BEN - Bama Environmental News

Monday, February 23, 2009

Birmingham News Op-ed - Bi-partisan Effort to Save the Lands We Love



The following is an Op-ed written by BEN Publisher Pat Byington. It appeared in the Birmingham News -2-23-09


Bi-partisanship.  

Three weeks ago this was the one buzzword we all heard coming out of Washington DC.  Today, as a result of the overwhelmingly partisan vote that took place on the economic stimulus package (and now law), hopes for a more unified Washington tackling the enormous issues of the day seem all but dashed.

So how do we refocus Congress and foster a genuine spirit of bi-partisanship?  Pass the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.

Americans love our public lands, and it is that love that unifies us. 

The famous author and farmer Wendell Berry once said, “The earth is what we all have in common.” 

Neither party, especially here in Alabama has a monopoly on this issue.  Each can take credit for a generation of progress protecting our public lands.

For example, in the 70s Democratic Senators Jim Allen and John Sparkman introduced legislation creating the Sipsey Wilderness.  Democratic Rep. Ronnie Flippo pushed for the expansion of the Sipsey in the 80s while Rep. Tom Bevill  in the 90s championed the creation of the Little River Canyon National Preserve.  On the other side of the aisle, Republican Senator Jeff Sessions authored legislation creating the Dugger Mountain Wilderness and the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, while also joining forces with fellow Republican Spencer Bachus to establish the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. 

If there was ever a cause that has built consensus, bi-partisanship and national unity it has been the environment.

The Omnibus Public Lands Act in front of Congress, will designate more than 2 million acres of wilderness in nine states, establish three new national park units, a new national monument, three new national conservation areas, more than 1000 miles of national wild and scenic rivers and four new national trails.   In Alabama, the measure will expand Little River Canyon National Preserve, which was supported by Sen. Sessions and local congressmen Mike Rogers and Robert Aderholt, and will establish the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, sponsored by former Democratic Rep. Bud Cramer. 

The entire omnibus package contains nearly 160 broadly supported, bipartisan bills that would preserve key components of America’s natural heritage and provide important economic benefits to struggling local economies.  In fact, the legislation includes measures introduced in last Congress by 53 Senators (27 Democratic, 25 Republican, and one Independent) and 75 Representatives (39 Democratic and 36 Republican).  Virtually all of the pro-conservation and wilderness measures included have strong local support and many are the result of years of local collaboration and consensus building.  Now that’s bi-partisanship.

What’s more, most Americans realize that we don’t have to choose between protecting our environment and helping our economy. Research has shown that wilderness and other protected areas provide great benefits to rural economies by increasing property values, providing new economic opportunities in recreation and tourism, and providing desirable places for people to live and work. Passing this legislation would not only protect special places across the United States, it would also benefit numerous struggling rural economies. And it would cost taxpayers close to nothing.  In this economic climate, such a win-win is hard to find.

This public lands package represents an historic opportunity to protect natural treasures for all Americans. There is no time to delay the passage of such a sweeping measure that would provide countless more opportunities for people to experience the outdoors, protect sources of drinking water and provide important benefits to rural economies. 

We need to call on our representatives to pass the omnibus package as is – meaning no amendments. This long-awaited legislation was blocked in the Senate for over a year. If the House makes any changes to the bill, it would have to return to the Senate, where it would likely be stalled again, effectively killing the legislation for the year. 

President Obama has said that a key to his job is the ability to do many things at once. Let’s call on Congress in the spirit of bi-partisanship, to join in the multi-tasking by resuscitating our economy while protecting more of the lands that make America great.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

BEN - February 17, 2009 #316

Under construction - Ruffner Mountain's Treetop Visitor Center



1) SELC Names Weeks Bay to Top 10 Endangered Areas in the South List

2) Huntsville's Operation Green Team Named Best Cell Phone Recycler

3) Birmingham Water Works Board Approves $329 Million Expansion 

4) Elmore County Schools Start Energy Conservation Program

5) BEN Notes: AWF Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards, University of Alabama Sustainability Speaker Series, Canyon Center Dedication, Samford University Transportation Energy Policy Conference, Mobile Green Living Series, Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference, ARA Watershed Leadership Conference, EEAA Conference, Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference, Teachers Conservation Workshops


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In lieu of a subscription fee, the Bama Environmental News requests readers to donate to a chosen BEN charity.  Here are two of the five charities. 


