Cool Green Action Plan
This project is a unique collaborative effort between Cawaco RC&D Council Environmental Programs, the City of Birmingham, a diverse, multidisciplinary team from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and numerous local non-profits in Jefferson County, Alabama. Cool Green project Story Map, completed in March 2020, identified areas in…
RC&D Grows Gardens
Panola Community Outreach Pavillion (Green County) Funds from Alabama RC&D “RC&D Grows Gardens Project” were used to complete the Panola Community Outreach pavilion. The pavilion serves as a food distribution site for limited-income residents.
Pleasantfield Volunteer Fire Department Radios
Thanks to Senator Greg Reed, Cawaco heard about the needs of Pleasantfield Volunteer Fire department in Walker County. Pleasantfield is a very rural community in Walker County that has very limited cell phone service which makes the use of cell phones in emergency situations tenuous. Pleasantfield VFD…
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Garden Report
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES- WATER FUN FOR STUDENTS K-5
Looking for educational resources for students K-5 to print at home or in class? Look no further! Here is a print-friendly version of a FUN activity book about water conservation! This booklet will print both sides (flip on the long edge. Using a long stapler, staple the…
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Cawaco Wins Two Southeastern RC&D Awards
Cawaco Board Members Paul Kennedy and Sheila Baker walked away with two Southeastern Association of RC&D Council awards this week in Asheville NC. Paul Kennedy was accepted into the SE RC&D Hall of Fame and Sheila Baker was deemed Board Member of the Year! (Pictured: Paul McCaleb…
Projects from the State of Alabama!
Enjoy this presentation that highlights the work being done throughout the state by Resource, Conservation & Development Councils in Alabama. Presentation 2019 Annual ConferenceFinal
2019 Strategic Habitat Meeting of the Alabama Rivers & Streams Network
Strategic Habitat Meeting 2019 Each year, the Alabama Rivers and Streams Network come together to share information and set an area of focus for the upcoming year. It is held in conjunction with the yearly Mollusk/Crayfish meeting. The 2019 SHU Meeting was held on January 15 in…
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Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Cawaco!
When you shop Amazon, remember your favorite charity!
AmazonSmile donates to Cawaco Resource Conservation And Development Area when you do your holiday shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/63-1027283.
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Cawaco Radio Ad for Free GED Classes
We are proud to sponsor this radio ad that runs in our five counties! The Alabama Community College System Adult Education programs (Alabama Adult Education) provide free adult literacy, basic skills, English as a Second Language and GED test preparation. The cost of the GED® Test is…
Seniors Teach Seniors Computer Skills
Meet Ms. Shirley Mixon of the Jasper Senior Activity Center. Ms. Mixon is an alumni of the Generations on Line program that was partially funded through Cawaco and administered through M4A. Generations on Line is nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing communication among generations by promoting Internet access…
2019 GRANT CYCLE NOW OPEN!!
Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council is seeking grant applications for its Challenge and Educational Grant Programs in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties of Alabama. Grant applications can be found on the website under “Forms”. Challenge Grant Program The Council offers small competitive Challenge…
Oneonta Middle School Robotics
[envira-gallery id=”4145″] On May 1, 2018 we visited Oneonta Middle School teacher John Fallin, his robotics team and Rep. David Standridge! In 2017, the school received a grant for robotics equipment and students built a robot for the 2017 BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology)competition at Wallace…
SAVING A LANDMARK, REUNITING A COMMUNITY
How strangers came together to save the Chestnut Creek Heritage Chapel Since the early 1800’s, the Chestnut Creek Baptist Church was the center of the Cooper community in rural Chilton County Alabama. But after a new church building was erected in 2007, the old church became neglected…
Plan of Work 2018
READ THE 2018 Plan of Work
How we did in 2017
2017 proved to be another productive year for Cawaco! Below, see our end of year numbers and project data reports! 2017 project highlights 2017 By the Numbers Project Report Data
Mapping Birmingham City Trees
Cawaco is working with the Nature Conservancy, the Regional Planning Commission, the Birmingham urban forester, Alabama Forestry Commission and other agencies to map Birmingham trees. Why? For numerous reasons, urban foresters need a snapshot of the health, age, species, placement and condition of the urban forest. In…
How we did in 2016
In 2016, Cawaco projects built 11 miles of trails, restored 20 acres of habitat, educated over 3000 children and more than 2000 adults. For every dollar we spent, we were returned a minimum of eight dollars in added value. See the one-page graphic report here. Please check…
Beginning Farmer Outreach Meeting- Walker County
Once again we are partnering with USDA and Walker County Soil & Water to host a Beginning Farmer Outreach meeting in Walker County! Pass this information along to anyone with interest in agriculture. The purpose of these meetings is to connect beginning farmers to the resources that…
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Alabama AARCDC State Conference
Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Annual Meeting On May 2-4, Cawaco hosted the state conference at the Embassy Suites Birmingham. Thanks to all those who attended as well as the outstanding speakers! Download or view AGENDA
We Are Delivering Seeds!
