ at Vulcan Park (Yellowhammer News)
March: ‘Year of Alabama Trails’ launch ignites excitement and exploration (SoulGrown)
February: 6 Birmingham-area trails recognized by Alabama Tourism in top 25 list (Bham Now)
January: Shades Creek Greenway Phase 2 Extension Now Open (Homewood Star)
January: New 1.4-mile Shades Creek Greenway Extension officially open in Homewood (Bham Now)
January: A ‘lost cause’ becomes a conservation victory in Alabama (Southern Environmental Law Center)

2024

December: Bham-based nonprofit lands $11.7M from federal entity (Birmingham Business Journal)
November: 5 beautiful places with easy walking trails in Birmingham (The Birmingham News)
November: Darting Past Extinction: Endangered Fish in Birmingham (Rachel Carson Council)
November: Volunteers clean Birmingham’s Enon Ridge Trail for National Take a Hike Day on Nov. 17 (Alabama News Center)
November: 2024 Elevate Conference unites Alabama nonprofits and the Alabama Power Foundation to spark positive change across the state (Alabama News Center)
October: 11.7 million grant to connect Birmingham and Fairfield with trail (abc 3340)
October: Minority-Owned Firm Selected as Lead Consultant for $21.7 Million Urban Trail Project in Birmingham (The Birmingham Times)
October: Red Rock Trail System takes huge step forward with Rails-to-Trail purchase in Birmingham (Bham Now)
October: Local nonprofit acquires 22 acres in Birmingham (Birmingham Business Journal)
October: Council Sets Nov. 12 Public Hearing on Safe Streets Pilot; Mayor Says It Has Reduced Crime in East Lake (BirminghamWatch)
September: September 2024 Issue (WestJeff Magazine)
September: See the new inspirational 200-ft. wide mural along the Hugh Kaul Trail in Avondale (Bham Now)
September: Politics of libraries and migrants, and the quiz: Down in Alabama (AL.com
September: Effort underway for recreational access on 160 acres (Daily Mountain Eagle)
September: Federal judge ends nearly three decades of oversight for Jefferson County sewer system (AL.com)
September: After Nearly 30 Years, Jefferson County Reaches Deal to End Sewer Consent Decree (Birmingham Times)
September: Meet Carolyn Buck of the Freshwater Land Trust (StyleBlueprint)
September: Jefferson County and Cahaba River Society request end to decades-long sewer consent decree (Southern Environmental Law Center)
September: Jefferson County and Cahaba River Society call for an end to the sewer consent decree (Bham Now)
August: PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS (Birmingham Times)
August: Phillip A. Morris Fund for the Design Arts Announces 2024 Grants (CBS 42)
August: Protecting local green spaces – find out why it matters + how you can get involved now (Bham Now)
August: Junior League of Birmingham awards 1.16M in grants to 9 local transformational projects (Bham Now)
August: Check out these Litter Gitters + other unique ways to keep our waterways clean (Bham Now)
July: Environmental group to preserve peninsula near old coal mine in Jefferson County (AL.com)
July: Bham area nonprofit acquires more than 350 acres of property (Birmingham Business Journal)
July: 366 acres of Black Warrior in Jefferson County will be conserved thanks to Freshwater Land Trust (WVUA 23)
July: Freshwater Land Trust announces new acquisition for habitat restoration in Alabama (Alabama Public Radio)
July: Nonprofit acquires 366 acres on Black Warrior River for permanent conservation (Tuscaloosa Thread)
