My Green Birmingham

AU Teams with Stakeholder Groups to Share Information about Alabama’s Aater ManagementPlan

Kate — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:29:40 +0000

On Friday, May 10th, more than 100 participants from across Alabama crowded into a packed auditorium at Auburn University’s Comer Hall to attend a symposium on the formation of a comprehensive water management plan for Alabama. Mitch Reid, program director for the Alabama Rivers Alliance, began the day by discussing the environmental needs for water management policy.

“We have a lot of water in Alabama, but this environment was designed for that amount of water and we have built industries based on that amount of water,” stated Reid. “Our challenge is to keep this water flowing for future generations.”

Alabama is the only state among its neighbors that does not have such a plan, and in April of 2012, Governor Robert Bentley directed the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG), made up of the five state agencies with responsibility over the State’s water resources, to recommend a plan for the state.

The Alabama Rivers Alliance, which has long advocated the development of such a plan, is working with partners across the state to host symposia to gather stakeholder input. There have already been symposia in Birmingham and Mobile, and the next symposium will be in Huntsville on June 28, 2013.

Each symposium concentrates on a specific water management theme. The Auburn Symposium, co-sponsored by Auburn University Water Resources Center, Alabama Water Watch, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, focused on the importance of science-based information to be used in the formation of Alabama’s water management plan. Auburn University faculty presented about how recent Auburn University water-based research projects can guide the development of Alabama’s plan. The research is compiled in a new publication titled Auburn Speaks On Water.

Representatives of all five state agencies making up the AWAWG were present. AWAWG chair, Bennett Bearden, Assistant Attorney General for the Geologic Survey of Alabama, explained the myriad problems facing our state and how the current legal system does not work to protect water users. He also announced that the Geologic Survey of Alabama and the Office of Water Resources were given funding in the 2013 budget to do water assessments. According to Bearden, the is the first time in the State’s history that state agencies have been given funding specifically to gather data for the development of a water management plan. Questions including, “what will be given to the Governor in December?” and “how will a water plan be implemented and enforced?” led to robust conversation throughout the day.

Symposium participants also heard from Jim Giattina, the director of the EPA’s Region 4 Water Management Division about the importance of water flow to the state’s water quality. “Any state water management plan must comply with the Clean Water Act,” Giattina declared. However, he made it clear that his office considered water management to be a State responsibility. He also made it clear that more reservoirs are not the answer to water management. According to Giattina, stream alterations such as dams are one of the leading causes of water quality problems for rivers and streams in the Southeast.

A diverse group of stakeholders ranging from representatives of Alabama Power Company and ALFA to Auburn County Commissioners to concerned citizens were present to ask questions and learn about the state’s progress toward developing a water management plan.

Participants were repeatedly encouraged to provide their comments and feedback to the AWAWG by emailing them to water@adeca.alabama.gov. They will be taking stakeholder input ongoing throughout the entire process until their deadline of December 1, 2013.

“We were very pleased with the turnout and the level of engagement of Auburn University in hosting this meeting,” stated Cindy Lowry, executive director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

“The Governor has clearly asked the state agencies for recommendations for a comprehensive water management plan as well as recommendations for legislation to implement the plan,” Lowry explained. “It is understandable that they are feeling the weight on their shoulders, but the people, the economy, and the environment of Alabama are depending on this process to ensure secure water supplies for future generations.”

Please visit www.alabamarivers.org for more information.

Urban Cookhouse Operated Farmer’s Markets Open for 2013 Season

Kate — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:15:56 +0000

This summer, Urban Cookhouse will be managing two Farmer’s Markets-the Homewood Market and the Summit Market-with a dual purpose: to support local farming and to give back to the Birmingham community.

“We’re eager to start the farmer’s markets again this summer,” saiys Andrea Snyder, Urban Cookhouse owner. “These weekly events reiterate our moto: ‘Buy Local, Eat Urban,’ and reflect our restaurants’ base foundation.”

Both markets will contain a variety of vendors and growers. There will be local produce, breads, and specialty meats, as well as jewelry and customized crafts. Additionally, a cooking demo will be highlighted each week to honor many of Birmingham’s greatest chefs.