The Wilderness Society 

Attn: Marion Smith

1615 M  N.W. Street Suite 200

Washington, DC  20036


University of Washington

Dr. Norman James & Ethel Jenisch Rose Endowed Student Scholarship

UW Medicine Development

1325 Fouth Avenue Suite 2000

Seattle, Washington 98101


To check out the entire list visit:


http://www.bamanews.com/donation.html


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Headwaters Gathering


This is going to be a very special event in Asheville, North Carolina.  Please consider attending Headwaters Gathering - Southern Appalachia at the Crossroads


Speakers include Janisse Ray, David Orr, NY Times writer Andrew Revkin, National Wildlife Federation's President and CEO Larry Schweiger, Wilderness Society's President Bill Meadows  


Please register today at  https://donate.wilderness.org/05/headwaters


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1. SELC Names Weeks Bay to Top 10 Endangered Areas in the South List - The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) announced a list of ten special places in the South, including Weeks Bay in Alabama, that face immediate, and potentially irreparable environmental threats in 2009.  The endangered areas were chosen among hundreds that are impacted by SELC's law and policy work throughout the six states of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.


According to the SELC news release, the Weeks Bay area was placed on the list because unchecked development and weak regulations threatened an area so unique it is one of only three water bodies in Alabama to receive the designation of Outstanding Natural Resource Water.


Other areas in the South making the list include the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, Salt Marshes in Georgia, Pamlico River in North Carolina, Clinch and Powell Rivers in Virginia and Johns River in South Carolina.  To read the entire top 10 list and previous endangered places lists from years past - visit http://www.southernenvironment.org/about/top_10_2009  .


2. Huntsville's Operation Green Team Named Best Cell Phone Recycler - Huntsville's Operation Green Team was awarded by Keep America Beautiful this past December, as the top "cell phone recycler" in the nation.  


In a national competition that ran from the beginning of January 2008 to December 2008, the Huntsville team edged out rival Indianapolis by 1000 phones.  As a result of the victory, the Team brought home a $10,000 prize for its efforts.  The prize money will spent on waste reduction and recycling education, and a $2500 donation to the charity Relay for Life.


3. Birmingham Water Works Board Approves $329 Million Expansion - Last week, the Birmingham Water Works Board unanimously approved a $329 million plan that would expand the system's long term water capacity till 2075.  


According to the Birmingham News, the plan calls for building a new pump station on the Black Warrior River along with two pipelines feeding into the system.  The project could take 12 years to complete.  The recommendation came after a 2007 analysis concluded the utility would not be able to meet the region's water demands by 2025.  The adopted plan will help meet projected capacity and water needs up until 2075.  The utility's current capacity is 184 million gallons a day.  In 2075 the demand is expected to increase to 222 million gallons a day.


4. Elmore County Schools Start Energy Conservation Program - According to the Montgomery Advertiser, the Elmore County Public School administration and board have embarked on a comprehensive energy conservation and management program with Energy Education, Inc.


A national company, Energy Education has saved $1.5 billion for public school districts in the 23 years of its existence.  According to the Alabama State Department of Education, Elmore County spends 17% of its local dollars to cover utilities.  In contrast, Energy Education client, neighboring Lee County, spends 8% on utility needs within the public school system.


To learn more about Energy Education, visit http://www.energyeducation.com/


5. BEN Notes: AWF Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards, University of Alabama Sustainability Speaker Series, Canyon Center Dedication, Samford University Transportation Energy Policy Conference, Mobile Green Living Series, Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference, ARA Watershed Leadership Conference, EEAA Conference, Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference, Teachers Conservation Workshops


AWF Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards - The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) is currently accepting nominations for the 2009 Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards.  Please contact AWF at 1800-822-9453 for details.

 

University of Alabama Sustainability Speaker Series- Dr. Bryan Norton, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, will be speaking at the University of Alabama, Tuesday, February 17th, at 7:30 in the Biology Auditorium, as part of the Alabama Perspectives on Sustainability and Climate Change lecture series.  His talk will be "Strategy Amid Uncertainty: Learning to Think Like a Planet."  For additional details contact James Hall at 205-348-8400 or visit http://www.as.ua.edu/public/programs/apsacc/index.html 


Canyon Center Dedication - Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center (near Fort Payne) will be holding their Grand Opening  and Dedication on February 22nd - For details call 256-782-5697.  Also - here is a video of the place - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-2WjqHSyJ8 