We are currently delivering vegetable seed to community and school gardens throughout the state! The seeds are FREE but you have to apply in order to receive them! Call Patti @ 205-623-0457, or email grantfunds@live.com and request an application, or download one here
Cawaco Tool Trailer
The Tool Trailer got a good bit of use in 2015! 849 volunteers used the trailer to clear over 17 miles of trails in places like Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Red Mountain Park and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve! Cawaco keeps the tool trailer maintained and available to…
North Jefferson Blount Regional Library
Cawaco is helping fund some upgrades to the old Armory building located in Warrior. The building is being renovated into a state of the art Regional Library and Cultural Arts Center. The North Jefferson-Blount County Regional Library Foundation has already raised over a quarter of a million…
Resources for Stream Owners
Are you a landowner with a stream on your property? Do you lose property with every rain? Do your stream banks shift? There is a free resource for you to teach you how to manage the water on your property and keep your stream healthy and beautiful.…
Forest Certification Workshop August 6
The Alabama Forestry Commission recognizes that voluntary participation in forest certification is growing in the southern United States and that forest managers and forest industry representatives should have access to current information on these programs. As a result, the Commission is organizing and hosting a one day…
Soil Health Workshop July 18
Are you doing everything you can to keep your land and your soil healthy? Would you like to learn how to build soil health, nourish your plants and yield bigger, healthier crops? Then attend the FREE workshop on Soil Health on July 18. For more information, click…
Invasive Plant Workshop
Do you struggle with privet, kudzu, mimosa, english ivy, bamboo, and other annoying invasive plants on your property? Would you like to learn from the pros how to fight these enemies? If so, REGISTER NOW for the Invasive Plant Workshop being held August 7, 2015 at the…
Cawaco featured on RootsRated website
Cawaco recently got some press on RootsRated! RootsRated is a website designed to help outdoor enthusiasts find the best hiking, trail running, climbing, paddling, cycling and more- (including food)- in 30+ cities around the country- all according to local experts. So if you are looking for things to…
Blount County Beginning Farmers Meeting Scheduled April 30
Please SPREAD THE WORD about this FREE workshop at BEAUTIFUL Palisades Park in Blount County!
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Cawaco Wins Project of the Year Award
Cawaco was awarded the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development Council’s Project of the Year Award for 2014, for the “Tannehill Wastewater Treatment” project. Read more about this project in the Spring Newsletter. Or go here. We were very honored to be the recipient of this award,…
Beginning Farmers Outreach Meetings Scheduled
Cawaco RC&D to host Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Outreach Meetings. Cawaco is partnering with USDA/NRCS and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts to host Beginning Farmer and Ranchers workshops in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties during FY 2015. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps farmers…
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Cawaco Provides Technology in the Classroom
By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer NORTH SHELBY—Oak Mountain Elementary School first grade students have been able to supplement their learning with iPads, thanks to a $5,000 grant from Cawaco Resource, Conservation and Development Council in partnership with State Senator Jabo Waggoner, R-Birmingham, and Rep. Arnold Mooney,…
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Greenhouses Available at reduced cost
Cawaco has Atlas greenhouse frames, heaters and fans for sale. We purchased these greenhouses at a reduced rate and will pass that savings on to you! Request information and shop prices below.
Circle of Diamonds Tier II Awarded to Cawaco RC&D
Cawaco RC&D is very excited to announce that we have been granted enhanced (Tier II) Circle of Diamonds membership by the National Association of Resource, Conservation & Development Councils in the National Circle of Diamonds Program, thus becoming one of only 25 RC&D Councils out of 375…
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Low Impact Development Workshop
The North River Project will be hosting Low Impact Development: The Nexus of On-The-Ground Implementation and Stormwater Compliance, December 15, 2014 at the Northport Civic Center. Information covered in the workshop include: • The economic importance of water protection • NPDES Stormwater requirements • Introduction to the…
Project Update- Greystone Elementary Outdoor Classroom
Back in 2011, Cawaco awarded Greystone Elementary School a grant to develop an outdoor classroom. This first phase of the project allowed them to purchase native plants and trees, create a rain garden, and install a pond. They also bought a cistern to collect rainwater off the…
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Visit with Cornerstone
Patti Pennington was at Cornerstone School on October 20, and met Ms. Crist and her kindergarten class. There have been many improvements since Cawaco helped Cornerstone get their garden going! Teacher excitement and involvement has made this project a HUGE success! Herb gardens, a rain barrell, and…
Board Member Spotlight
Meet Judge Chris Green of Blount County. He serves on the Cawaco Board Personnel and Executive Committees. Chris is both a Blount County Probate Judge and Commission Chairman. He has also served as the Blount County Revenue Commissioner and Blount County Administrator. Chris loves to go fishing,…
Kids learning water safety and kayaking
The kayaks are being put to good use and even made the paper! Kids participate in Outdoor Adventure Camp By Emily Etheredge Published 3:56pm Thursday, July 3, 2014 Clanton Advertiser JoJo Wells was excited to practice his archery techniques Thursday morning as he eagerly waited his turn…
Palisades Park gets WiFi!
