Tool Trailer
In 2011, Cawaco RC&D Council received a grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to purchase and equip a cargo trailer to assist groups in developing and maintaining recreational trails. Existing park staff and/or volunteers can rent the Tool Trailer and its hand tools for trail building, garden improvement and invasive species removal. Charles Yeager at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve manages the trailer’s schedule and provides regular reports on its use.
RC&D Grows Gardens
Cawaco partners with other RC&D Councils, the State Association of RC&D Councils and USDA/NRCS to provide vegetable seeds to schools, community gardens and veterans at no cost. We also administer a state-wide mini-grant program for garden-related expenses. These grants are available to enhance and support school and community gardens in every council area. The goal is to empower communities and schools to grow fresh local produce that can be shared, eaten, and even sold to generate income.
Community Development
Cawaco partners with community leaders across our region to help make our area a better place to live, work and recreate. From trails to gardens to tree planting, building upgrades and first responder support, Cawaco is always working to improve Alabama communities.
Your Town Alabama
Since 1998, the Your Town Alabama organization has conducted annual workshops for town officials and community leaders across Alabama. For citizens interested in improving their communities, the workshop introduces asset-based design in community planning. This method focuses on the inventory and utilization of the community’s best assets, whether cultural, natural, historical, or otherwise. Cawaco RC&D Council was one of the founding members of Your Town Alabama and continues to provide administrative support.
Projects in the News
Behind the Grants: Spotlight on Patti Pennington
Name: Patti PenningtonTitle: Programs ManagerYears with RC&D: 18 Meet Patti Pennington We think the saying should be Patti-of-All-Trades, because Patti Pennington is a woman of many skills. Over the last…
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Enhancing School Safety: Walker County’s Tactical Entry Tool Kits
Safety in our schools is a top priority, and Walker County is taking proactive steps to ensure their school resource officers (SROs) have the tools needed to respond quickly and…
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Outdoor Classroom Revitalization in Hoover
Students at Trace Crossings Elementary School have a newly renovated courtyard and outdoor classroom to learn and play in. A ribbon cutting ceremony at the school brought together students, parents,…
Serving Those Who Serve: Shelby County Cookout
The sun was shining for the Back the Blue Cookout in Shelby County! L-R: Chief Chris Miller, Helena Fire Dept; Brandon Krutsch, Alabaster police dept; Sheriff John Samaniego, Shelby County…
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Celebrating Local Impact with Shelby County 2025 Grant Day
Cawaco RC&D and the Shelby County Legislative Delegation gathered at Pelham City Hall to celebrate the awarding of $148,313 in grant funding to 10 organizations across Shelby County. The grant…
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Midfield-Holt Community Garden Celebrates Success with New Pavilion and Storage Facilities
The Midfield-Holt Community Garden officially expanded its capacity to serve local families last week with the completion of a new pavilion and storage shed. Community leaders, residents, and partners gathered…
North Jefferson Innovation Center Supports Local Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs in North Jefferson County now have a space to grow. The Town of Morris revitalized an existing building into a space that encourages a cooperative entrepreneurial environment for the…
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New Highway Signs Spotlight Walker County’s Waterways
Drivers traveling along Interstate 22 through Walker County will now notice something new: signs identifying the rivers and creeks they’re crossing. The Walker County Soil and Water Conservation District worked…
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New Faces, Fresh Energy: Spotlight on Jody Drummond
Name: Jody DrummondTitle: Operations SpecialistYears with RC&D: 1 Month Meet Jody Drummond Jody Drummond is the newest part of Cawaco RC&D’s growing team, and we were immediately impressed by her…
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Sowing Seeds in the City: Urban Agriculture in Alabama
Growing and distributing food in urban areas often looks a little different than it does in rural areas—it usually takes the form of community gardens, rooftop and vertical farms, or…
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Saving Lives in Pelham: RC&D Funds LUCAS Device
A new life-saving device has just arrived at the City of Pelham! The Pelham Fire Department now has a LUCAS Device, an incredible automated CPR system that will help save…
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From Collapse to Connection: Big Canoe Creek Restoration Restores Flow & Reconnects Habitat
Big Canoe Creek at Goodwins Mill in St. Clair County is flowing free once again! The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife (USFWS PFW) and Cawaco…
FY26 RC&D Grant Application Open April 1
Cawaco RC&D’s grant application is now open! In partnership with the Alabama Legislature, Cawaco RC&D’s grant program supports projects in Central Alabama that create meaningful community, environmental, or educational impact,…
Cool Green Trees Part of Sustainable Team in Birmingham
Cool Green Trees (CGT) is helping Birmingham become a more sustainable city! As one of 25 cities chosen for the three-year Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities (BASC) initiative, Birmingham selected three…
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Cawaco RC&D and Alabama Legislature Invest in North Birmingham Food Access
Roots of Nourishment enhanced a community garden through the addition of raised garden beds and an irrigation system within the community greenhouse. The improvements grow Roots of Nourishment’s capacity to…
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Swimsuit Drive for Children in Foster Care
It might feel like 2025 has just begun, but pool weather is right around the corner. The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils is running a swimsuit and towel drive to…
2024 Projects of the Year
We honored five projects at our annual meeting that we felt went above and beyond due to the size of their impact, their uniqueness and creativity, and the partnerships utilized.…
Grow Your Career with Cool Green Trees!
We’re seeking a mission-driven Volunteer Manager to support our Cool Green Trees (CGT) program! CGT is dedicated to planting and preserving Jefferson County’s urban tree canopy. The Volunteer Manager will…