Samford University Transportation Energy Policy Conference - Samford University's Vulcan Materials Center for Environmental Stewardship and Education will be holding day long program titled - "Transportation Energy Policy in National and Global Perspective: A New Beginning?"  February 27th, 9:00 to 3:00 at the Moot Courtroom, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University.  Contact Dr. David Smolian at dmsmolian@samford.edu or 205-726-2418 for details.  To reserve a box lunch email vnbrown@samford.edu


Mobile Green Living Series - The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) will be offering homeowners tips on living green during two free workshops on March 3rd and March 31st, 6 pm until 7:45 pm at the Semmes Community Center at 10141 Moffett Road.  The program educational program was developed for the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.  For more info about these programs, contact ACF at 251-990-6002 or visit http://www.joinacf.org


Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will be holding their 7th Annual Conference, March 6th and 7th at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, Alabama.  For complete details about this event, visit http://www.hikealabama.org/conference.html .


ARA Watershed Leadership Conference - The Alabama Rivers Alliance will be holding their 11th Annual Watershed Leadership Conference on March 20-22 at beautiful Camp McDowell.  Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org for details.


EEAA Conference - The Environmental Education Association of Alabama will be holding their Annual Conference - titled "Woods and Water: Connections in Nature" from March 19 to March 21 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama.  For information about the event, visit http://www.eeaa.us   or call 256-426-5871.


Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference - The 2009 Southeast Land Trust Conference is coming to Alabama on March 25-26 at Auburn University's Dixon Conference in Auburn, Alabama.  Check out  the conference schedule and details at http://www.lta.org  (visit "events" on the webpage)


Teachers Conservation Workshops - The Alabama Forestry Foundation will be holding Teachers Conservation Workshops on June 23-25 in Tuscaloosa and July 13-16 in Auburn.  Please visit the foundation's website at http://www.alaforestry.org to review a detailed agenda or contact Chris Erwin at 334-481-2133/email cerwin@alaforestry.org 

Monday, February 09, 2009

Take the Wilderness Society's Virtual OmniBUS Tour of Little River Canyon - And Take Action Today!

BEN Publisher Pat Byington, his wife Kathy and daughter Whitney at Little River Canyon Falls


The Wilderness Society's Virtual OmniBUS Tour Highlights Little River Canyon National Preserve and the need to urge our representatives to support the Omnibus Public Lands bill.  

Check it out - and take action today!

Sunday, February 08, 2009

BEN - February 8, 2009 #315

Alabama Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama



1. Green Report Card 2009 Grades Auburn, Alabama, Samford, UAB and USA - Earlier this year, the 2009 Green Report Card was released to the public. The report's interactive website provides in-depth sustainability profiles for hundreds of colleges in all 50 U.S. states and in Canada based on extensive research conducted for the College Sustainability Report Card.  Published by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, The Report Card is the only independent sustainability evaluation of campus operations and endowment investments.  


Five Alabama universities were examined and given grades in the following categories - Administration, Climate Change & Energy, Food & Recycling, Green Building, Student Involvement, Transportation, Endowment Transparency, Investment Priorities and Shareholder Engagement 


According to the report, Auburn University received the highest state of Alabama grade in the 2009 Report scoring a B-, an improvement over the previous report card the year before.  They especially scored well in the Investment Priorities - (A), Administration - (B),  and Student Involvement - (B) categories.  The other four universities did not fare as well.  Below are their 2009 grades.


University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa - C  (a higher grade than last year)

Samford University - D+  (higher grade than last year)

University of Alabama Birmingham - D

University of South Alabama - D-


To read the entire report, including detailed descriptions and grades for each category, visit http://www.greenreportcard.org


2. E-Waste Recycling Taking Off in Alabama - One of Alabama's fasting growing and emerging environmental businesses is the recycling and recovery of electronic equipment. One such business in Alabama is named Technical Knockout.  The numbers are pretty astonishing.  In 2008, Technical Knockout recycled 142 tons of metal and plastic in Birmingham alone.  They also recycled 11 tractor trailer loads (each truck weighs 35-40,000 pounds) of circuit boards and computer parts. 


Electronic waste accounts for more than 40% of the lead and 70% of metals found within landfills and is considered the fastest component of the municipal waste stream worldwide. An example of this growing problem, the National Security Council estimated in 2007 that 500 million PCs in the U.S. were considered obsolete in favor of faster and better processing power.  