The Homewood Market

Location: Soho Parking Lot/Downtown Homewood (2850 19th St S, Homewood, AL 35209)

Open: Every Saturday, May 11th- August 10th (Excluding May 26th) ∙ 8:00am-12:00pm

The Summit Market

Location: Summit Shopping Center (214 Summit Boulevard Suite 102 Birmingham, AL 35243)

Open: Every Thursday May 16th- August 8th (Excluding July 4th) ∙ 3:00pm-7:00pm

For more information, visit www.urbancookhouse.com.

Class at J Oliver Elementary School Receives Earth Day Heroes Award

Kate — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:27:16 +0000

A class at J Oliver Elementary School has been named this year’s Earth Day Hero. Thousands of votes were cast on Facebook during a three week voting period this spring, to determine the winner. Earth Day Heroes (EDH) was created to inform students of how they can help the environment as well as give them the chance to share their own ideas of how they pledge to help the planet in 2013 and win prizes for their classroom. Classrooms from across Central Alabama area participated in this year’s contest by making pledges to help the planet.

The theme for the 2013 EDH program was “Reconnecting with Nature.” Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve will be hosting the field trip for the winning class of the Birmingham Earth Day Heroes contest today. Students will enjoy a day outside at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve where they will learn about how to keep our water clean, use nets to catch critters in the creek, and spend time playing and observing nature. At the start of the day, Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper at Black Warrior Riverkeeper, will give the students an educational presentation about his work patrolling and protecting local water resources. Charles Scribner, Executive Director at Black Warrior Riverkeeper, and Charles Yeager, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Manager, will then lead activities for the students at the preserve. Some of the projects that made the finals from schools across the Birmingham/Central Alabama area included picking up trash during recess, making their own compost, planting trees, and making an outdoor classroom.

The winning class attended a field trip to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve on May 2nd. The contest was sponsored by One Stop Environmental, Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Verizon Wireless to promote awareness of Earth Day and encourage conservation among local students.

CASE Achieves Goal of $1 Million in New Public Funds for Energy-Independence, Savings

Kate — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:23:04 +0000

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL: The Coalition of Alabama Students for the Environment (CASE) has successfully met its goal of allocating $1 million dollars in public funds for energy-independence and savings projects on four Alabama university campuses. In January, CASE student chapters at four campuses (University of Alabama, UAB, UAH, and Auburn University) each initiated projects to create new campus “Sustainable Investment Funds” to support student-designed projects centered on renewable energies and environmental conservation that together. The University of Alabama’s Environmental Council (UA ECO) has created the first fund, which will allocate approximately $1 million over the next five years.

Working closely alongside the UA Student Government Association, the UA ECO gathered over 1,000 student signatures and presented a comprehensive proposal to campus leadership. On the impact the new fund will have for the UA Campus, newly-elected UA SGA President Jimmy Taylor stated:

“Sustainability is extremely important to the long-term viability of our environment as well as our university, and we appreciate the strong support and guidance of the UA administration in the creation of this fund. The Sustainable Investment Fund will keep UA at the forefront of national and academic innovation well into the future.”

With the creation of this Fund, the University of Alabama realizes a responsibility to environmental stewardship equal to their influential role in both the academic and athletic communities. At $200,000 allocated per year, UA’s Fund is by far the largest of its kind in the state, comparable only to the University of Montevallo’s $30,000 annual “Green Fund”. UA’s Fund is believed to be the second largest fund in the Southeastern Region, following directly behind the University of South Florida.

The Fund represents a major commitment from UA for increasing student leadership opportunities at the campus and incorporating sustainable design into new and existing campus infrastructure. Over time, new environmental upgrades to the campus are expected to attract increased private sector support for the UA commitment to environmental sustainability.

The first call for project proposals will begin by January, 2014. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to submit proposals for projects centered on sustainable design and environmental conservation. UA ECO is currently working with campus administrators and the UA Environmental Stewardship Committee to create the student-majority committee that will oversee all funding disbursements.

CASE is an 8-campus student coalition dedicated to the economic and ecological sustainability of the state of Alabama.