July: Land Trust acquires 366 acres at confluence of the Black Warrior, Mulberry Fork, Locust Fork rivers (Bham Now)
July: Alabama Trails need your support. How to help now [Resources included] (Bama Buzz)
June: $11 million trail aimed at livability and opportunity coming to Birmingham suburb (AL.com)
June: Rep Sewell Announces $14+ Million in Department of Transportation RAISE Grants for the Cities of York and Fairfield (Office of Terri Sewell)
June: Sweet Trails Alabama shares Statewide Trails Plan with Public ( SoulGrown)
June: Trailblazer Jane Reed Ross to be inducted into the prestigious Council of Fellows (Bham Now)
June: The Best Birmingham Trails and Greenways (StyleBlueprint)
June: How a gift shop saved this iconic Alabama lookout (Bama Buzz)
June: Discover one key to economic development + a healthier Alabama – trails (Bama Buzz)
May: Celebrate National Trails Day June 1 with a visit to a Freshwater Land Trust trail (Alabama News Center)
May: Freshwater Land Trust: Fostering Access to Greenspaces for Alabamians (SoulGrown)
May: Alabama is undergoing a trails renaissance – find out how (Bama Buzz)
April: Partners explore the mysteries of Alabama’s rush darter (Alabama News Center)
April: TrimTab launches Shades Creek-inspired ale supporting Freshwater Land Trust (Bham Now)
April: Alabama Scenic River Trail grants will help expand waterway access (Alabama News Center)
April: Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve (Discover St. Clair)
April: Can’t Miss Alabama: Springtime events include festivals, walking tour (Alabama News Center)
March: Birmingham plans new Shades Creek hiking trail linking Mountain Brook to Irondale (AL.com)
February: RAISE Grant for Freshwater Land Trust with Rep Terri Sewell (City of Birmingham Youtube)
February: Sewell to deliver $21.6 million to Birmingham for Urban Trail, Multimodal Corridor (Alabama Political Reporter)
February: Revitalizing Birmingham: A $21.6 Million Grant Ushers In A New Era of Urban Connectivity (BNN)
February: Birmingham awarded $21.7M grant for urban trail + multimodal corridor development (Bham Now)
February: Bessemer expects Spring 2024 completion of pedestrian bridge (Bham Now)
February: Hundreds are using the not yet completed Shades Creek Greenway Extension and loving it (Bham Now)
February: CreateAthon 2024: Capstone Agency’s 24-hour Marathon to Empower Local Nonprofits (BNN)
February: New preserve in St. Clair County, Alabama expands recreational horizons for the region (Alabama News Center)
February: Perseverance Makes Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve a Reality (Outdoor Alabama)
February: Ribbon cutting held for Jemison Park Trail renovations (Village Living)
February: Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville Provides New Outdoor Recreation Opportunities in Central Alabama (Outdoor Alabama)
February: Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve now open in Springville (1819 News)
January: This week in Birmingham history — January 28 to February 3 (Bham Now)
January: ‘An insurmountable problem’: Mayor calls on Bessemer to keep city clean as trash lines roadway (WVTM 13)
January: Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s MLK Day of Service 2024 (Black Warrior Riverkeeper)
January: Promoting healthy lifestyles through the outdoors (Land Trust Alliance)
January: How a historic mining town became one of Alabama’s favorite parks (SoulGrown)
January: Freshwater Land Trust expands Turkey Creek conservation footprint (Bham Now)