Please check out, two Alabama businesses that work to address this problem - Technical Knockout http://www.technicalko.net or 205-585-7835  and Alabama Electronics Recyclers http://www.alabamaelectronicsrecyclers.com


3. Environmental Bills Introduced In Alabama Legislature's First Week - Several energy and environmental justice bills were introduced during the opening week of the Alabama legislative session.  Below are brief descriptions:


House Bill  (HB) 13 - Sponsored by Rep. Mitchell - Toxic Waste, ADEM required to identify high impact areas for toxic contamination by counties; State Health officer required to document disease occurrence by county.


HB - 185 - Green Fleet Legislation, requires state agencies to submit annual projected plans to reach efficiency requirements and encourage carpooling


HB 188 - Sponsored by Wren - Energy efficient equipment tax credit for residential or business application - Energy Efficiency Act


HB 193 - Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Star Products


HB 194/SB 260  - Establishes the Alabama Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program to provide funding for energy related public interest energy research and development.  Enhance Alabama's portfolio of energy resources.


SB 72 - Sponsored by Sen. Wendell Mitchell - Solid waste management plan, county or municipal approval, affirmative approval required for new facility or for changes related to landfill or solid waste management site.


4. State Agriculture Census - Number of Farms Increase - According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms in the state of Alabama increased 8% since the last census was taken in 2002.  The total number of farms in 2007 was 48,753, compared to 45,126 in 2002.


Other news from the 2007 Census - the amount of land used for farming increased from 8.9 million acres in 2002 to 9 million acres in 2007, but the average size  of the farm decreased from 197 acres to 185 acres.


5. BEN Notes:  Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners Position Open, Alabama 25 X '25 State Alliance, Wild About Chocolate,  Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference, ARA Watershed Leadership Conference, EEAA Conference, Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference, Teachers Conservation Workshops


Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners Position Open - Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners is seeking a part-time project coordinator.  Please visit http://www.gbcfp.org for details.


Alabama 25 X '25 State Alliance - Alabama 25 X '25 is a new coalition that will advocate for a long term sustainable energy vision.  Dennis Bragg will be serving as Chair of the 25 X '25 State Alliance.  For more info, contact Brent Bailey, the regional facilitator at 601-573-4815 or email bbailey@25x25.org or visit http://www.25x25.org


February 9 and 10 – Baldwin County Water Festival – 8am until 3pm in Daphne – In partnership with Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, this event for fourth graders involves hands-on activities teaching watershed function and protection. The festival serves 1,1oo students over two days. Volunteers are needed to lead activities and guide students to designated areas as assigned.  Call 251-990-6002 for details.


Wild About Chocolate - The Alabama Wildlife Center will be holding their 5th Annual Wild About Chocolate Valentine Gala on February 14th, 7:00 PM at Workplay in Birmingham, Alabama.  All proceeds from this wonderful event benefit the Center and the thousands of animals they save and rehabilitate over the year.  Tickets in advance are $75 and can ordered at 205-663-7930.  For additional details visit http://www.awrc.org 


Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will be holding their 7th Annual Conference, March 6th and 7th at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, Alabama.  For complete details about this event, visit http://www.hikealabama.org/conference.html .


ARA Watershed Leadership Conference - The Alabama Rivers Alliance will be holding their 11th Annual Watershed Leadership Conference on March 20-22 at beautiful Camp McDowell.  Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org for details.


EEAA Conference - The Environmental Education Association of Alabama will be holding their Annual Conference - titled "Woods and Water: Connections in Nature" from March 19 to March 21 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama.  For information about the event, visit http://www.eeaa.us   or call 256-426-5871.


Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference - The 2009 Southeast Land Trust Conference is coming to Alabama on March 25-26 at Auburn University's Dixon Conference in Auburn, Alabama.  Check out  the conference schedule and details at http://www.lta.org  (visit "events" on the webpage)


Teachers Conservation Workshops - The Alabama Forestry Foundation will be holding Teachers Conservation Workshops on June 23-25 in Tuscaloosa and July 13-16 in Auburn.  Please visit the foundation's website at http://www.alaforestry.org to review a detailed agenda or contact Chris Erwin at 334-481-2133/email cerwin@alaforestry.org 

Sunday, February 01, 2009

BEN Special - Calendar of Events 2009 (Updated)

The Old Railroad Bridge (now a "walking" trail) on the Tennessee River From Sheffield, Alabama

Dear BEN Readers:


Below is a partial list of conservation activities occurring throughout Alabama in 2009.  This year, we are committed to update this list at the end of each month.  Please contact BEN at pkbyington@aol.com to submit information about an event in your neighborhood.