Celebrating Sustainability and Progress on the 2nd Anniversary of the April Storms In Pratt City

Natalie Kelly — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:43:12 +0000

As residents of Pratt City prepare to mark the 2nd anniversary of the F5 tornado that hit their town on April 27^th, they also look forward to celebrating the success of rebuilding their community. Innovative Home Builders (IHB), a local green contractor and builder, has worked to transform several destroyed lots into affordable housing properties that are both sustainably built, and energy efficient. Known as the Pratt City Project, these IHB homes are the first in Pratt City to be featured in the annual Parade of Homes.

On Saturday, April 27^th,from 11am-2pm, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, IHB will host their 2^nd Annual “Green Home Experience,” while also having their Pratt City homes featured as part of the 2013 Parade of Homes.

The Green Home Experience will offer exclusive tours of IHB homes located on Hibernian Street. Local agencies such as the Alabama Environmental Council and Birmingham WISE, will be on site to host recycling and residential energy efficiency workshops. The Keep Birmingham Beautiful Commission will distribute free recycling bins to local residents as well. Visitors will also enjoy giveaways, complimentary food, and live entertainment.

Dirk Forbes, President of IHB is committed to seeing Pratt City become a green haven for local residents. Forbes explains that the ultimate goal of IHB is to integrate proven, cost-effective Green Building practices into local home construction efforts. In addition, IHB is also working to help stimulate the local economy and reduce unemployment by providing job opportunities to unemployed Pratt City laborers, and teaching them green building skills to last a lifetime.

The 1471 sq.ft LEED Certified homes built for the Pratt City Project use a variety of recycled building materials, and among the wide range of green amenities feature Energy Star rated appliances, tank-less water heaters, and high-efficiency air conditioning systems. Future Pratt City Project homeowners can also expect to benefit from savings related to energy-efficient windows and R-30 ceiling insulation, which is proven to significantly impact comfort and the costs associated with home heating and cooling.

“We are devoted to being amongst the first builders in the market with a full line of green products built in every home,” says Forbes. “Our inspiration was to help restore and rebuild the homes and lives of people affected by the storm, while also helping Pratt City become a sustainable community,” Said Kenneth Johnson, Vice President of IHB. Important as this may be, Forbes and Johnson also explain another goal of Innovative Home Builders-to help ensure low income individuals have access to an equal share of economic and sustainable prosperity.

In addition to working hand and hand with the City of Birmingham, IHB has also established partnerships with a variety of local industry professionals to help ensure the project’s ultimate success. Through this collaboration, IHB has worked to create a highly experienced team, whose exchange of ideas and diverse specialized skills will provide the Pratt City Project with an exceptional range of expertise and abilities.

Established in 2009, Innovative Home Builders, LLC specializes in building green and energy efficient custom homes. With more than 15 years of building know-how, IHB aims to provide clients with an extraordinary green home building experience.

Black Warrior Named to America’s Most Endangered Rivers 2013

Kate — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:08:08 +0000

Washington, D.C.- American Rivers named Alabama’s Black Warrior River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2013 today, shining a national spotlight on a proposed coal mine that would threaten clean drinking water as well as river health, wildlife, and private property.

“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are facing a critical tipping point,” said Rebecca Haynes of American Rivers. “We all need healthy rivers. They provide our drinking water, support the economies of our communities, and promote public health and quality of life. We hope citizens will take action to ensure a healthy Black Warrior River for generations to come.”

The Black Warrior River is threatened by a proposed strip coal mine at Shepherd Bend on the Black Warrior River’s Mulberry Fork in Walker County. The 1,773-acre Shepherd Bend Mine would discharge wastewater at 29 points, including one that is 800 feet across the river from a Birmingham Water Works Board drinking water intake facility for 200,000 people. Mine discharges would introduce toxic pollutants and sediment into the drinking water source, elevating health risks and increasing water treatment costs for families and businesses in the greater Birmingham area.

American Rivers and its partners called on the University of Alabama (UA) System Trustees to prevent the lease or sale of UA’s land and mineral rights to Shepherd Bend, LLC. That company is run by Garry Neil Drummond, a Trustee Emeritus of the UA System. A large and growing coalition of businesses, organizations, students, scientists, drinking water consumers, and other concerned citizens are urging the UA Trustees to take a strong stance against the mine, helping ensure that this valuable water source is protected for future generations.

“Shepherd Bend Mine is a major threat to the river, Birmingham-area drinking water, and the University of Alabama System’s reputation,” said Charles Scribner, Executive Director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “Under the national spotlight, UA leaders should pledge to oppose any current or future mining proposal at this uniquely inappropriate location.”