2023

December: Connecting to What’s Next Presentation (FLT Youtube)
December: Learn the future of the Red Rock Trail System at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Dec. 7 (Bham Now)
November: Can you walk around downtown Birmingham? This study says yes (Bham Now)
November: Garden & Gun features Birmingham in new article—here’s what they said (Bham Now)
November: What’s New in Birmingham (Garden & Gun)
October: Congresswoman issues millions for Rails to Trails project (WBRC)
October: Mountain Brook resident wins statewide conservation award (Village Living)
October: Bryant-Jordan Trail spur open on Kiwanis Vulcan Trail (Yellowhammer News)
October: Freshwater Land Trust opens Bryant-Jordan Trail Spur on Kiwanis Vulcan Trail (The Trussville Tribune)
September: Saving Land Magazine, Fall 2023 (Land Trust Alliance)
August: Alabama’s Jefferson County creating a more coordinated and connected system of parks, trails, greenspaces (Alabama News Center)
August: Freshwater Land Trust, Jeffco Mayors Announce 36-Mile Trail Loop Around Greater Birmingham (The Birmingham Times)
August: Birmingham nonprofit announces 36-mile trail loop to connect the region (AL.com)
August: Next phase of Red Rock Trail System to include Homewood-to-Red Mountain connection (The Homewood Star)
August: Birmingham area to get more trails and green spaces in $40 million project (CBS 42)
August: Freshwater Land Trust, mayors announce future expansion of Red Rock Trail System (Immediate Newswire)
August: Proposal Would Create 36-Mile Trail Loop Around Birmingham (BirminghamWatch)
August: Freshwater Land Trust, mayors announce future expansion of Red Rock Trail System (Alabama Political Reporter)
August: Freshwater Land Trust, mayors announce future expansion of Red Rock Trail System (Patriot Pages)
August: Fresh Water Land Trust announces expansion of Red Rock Trail System (ABC 33/40)
August: Next phase planned for Red Rock Trail System (Birmingham Business Journal)
August: 4 Jeffco mayors praise new Red Rock Action plan to create trail loop (Bham Now)
August: Proposal would create 36-mile trail loop around Birmingham (WBHM 90.3)
August: Red Rock Action Plan to build a Greater Birmingham Trail Loop is unveiled by Freshwater Land Trust (Bham Now)
July: Jefferson County Commission sponsors Litter Gitter trash filtering device in Beaver Creek (AL.com)
July: Magic City Newsmakers: Prosper, Neverthirst, Church at Brook Hills, UAB and more (Birmingham Business Journal)
July: Newest litter gitter in Pinson does more than pick up trash, it builds community (Bham Now)
July: Litter removal device installed in Pinson’s Beaver Creek (The Trussville Tribune)
July: Litter collection device installed in Pinson’s Beaver Creek (WVTM 13)
July: Keep our rivers clean at the Valley Creek cleanup this August (Bham Now)
July: Living near green spaces in Birmingham will make you 2.5 years younger, says study (Bham Now)
July: Alabama Power employees use service day to clean up conservation property (Alabama News Center)
June: Greater Birmingham’s Trail Magic, The Power of The Red Rock Trail System (Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Magazine)
June: Freshwater Land Trust announced the opening of a new 2-mile trail extension (The Trussville Tribune)
June: Alabama’s Five Mile Creek Greenway now the longest multiuse trail in Jefferson County (Alabama News Center)
June: OPEN NOW: Extension of the Five Mile Creek Greenway makes it the longest trail in the Red Rock Trail System (Bham Now)
May: Freshwater Land Trust acquires acres from University of Alabama (Birmingham Business Journal)
May: Freshwater Land Trust acquires conservation easement from the University of Alabama (The Bama Buzz)
April: Prominent Birmingham biologist publishes new book on endangered watercress darter (Bham Now)
April: Work ongoing to bring regional trail system to Jefferson County (Vestavia Voice)
April: RCB Commemorates 10 Years of Rotary Trail on Red Rock Tuesday (Birmingham Rotary Club)
April: How 3 organizations keep Alabama beautiful for future generations (Bham Now)
March: Auburn professor wins national awards for new Red Rock Trail System signs (Bham Now)
February: Mayor’s Minute By Patrick McClusky – March 2023 (The Homewood Star)
February: Habitat for Cahaba lilies, endangered snail gains permanent protection (AL.com)
February: New Freshwater Land Trust easement in Coosa County protects longleaf, mussels & Cahaba lilies (The Bama Buzz)
February: Magic City Brewery Trail is complete with 12 breweries (Bham Now)
February: Magic City Newsmakers: Freshwater Land Trust, PARCA, Birmingham Promise and more (Birmingham Business Journal)
February: Homewood breaks ground on Shades Creek Greenway Trail extension (Bham Now)
February: New Hi-Wire Brewing in Birmingham combines craft beer, games, and community (Yellowhammer News)
January: Freshwater Land Trust’s ‘Project Litter Gitter’ hits milestone, 20,000 lbs of trash removed from waterways (Bham Now)
January: Troy University announces keynote speakers for John Lewis Leadership Conference (The Troy Messenger)
January: NEW seating + signage installed on Red Rock Trail System in Birmingham (Bham Now)