Thank you for caring about Alabama's environment .  I look forward to seeing you at some of these events or out on the trail!


Best Wishes,


Pat Byington

Publisher, Bama Environmental News - BEN


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Schedules - Visit these websites to access up to date calendar of events in your community:


Environmental Education Centers: Museums, Zoos and Gardens


Dauphin Island Sea Lab - http://www.disl.org

Friends of Locust Fork River - http://www.flfr.org

Weeks Bay Foundation - http://www.weeksbay.org/calendar.htm

Anniston Museum of Natural History - http://www.annistonmuseum.org/Programs_Events/index.html

Huntsville Botanical  Garden - http://hsvbg.org/events.htm

Landmark Park in Dothan - http://www.landmarkpark.org

Birmingham Botanical Gardens - http://www.bbgardens.org

Auburn Forest Preserve - https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/UpcomingEvents.htm

Montgomery Zoo - http://www.montgomeryal.gov/index.aspx?page=972

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center - http://www.ruffnermountain.org

Dauphin Island Sea - http://www.disl.org 

McWane Center - http://www.mcwane.org

Burrtitt in the Mountain - http://www.burrittonthemountain.com

Birmingham Zoo -  http;//www.birminghamzoo.com

Alabama Museum of Natural History - http://amnh.ua.edu/events.html




Environmental Education Hikes, Outings, Tours, Clean-ups, Tree Plantings


Wild South - http://www.wildsouth.org

CAWACO - http://www.cawaco.org

Freshwater Land Trust - http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org

Fresh Air Family - http://www.freshairfamily.org

Jones Valley Urban Farm - http://www.jvuf.org

Central Alabama Grotto - http://centralalabamagrotto.com/dotnetnuke

Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club - http://alabama.sierraclub.org

Alabama Hiking Trail Society - http://www.hikealabama.org

Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama - http://www.landtrust-hsv.org

Shoals Earth Month - http://shoalsenvironalliance.netfirms.com or http://www.shoalsearthday.com

Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers - http://www.alabamapower.com/lakes/schedule.asp

JSU Field Schools Schedule - http://epic.jsu.edu/lrcfs/fieldschool_event_calendar.pdf

Birmingham Audubon Society - http://www.birminghamaudubon.org/BAS11-04/Calendar.pdf

Alabama Wildlife Federation/Alabama Nature Center - http://www.alabamawildlife.org

Alabama Coastal Foundation - http://www.joinacf.org

Alabama Wildlife Center - http://www.awrc.org



Camps/Environmental Education Centers


Camp McDowell - http://www.campmcdowell.com/cmec/index.htm

Coastal Wonders - Environmental Education Programs at Beckwith - http://www.coastalwonders.org/

Camp ASCCA -http://www.theenvironmentalcenter.org/

YMCA Camp Cosby - http://www.campcosby.org/oc_overview.htm

Sumatanga Camp and Conference -http://www.sumatanga.org/env-education.php

The Water Course - http://www.alabamapower.com/watercourse/home.asp

Southern Environmental Center - http://www.myecoscapes.com


Special Fundraisers


Ducks Unlimited - http://www.ducks.org/states/31/events/index.html

Alabama Wildlife Federation (Wild Game Cook-Offs) - http://www.alabamawildlife.org/eventscalendar


State & Federal Events and Tours


Department of Conservation's Special Programs - http://www.outdooralabama.com/Programs/

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Tours - http://www.fws.gov/bonsecour/wintertours.html


Television Schedule


Discovering Alabama - http://www.aptv.org/Schedule/nolaschedule.asp?NOLA1=DSAL



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February - June - Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama's Spring Burst Hikes - Visit http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/events  for the schedule.


February 9-10 - Baldwin County Water Festival in Daphne, Alabama - For details call the Alabama Coastal Foundation at 251-990-6002 or visit http://www.joinacf.org 


February 14 - Wild About Chocolate - The Alabama Wildlife Center 5th Annual Wild About Chocolate Valentine Gala - 7:00 PM at Workplay in Birmingham, Alabama - Tickets in advance are $75 and can ordered at 205-663-7930.  For additional details visit http://www.awrc.org 


February 16 - "Climate Change: A Call to Community" at Miles College in Birmingham, 8:30am to 4:30pm - Keynote speaker: Sr. Maureen Fiedler of Interfaith Voices - visit the Alabama Faith Council website - http://www.alfaithcouncil.org  for details.