“Students throughout the UA System and the state of Alabama oppose the construction of the Shepherd Bend Mine,” said Caitlin McClusky, statewide co-coordinator for the Coalition of Alabama Students for the Environment. “We believe the UA System has a responsibility to prioritize the protection of the public health of Alabama citizens over short-term profit.”

“Like many of the families in Cordova, my dad raised four boys on a coal miner’s wage, and I appreciate that,” said Randy Palmer of the Citizens Opposed to Strip Mining on the Black Warrior River. “Cordova was devastated by tornadoes on April 27, 2011. Cordova’s 20 miles of riverfront presents our best opportunity for redevelopment. Mining this riverfront would destroy that economic opportunity, not to mention quality of life.”

The Black Warrior River flows through a 6,276 square mile basin, providing drinking water to many of the watershed’s one million residents. The Black Warrior and its headwater streams, one of which carries a national Wild and Scenic River designation, are home to a great diversity of wildlife including 127 species of fish and 36 species of mussels. This river and its tributaries are a popular destination for fishing, paddling, swimming, and other forms of recreation.

The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution.

To view an aerial photo by Nelson Brooke, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, of the proposed Shepherd Bend Mine site, the Black Warrior’s Mulberry Fork, and the Birmingham Water Works’ intake, visit:http://www.blackwarriorriver.org/images/ShepherdBendMulberryForkLabeled.jpg

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American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. Visit www.americanrivers.org, www.facebook.com/americanrivers and www.twitter.com/americanrivers

Black Warrior Riverkeeper Receives Greek Week Grant from Alabama Panhellenic Assoc.

Kate — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:46:28 +0000

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The Alabama Panhellenic Association has invited Black Warrior Riverkeeper to receive a generous Greek Week grant at the Greek Week Leadership and Service Banquet in the Ferguson Center Ballroom at The University of Alabama (UA) on April 16 at 6 p.m. The UA Panhellenic Association’s donation will support the nonprofit clean water advocacy organization’s Riverkeeper Patrol Program. Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper, will utilize the funding toward laboratory analysis of water samples collected on his pollution investigations throughout Alabama’s 17-county Black Warrior River watershed, which supplies approximately half of Birmingham’s and all of Tuscaloosa’s drinking water.

“We have been so proud to earn Alabama Panhellenic Association funding over the past four years,” said Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “It is particularly gratifying to receive grants from the Greek system, many of whom are overwhelmingly active in our UA volunteer projects.”

Scribner reports that 230 volunteers generously donated 5,760 community service hours through Black Warrior Riverkeeper projects in 2012. The vast majority of those volunteers were UA students, many of which were members of sororities or fraternities who routinely removed litter from the banks of the Black Warrior River near campus. According to The Independent Sector, the most recent estimated national dollar value of volunteer time is $21.79 per hour. Multiplied by $21.79, Black Warrior Riverkeeper volunteers’ 5,760 service hours in 2012 represented a value of $125,510 toward their surrounding communities. Scribner attributes much of UA’s strong community service impact to the UA Community Service Center’s excellent coordination with community partners. The Greek system’s emphasis on community service enhances that participation rate.

In addition to collaborations with Alabama Panhellenic Association, UA Community Service Center and UA SGA, Black Warrior Riverkeeper has steadily forged positive partnerships with UA Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, UA Department of Advertising and Public Relations, UA ECo, UA Environmental Law Society, UA Museums, UA NAACP and numerous UA professors, students, employees and alumni.

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Black Warrior Riverkeeper is a citizen-based nonprofit clean water advocacy organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. A member of Waterkeeper Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper was the Alabama Environmental Council’s 2007 Conservation Organization of the Year and the American Canoe Association’s 2008 Green Paddle Award winner. Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper, won the Alabama Rivers Alliance’s 2010 River Hero Award. Contact: Charles Scribner, Executive Director, at info@blackwarriorriver.org or 205-458-0095.

Red Mountain Park to Open Unique Outdoor Adventure May 1

Kate — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:42:46 +0000

Picture courtesy of Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park is set to open its newest outdoor adventure, the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest, on May 1st. The new treetop challenge course features 20 unique rope course obstacles, traversing bridges, climbing walls, and swinging ropes. Guests will also be able to enjoy ziplining from tree house to tree house. The Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest is the first attraction of its kind in the state of Alabama.