2022

December: 7 Nature Events in Birmingham to Kick Off Your 2023 (Bham Now)
December: Innovate Alabama forms Council on Outdoor Recreation (Alabama Today)
December: Innovate Alabama leverages outdoor recreation to bolster economy (Yellowhammer News)
December: Innovate Alabama forms Council on Outdoor Recreation and Roundtable (The Bama Buzz)
October: Magic City Newsmakers: Verizon, Childcare Resources, Salvation Army, Freshwater Land Trust, Eli Lilly (Birmingham Business Journal)
September: 9 of the best running spots in Birmingham (Bham Now)
August: Latest expansion of Red Rock Trail System strengthens connections among Birmingham, Alabama, neighborhoods (Alabama Newscenter)
August: Freshwater Land Trust’s Hugh Kaul Trail is complete + fundraising concert TONIGHT, Aug. 26 (Bham Now)
August: Greensky Bluegrass Welcomes Sam Bush & More At Land Aid Benefit In Birmingham (Jam Base)
August: 13 hiking + walking trails in Birmingham to explore (Bham Now)
July: 4 environmental volunteer opportunities in Birmingham to check out (Bham Now)
July: NEW: Freshwater Land Trust installs 12th Litter Gitter in Greater Birmingham area (Bham Now)
July: The Hardwick’s renovation has begun, right on the Rotary Trail (Bham Now)
July: “I Love Birmingham” mural commissioned by Freshwater Land Trust is finished [AERIAL VIDEO] (Bham Now)
July: New sculpture forged from railroad steel taps into Birmingham’s history (AL.com)
June: Delivering positive outcomes for streams, wetlands, as Alabama grows (AL.com)
May: Ribbon Cutting Takes Place for Moon River Canoe Launch and Parking Area in Irondale (DesignAlabama)
May: Officials cut ribbon on Moon River Canoe Launch and parking area in Irondale (Alabama NewsCenter)
May: Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy Moon River Canoe launch—learn why (Bham Now)
April: New 10,000 sq.ft. mural along with Sunrise Rotary Plaza opening on Hugh Kaul Trail before The World Games (Bham Now)
April: On Earth Day, Alabama parks and greenway advocates celebrate Birmingham’s new Hugh Kaul Trail, break ground on next section (Alabama NewsCenter)
April: Freshwater Land Trust opens the Hugh Kaul Trail to Avondale (Bham Now)
April: 7 ways to celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Birmingham Area (Bham Now)
April: Birmingham embraces conservation of endangered darter species (Courthouse News Service)
April: Meet the BBJ’s Who’s Who in Nonprofits 2022 (Birmingham Business Journal)
April: In Alabama, Freshwater Land Trust is Restoring Creeks, Reviving Endangered Species and Creating Public Green Space (REVITALIZATION)
March: Restoring nature: Stewardship is a top priority for Freshwater Land Trust (Bham Now)
March: “Litter Gitter” device clearing trash from waterways in Jefferson County (ABC 33/40)
March: ‘Litter Gitter’ device installed in Buck Creek Park (Shelby County Reporter)
February: Greenways, new and proposed, expand walking and biking trail network in Jefferson County (Alabama Newscenter)
January: Freshwater Land Trust surpasses 8,000 acres protected in Central Alabama (Bham Now)
January: Massive 750 mile trail system planned for Birmingham (AL.com)
January: Massive 750 Mile Trail System Planned for Birmingham (Comeback Town)
January: Oak Mountain State Park expands 1644-acres, thanks to Forever Wild and EBSCO (Bham Now)