Cawaco RC&D id dedicated to the development and wise use of our Natural Resources. Although many will think that a park getting WiFi is not supporting natural resources, please remember- our focus for the next year is Parks and Rec. And WiFi will benefit the park, as…
Natural Resources Presentation at Camp McDowell
Cawaco constantly strives to promote the wise and thoughtful development of our natural resources, and has funded the Your Town Alabama program for several years. Your Town is a workshop for community leaders and planners. To learn more about Your Town, go…
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Rocky Ridge Fire District Awarded grant
Recently the Rocky Ridge Fire Department received a 10,000 grant from Cawaco RC&D for river rescue equipment. Since the purchase of the equipment, it has been used four times- and one of those times was during a training class on how to use the equipment! The money…
Cawaco wins three State Awards
Paul McCaleb, Outstanding Council Member Cawaco RC&D Council Chairman Paul McCaleb won the McCarty Award for Outstanding Council Member of the Year during the Alabama State RC&D Council Annual Meeting held in Mobile on May 30.Paul McCaleb recognized for the following contributions to Cawaco: Cawaco’s budget grew from $25,000 per year (1992) to over…
Board Member Spotlight
Fred Crawford Fred Crawford is the Economic Developer for Chilton County. As such, his responsibilities are to recruit business and to work with business to help them stay in Chilton County and/or expand. Fred tells me he enjoys trying to get autographs on baseball cards, as…
Board Member Spotlight
Gerald Arrington Gerald Arrington is one of Cawaco’s newest Board Members, and manager of Minooka Park, an off-highway vehicle park owned by Chilton County. When I asked Gerald what his hobbies were, he replied, ” I am interested in boating, golf, fishing, hunting, and watching/attending Auburn football…
Town Creek Update
We went to have a look at a stream we were instrumental in restoring in Jasper Alabama. Looking beautiful! What once was an eyesore and a flooding hazard has been turned into an asset for the town. Read more here.
Electrathon 2014
This is a good write up about the race; however, schools from all over the state competed, and all RC&D’s in the state participated by funding a car kit for a school in their area. Cawaco had 3 cars in the race beacuse Cawaco has supported this…
Cawaco Provides Funding for Household Hazardous Waste Day
On April 26, beginning at 8AM, there will be a household Hazardous Waste Collection Day at McClendon Park at Legion Field. Address: 400 Graymont Ave. West, Birmingham AL This collection day will assist the public in the responsible disposal of hazardous items such as: Paint Prescription Drugs…
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Grants for job and leadership skills
Approximately $73M in YouthBuild grants to help disadvantaged youth develop job and leadership skills made available by US Labor Department. If you are a non-profit or municipality and lack staff or resources to apply for federal grants, call us! We can help to write and administer your…
Spring Clean Up!
2014 “Don’t Drop it on Alabama” PALS Spring Cleanup May 3, 2014 OAK GROVE High School Spring Clean Up- Saturday, March 1- Learn more about the Oak Grove cleanup here. This Spring Cleanup targets household trash, litter and debris that will easily fit into the bags provided.…
TREE GIVEAWAYS IN CENTRAL ALABAMA
The Forestry Commission and Arbor Day Foundation are hosting tree giveaways in an effort to heal the wounds of tornado-ravaged areas. 18 north Alabama communities will receive a total of 25,000 trees during February, in an effort to support recovery and help restore the tree-lined streets,…
What is Cawaco About, Anyway?
What is Cawaco About?
Board Member Spotlight
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ALLAN LOWE Shelby County Member At-Large Allan Lowe is our At- Large member from Shelby County, and is Shelby County’s representative on the Cawaco Grant Committee. He is owner of Lowe Insurance Agency and also Associate Broker with Lowe and Associates Realty, Inc. Allan…
Board Member Spotlight
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SHEILA BAKER Jefferson County Member At- Large Board member Sheila Baker was raised in Bridgeport, CT and went to school at UAB. She currently resides in Birmingham. Like many of us, she moved here to be closer to her family. When I asked Sheila…
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
We are now accepting grant applications! Click here for more info.
