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Partners and Projects Honored at 2025 Annual Meeting
Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council board members, staff and partners gathered at Bevill State Campus in Jasper on December 11 for our annual meeting.…
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New sidewalk links trail systems and historic neighborhood in Trussville
The City of Trussville connected a historic neighborhood to a river trail system, creating safer routes for elementary school kids, outdoor classrooms for teachers, and…
Continue Reading New sidewalk links trail systems and historic neighborhood in Trussville
Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2025 Cawaco RC&D grant program supports local projects benefiting community, environment, education (BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) (Dec. 16, 2025) – From community…
Continue Reading Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama
Restoring a Community Lifeline in McCollum-Midway
What does a small volunteer fire department do when its only medical response vehicle faces a catastrophic engine failure? The answer to that question takes…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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;…
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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…
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Keep your family safe this storm season with a NOAA Weather Radio! We're proud to support the Blount County EMA in providing these radios to Blount County residents.
📆Wednesday, Jan 14
⏰10 AM
📍Oneonta Walmart
Learn directly from local meteorologists from WBRC 6 News & the US National Weather Service Birmingham Alabama about:
- How NOAA Weather Radios work
- The importance of quick warnings
- How to set up and use your radio
- Staying safe during severe weather ... See MoreSee Less
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We're proud to honor Keith Pike with the Outstanding Board Member Award for his incredible dedication to Cawaco RC&D for nearly 20 years. A former city planner for the City of Jasper and current Drummond Company employee, Keith never misses a board meeting despite his busy schedule. He shows up for grantee press events, serves on our grant committee, and brings valuable insight to important decisions. His consistent commitment exemplifies the volunteer spirit that makes our work possible. Thank you, Keith!
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Our internship program is growing the next generation of environmental stewards! In 2025, we supported 8 organizations in hiring 16 student interns, giving them hands-on experience for a career in natural resource conservation.
The interns made real impact across the region. They led river cleanups with Friends of the Locust Fork River, educated about water quality with Coosa Riverkeeper, created GIS mapping tools and developing new solutions for tree stabilization with Cool Green Trees, monitored conservation lands with Freshwater Land Trust, educated about environmental stewardship and combatted invasive species with Jefferson County Greenways, and engaged in best-practice farming with Shelby County High School FFA, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, & Jefferson County Master Gardeners.
When we invest in youth and natural resources together, everybody wins.
#NaturalResources #YouthConservation #NextGenStewards #CawacoRCD #RiverConservation #EnvironmentalEducation ... See MoreSee Less
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Knowledge is power! In 2025, Cawaco RC&D grantees hosted 947 training sessions and events across our region. From first responder training to educational workshops and community gatherings, these events equipped people with skills, connections, and resources to strengthen our communities.
📸 Pictured: Blount County Alabama Fire & EMS Association Jr. Fire Academy ... See MoreSee Less
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The City of Trussville connected a historic neighborhood to a river trail system, creating safer routes for elementary school kids, outdoor classrooms for teachers, and a community that just got a whole lot more walkable.
This 900-foot sidewalk now links the Historic Cahaba Project neighborhood to the beautiful Cahaba River Corridor and interpretive walking trail.
This project represents what's possible when state and local leaders work together. Thanks to Representative Danny Garrett, Shay Shelnutt For Senate, Ben Short - Trussville Mayor, and all the partners who made this vision a reality.
Read more: cawaco.org/new-sidewalk-links-trail-systems-and-historic-neighborhood-in-trussville/ ... See MoreSee Less
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The students at i3 Academy in Birmingham are getting some hands-on STEAM experience in their Makerspace class! Thank you Sen. Rodger Smitherman & Rep. Neil Rafferty for your partnership and help bringing smiles to kids across our region! ... See MoreSee Less
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We're thrilled to recognize Jefferson County Conservation District with our 2025 Project of the Year!
They took their grant dollars and made them work overtime, supporting three powerful programs:
🚯 Litter Quitters – High schoolers create video PSAs about litter's impact, compete for prizes, participate in community cleanups, and see their winning videos broadcast across the region.
🌧️ Rain Barrel Workshop – 43 participants built and took home their own rain barrels at a reduced cost, helping conserve drinking water during our hot, dry summers.
💧 Drip Irrigation Workshop – A two-day hands-on program teaching drip irrigation techniques. Participants received discounted irrigation kits and installed a system at a community garden in a food desert, making it easier to grow healthy food efficiently.
From engaging students to empowering communities, JCSWCD is making waves in water education. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor! 👏
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Cawaco RC&D recognized Sen. Matt Woods for Alabama as the 2025 Legislator of the Year for his deep understanding of Walker County's needs and his exceptional ability to connect communities with vital resources.
Through his service on the Walker Area Community Foundation Grant Review Committee, Sen. Woods gained firsthand insight into local challenges. As a legislator, he has championed the needs of his constituents and consistently directed valuable projects to our region, making a measurable difference in the lives of those we serve.
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