2021

November 2021: Endangered Alabama darter gains permanent habitat protections (AL.com)
November 2021: New conservation easement protects Birmingham’s rare watercress darter (Bham Now)
November 2021: Freshwater Land Trust unveils new Red Rock Trail System logo (Bham Now)
October 2021: A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Alabama Will Take You To The Original Irondale Furnace Ruins (Only In Your State)
September 2021: Tarrant is now home to Jefferson County’s 11th Litter Gitter (Bham Now)
September 2021: Tarrant’s “litter gitter” installed (Trussville Tribune)
September 2021: Freshwater Land Trust to install 11th Litter Gitter in Tarrant, 11,000+ pounds of trash collected (Bham Now)
September 2021: Sunrise Rotary launches namesake project, The Sunrise Plaza (Bham Now)
August 2021: Forever Wild votes to acquire 1,611 acre addition to Oak Mountain State Park (Bama Buzz)
August 2021: Freshwater Land Trust – Land Aid (ABC 33/40 – Talk of Alabama)
August 2021: Alabama’s multiuse trails lure cyclists, runners for health, recreation and the outdoors (Alabama NewsCenter)
August 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ Stockham Park (Fox 6 WBRC)
July 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ Turkey Creek (Fox 6 WBRC)
June 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ 20th Street (Fox 6 WBRC)
June 2021: What is Red Rock Trail System? (WBRC)
May 2021: 5 ways to celebrate National Trails Day in Bham (Bham Now)
May 2021: Litter Gitter has successful 1st year (Homewood Star)
May 2021: Clean water, trails, parks, how Freshwater Land Trust transforms our community (Bham Now)
May 2021: Freshwater Land Trust moves headquarters to Avondale (Birmingham Business Journal)
May 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ High Ore Line (Fox 6 WBRC)
April 2021: New Jones Valley Trail Extension will connect Railroad Park to Avondale by end of 2021 (Bham Now)
April 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ Five Mile Creek Greenway (Fox 6 WBRC)
April 2021: Litter Quitters and Litter Gitters (Fox 6 WBRC)
March 2021: Jones Valley Trail extension nearing groundbreaking in Birmingham (Alabama NewsCenter)
March 2021: 9 Birmingham races you need to run this spring (Bham Now)
March 2021: Trail to connect downtown Birmingham with Avondale gets approval (Birmingham Business Journal)
March 2021: Birmingham gives final approval for Jones Valley Trail Extension (Bham Now)
March 2021: Freshwater Land Trust could get a step closer to trail extension today (CBS 42)
February 2021: Red Rock Tuesday @ Shades Valley Creek Greenway (Fox 6 WBRC)

2020

December 2020: Litter Gitter installed in Trussville’s Pinchgut Creek
November 2020: Ghost Train Brewing Co., Gotcha Mobility + Freshwater Land Trust confirmed M2 tenants
November 2020: Three tenants secured for M2 project
October 2020: Pinson closes on Turkey Creek property exchange with Freshwater Land Trust
October 2020: Property exchange at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve a win-win for nature education and conservation
October 2020: Removing trash from our creeks, 8th litter gitter in Jefferson County installed at East Lake Park
October 2020: New litter traps keep plastic bags, bottles, diapers out of Birmingham waterways
October 2020: County lake, new birding platform to be featured on live TV segment
September 2020: Pinson Council approves MOA with Birmingham-Southern for Turkey Creek pavilion
August 2020: REI Announces 2020 Grant Partners
August 2020: Land trusts prevail in challenging times
July 2020: Bham metro is now home to 7 “litter gitter” devices thanks to the Freshwater Land Trust and partners
June 2020 (Video): Freshwater Land Trust feature by Alabama Power Foundation
June 2020: Tarrant launches $9.5 million improvement project
May 2020: Homewood purchases “litter gitter” device to improve beloved creeks
April 2020: Freshwater Land Trust lands $500,000 EPA grant
April 2020: 7 less traveled Alabama trails you’ll love
April 2020: Trying to hike and avoid the crowds?
April 2020: “Litter Gitter” on Birmingham’s Valley Creek captures over 148 pounds of trash
March 2020: Getting out for a walk in the woods? Social distancing still applies.
March 2020: Volunteers put muscle behind protecting the watercress darter
February 2020: Extension will connect downtown to 41st Street
February 2020: Jones Valley Trail to extend from downtown to Avondale
February 2020: Trail to connect Birmingham with Avondale
February 2020: Plan to extend Jones Valley Trail excites Birmingham walkers, cyclists