Make your reservations HERE!

The Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest (Kaul Forest) is unique in that it allows participants to decide their adventure; once guests enter the Kaul Forest, they explore and select their route through the trees according to the obstacles that interest them the most. The cost is $40 per person for 2 hours of adventure and up to 20 people can explore the Kaul Forest at one time. Group discounts are available, along with discounts for booking your adventure in conjunction with the Red Ore Zip Tour zip lines.

The Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest was made possible through the generosity of the Hugh Kaul Foundation. The Hugh Kaul Foundation is a private foundation that was established in 1989 by Mr. Hugh Kaul. The Foundation has supported the Birmingham community over the years with numerous awards in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and public/society benefit. Beanstalk Builders constructed the system and company owner Mike Fischesser calls the Kaul Forest part of “One of the first aerial adventure parks in the United States. The Beanstalk Forest is family friendly due to the variety of adventurous choices each person encounters as they explore the canopy. People of all abilities will want to return over and over to experience this new concept in adventurous recreation.

For more information, visit redmountainpark.org. To learn more about Red Mountain check out our series, 15 Days of Red Mountain Park!

SocialVenture, a Co-Working Space, Welcomes Prospective Tenants

Kate — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:27:50 +0000

REV Birmingham will welcome prospective tenants to visit its new SocialVenture, a co-working space and business community, on Tuesday, March 26th from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. SocialVenture is an ideal space where social entrepreneurs, non-profits, freelancers and other small business owners work in a collaborative environment. Start-up businesses and non-profits have direct access to REV Birmingham’s Business Growth and Innovation programs - helping take their plans from concept to reality.

In addition to flexible desk and furnished private office space, SocialVenture has conference and meeting facilities available, all of which come equipped with top-of-the-line audio and visual capabilities. Amenities such as WiFi, print and copy services, parking, and a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker can be found at SocialVenture.

Monthly pricing ranges from drop-in packages starting at $50 to private offices for $400. Meeting space pricing starts at $10. REV Birmingham is now accepting pre-leasing applications for office space at SocialVenture, which is set to open in April.

For more information contact REV Birmingham at 205.595.0562.

UAB, Birmingham Partner to Create Smarter, Healthier City

Kate — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:57:24 +0000

The City of Birmingham and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) took a major step toward smarter, healthier and more sustainable development with the Feb. 27, 2013, signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to partner on projects such as energy efficiency and city planning that accounts for a more “livable” city.
“Everyone wants to have a smart city,” Birmingham Mayor William Bell said at the signing ceremony in UAB’s Alumni House. “We want to create a green city with bike paths and proper sidewalks. We are beginning that process tonight.”

UAB President Ray L. Watts said, “There is no question that the success and vitality of UAB is inextricably linked to the success and vitality of Birmingham. UAB has a role to play in community service, and we want to make sure that the breadth and depth of UAB’s expertise is brought to bear to help our community.”

UAB School of Medicine’s Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC), which focuses on improving the health of population groups, and the Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center, with engineers known internationally for their work planning and creating healthier city plans, will conduct the bulk of work under MOU.
Mona Fouad, M.D., is the director of the MHRC and director of UAB’s division of Preventive Medicine in theDepartment of Medicine,

“In order for cities like Birmingham to play a role in improving the health of its citizens, we have to think in innovative ways,” Fouad said. “We have to include engineering to help us design, businesses for business development, policy makers and health practitioners.”

Watts described a healthier city as one that is also economically stronger.

“At UAB, we want to drive economic development for our community,” Watts said. “We would like to see a knowledge-based and technology-based economy in Birmingham and across Alabama.”

A group of about 50 attended the signing ceremony as a prelude to the MHRC’s annual research symposium. Hugh Barton, M.Phil., emeritus professor of Planning, Health and Sustainability at the University of West England in Bristol, England, and a special advisor to the World Health Organization, presented a keynote speech about creating neighborhoods for health and health equity.

More details of the MOU will be discussed April 3, 2013, at the Sustainable Smart Cities research symposium.

Source: Clinton Colmenares