February 22 - Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center (near Fort Payne) Dedication & Grand Opening - For details call 256-782-5697 


February 23-25 - The Alabama Fisheries Asociation's 25th Anniversary Meeting at Auburn University - http://www.alabamafisheriesassociation.org/2009%20Meeting/2009%20Meeting%20Page.dwt


February 27 - Fish Fry Fundraiser Suppers to Benefit the North Sand Mountain Farmer's Market - 3-7pm at Upper Sand Mountain Parish, Hwy 75, Sylvania, Alabama - For details call 256-657-7247.


March 2 - South Alabama Ducks Unlimited - "Date Night" with Dinner & IMAX - 6:00pm at the Gulf Exploreum, Mobile, Alabama - Tickets Single -$50 & Couple - $75 - For additional info call Craig Brantley 251-423-2020. 


March 6-7 - Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society's 7th Annual Conference, at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort, Alabama.  For complete details about this event, visit http://www.hikealabama.org/conference.html .


March 7 - Mulberry Races: 2nd race of the Alabama Cup - Visit http://www.myspace.com/mulberryraces


March 19-21 - EEAA Conference - The Environmental Education Association of Alabama - Annual Conference - titled "Woods and Water: Connections in Nature" -  the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama.  For information about the event, visit http://www.eeaa.us   or call 256-426-5871.


March 20-22 - ARA Watershed Leadership Conference - The Alabama Rivers Alliance 11th Annual Watershed Leadership Conference at beautiful Camp McDowell.  Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org for details.


March 21 - Green Resource Center for Alabama's "Clover Crawl" 2009 Green Home and Garden Expo - Vulcan Park in Birmingham, Alabama - visit http://www.greenalabama.org


March 25-26 - Southeast Land Trust Alliance Conference - The 2009 Southeast Land Trust Conference - Auburn University's Dixon Conference in Auburn, Alabama.  Check out  the conference schedule and details at http://www.lta.org  (visit "events" on the webpage)


March 28 - Final race of the Alabama Cup "Locust Fork Classic" - King's Bend, Cleveland, Alabama, 9-5 - 205-706-4376 - sam@flfr.org


March 28-April 9 -Hummingbird Spring Banding at Fort Morgan State Historical Park, Fort Morgan, Alabama -Hours are from dawn until mid-afternoon - Contact Bob and Martha Sargent at 205-681-2888 or Rubythroat@aol.com - Visit http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org


April 19 - Earth Fest - Tuscaloosa's Annual Earth Day Event on the University of Alabama campus  - http://bama.ua.edu/~UAEC/


April 22 - 18th Annual Auntie Litter Parade and Celebration - Birmingham - http://www.auntielitter.org


April 25 - Earth Day Mobile Bay 2009 - 19th Annual Mobile Bay Earth Day - 10:00am to 7:00pm - Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope, Alabama.


April 25 - Shoals Earth Day and Earth Month - April 25th, 11:00 to 6:00 at Wilson Park in Florence, Alabama - Visit http://www.shoalsearthday.com or contact NancyMuseSea@aol.com or 256-767-2909.


April 26 - Earth Day at the Gardens - 12th Annual Earth Day at the Gardens -  Birmingham Botanical Gardens - http://www.bbgardens.org


April 28 - Coastal Kids Quiz in Daphne, Alabama - Contact the Alabama Coastal Foundation for details at 251-990-6002.


May - June - Cahaba River Society will hold  canoe trip each weekend to view the Cahaba lilies - contact them at http://www.cahabariversociety.org for details.


May 7-10 - 32nd Annual Audubon Mountain Workshop - Mentone, Alabama - http://www.birminghamaudubon.org


May 13-14 - 5th Annual State of Our Watershed Conference at the Betty Carol Graham technology Center, Central Alabama Community College, Alexander City, Alabama - for conference info, visit http://www.twp.auburn.edu


May 30 - Spring Hill Medical Grandman Triathlon - Event benefiting Mobile Baykeeper - Visit Mobile Baykeeper at http://www.mobilebaykeeper.org for details


May 30 - The Cahaba Lily Festival in West Blocton, Alabama


June 23-25 and July 13-16 - Alabama Forestry Foundation's Teacher's Conservation Workshops - visit http://www.alaforestry.org


September 25-26 - Green Coast 2009 - Pensacola, Florida - 251-928-2309 - http://www.smartcoast.org