2019

December 2019: Freshwater Land Trust installs “Litter Gitter” at Valley Creek
November 2019: Parkside project created to be “uniquely Birmingham”
November 2019: Watercress darter survives in Birmingham’s industrial corridor
November 2019: Five reasons you should try geocaching in Birmingham if you like being outside
October 2019: [VIDEO] How to create an inclusive pop-up park
August 2019: How cities like Birmingham, Alabama are unlocking funding for parks and green space
August 2019: Birmingham’s three-mile High Ore Line Trail to Red Mountain Park is now open
August 2019: Grand opening of new trail at Red Mountain Park
August 2019: Freshwater Land Trust names new executive director
August 2019: Freshwater Land Trust property eyed for potential greenway
July 2019: Improved Cahaba River access site coming to Leeds
July 2019: Carolyn Buck speaks to Trussville Chamber of Commerce
July 2019: Birmingham’s Clairmont Walking Trail is officially open
July 2019: New trail system will connect six cities
June 2019: High Ore Line Trail expansion set to open this summer
June 2019: [VIDEO] Extension to Five Mile Creek Greenway opens in Gardendale
June 2019: Greenway opens in Gardendale
June 2019: Five Mile Creek adds two miles of trail in Gardendale
June 2019: Rare, tiny fish restoring Birmingham’s springs
May 2019: 5 hikes on Birmingham’s Red Rock Trail System, including new section of High Ore Line Trail
May 2019: New trail leading to Red Mountain Park set to open in June
April 2019: Why the health benefits of community parks really can’t be overstated
April 2019: New stretch of rail trail in Gardendale
February 2019: Extension coming to Lakeshore Trail

2018

September 2018: Rust never sleeps
September 2018: Progress along Birmingham’s Village Creek
September 2018: Why you should attend Land Aid 2018
August 2018: Adaptive reuse blossoms in Birmingham with Rotary Trail
August 2018: Give back to your community, join Freshwater Land Trust’s adopt-a-trail initiative
July 2018: Alabama’s unsung hero, the outdoor industry is responsible for 135,000 jobs
July 2018: Streambank restoration in mind for Shades Creek, Cahaba River
June 2018: How 750 miles of trails are connecting Birmingham
June 2018: Freshwater Land Trust “Too Hot To Hike tour” explored three trails last Saturday
June 2018: Watercress darter: Endangered fish found only in Jefferson County
June 2018: “Urban Oasis”: Endangered fish habitat restored at Roebuck Springs in Birmingham
June 2018: Freshwater Land Trust and partners restore watercress darter habitat
May 2018: Kiwanis celebrates 100 years, funds new park at Vulcan
March 2018: Birmingham to modernize, improve transportation network with complete streets
March 2018: Birmingham’s ultimate bucket list, the Red Rock Trail System

2017

November 2017: Endangered Alabama fish expands its range after dam removal
November 2017: Saving one of the rarest fish on earth
September 2017: Interview with Freshwater Land Trust Director Libba Vaughan

2016

November 2016: Birmingham Kiwanis Club commits $4 million to Vulcan Park trail expansion, light show
October 2016: Freshwater Land Trust’s new executive director aims to keep the magic in Birmingham
September 2016: Libba Vaughan of the Freshwater Land Trust: FACES of Birmingham
May 2016: New Birmingham park, bike trail opens on May 7
April 2016: Trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks from Birmingham to Brookside making Red Rock Trail System reality