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
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…
Economic development goes green
5 things to know about Cawaco RC&D Striking a balance between nature and human needs is vital. Cawaco RC&D is committed to this mission. But what does that look like…
2025 Holle Family Foundation Grant Cycle Now Open
The Holle Family Foundation is accepting grant applications until November 1, 2024. The Holle Family Foundation is guided by a charitable philosophy that seeks to promote individuals and institutions throughout…
Continue Reading 2025 Holle Family Foundation Grant Cycle Now Open
Conserving Natural Resources & Cultivating Vibrant Communities
Happy World Nature Conservation Day! At Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council, we connect Central Alabama communities to the resources and partnerships needed to drive economic development in an environmentally…
Continue Reading Conserving Natural Resources & Cultivating Vibrant Communities
Cool Green Trees is Hiring!
We’re seeking a mission-driven Program Manager to take our Cool Green Trees program to the next level! CGT is dedicated to planting and preserving Jefferson County’s urban tree canopy. The…
New Pollinator Garden in Oak Mountain State Park
Have you heard the buzz? Oak Mountain State Park opened a pollinator garden last week! It’s the first of 12 pollinator gardens across Alabama State Parks.The gardens will be in…
Continue Reading New Pollinator Garden in Oak Mountain State Park
Raising Awareness for Watercress Darters
The Birmingham metro area is home to three endangered darters, including the watercress darter (Etheostoma nuchale). Cawaco RC&D worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance and preserve…
2025 Grant Cycle Now Open
April 1- July 1, 2024 We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 grant cycle! Applicants should make themselves aware of the timelines and reporting requirements prior to applying. Funds…
Cool Green Trees is in the News!
In case you haven’t heard- Cool Green Trees is a new Cawaco Program that is locating Urban Heat Islands in Birmingham and cooling them down by planting trees. Concrete, streets…
2024 Funding Opportunity
The 2024 Cawaco Grant Cycle opens April 1- July 1, 2023. All applicants are now required to create an account with username and password prior to applying. Applications will be…
2022 Cawaco Annual Report
Cawaco has had a busy year! We took on a new staff person, and got a new Chairman. We not only have a very successful grant program, we have other…
Rep. Corley Ellis Receives Legislator of the Year Award
https://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2022/03/08/rep-corley-ellis-receives-leadership-award-from-statewide-development-organization/
Continue Reading Rep. Corley Ellis Receives Legislator of the Year Award
2022 Roebuck Springs Work Day
April 2 2022 Come volunteer to plant the stream banks at Roebuck Springs on the Roebuck Springs Golf Course spring run – – home of the endangered Watercress Darter WHEN:…
2022 Seven Springs Watercress Darter Work Day
March 19, Saturday 9 am until 12 noon As part of the Urban Darter Project, Freshwater Land Trust is hosting a habitat improvement workday at Seven Springs in the Powderly…
Continue Reading 2022 Seven Springs Watercress Darter Work Day
Delivery to Parrish Elementary
Kasey Kilpatrick, a teacher and gardener at Parrish Elementary was awarded a mini-grant for her school garden and got a seed delivery too!
Working with Birmingham Parks
Francesca Gross, Environmental Specialist for Cawaco RC&D was featured Birmingham Parks and Recreation Report (September 2021). Read more about Francesca and her work!
