News

Cawaco RC&D

1 week ago

Thank you to the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils for a great annual conference! We loved learning with and from the other councils and fellowshipping with our colleagues from across the state. Our hearts are full and we’re headed back to Birmingham with lots of ideas!

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Cawaco RC&D

2 weeks ago

Congratulations, Ervin Smith! We're proud to see Ervin, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, receive a Building Futures Scholarship as he pursues his HVACR certification at Bevill State Community College.

Thank you to the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils for this partnership that invests in our residents' futures, and to Sen. Matt Woods for Alabama for supporting workforce training through the state budget.

#AlabamaRCD🟩 Bevill State student receives Building Futures Scholarship 🟦

Ervin Smith, a student in Bevill State Community College’s HVACR program in Sumiton, recently received the Building Futures Scholarship.

The Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation, & Development Councils (RC&D) awarded Building Futures Scholarships for the first time this year. Approximately 50 students enrolled in the Alabama Community College System received a $2,000 scholarship to cover tuition, books, and fees. Traditional, non-traditional, and veteran students pursuing degrees in aviation mechanics, avionics, construction management, welding and pipefitting, HVACR, carpentry, electrical, or plumbing were eligible for the scholarship.

Smith’s scholarship was presented through the Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council to support his studies in Bevill State’s HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) program.

Smith is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and said he has more than two decades of experience leading maintenance operations, managing motor pool logistics, and training soldiers in advanced mechanical repair. He later earned an associate degree in Business Administration and Management and worked as a senior technician and security officer.

“Today, I am pursuing HVACR certification to build a second career grounded in precision, safety, and real-world problem-solving,” he said. “I enjoy mastering the technical side of HVAC systems — from diagnostics to worksheet interpretation — and I’m committed to becoming a reliable, knowledgeable technician who can serve my community with professionalism and integrity.”

He added, “My background in leadership, discipline, and troubleshooting continues to shape my approach to learning and to the HVACR field.”

Outside of his studies, he co-operates Smith Cleaning Service. He lives with his wife and their grandson.

“Receiving this scholarship means more than financial support — it’s a vote of confidence in my future as an HVACR technician,” Smith said. “After a long career in the U.S. Army, I’m committed to mastering this trade and serving my community with the same discipline and integrity I learned in uniform. This award helps me keep moving forward.”

State Senator Matt Woods congratulated Smith on receiving the scholarship.

“I’m proud to congratulate Ervin Smith on receiving the Building Futures Scholarship,” Woods said. “ I’ve been pleased to support this effort through the state budgeting process, because investing in workforce training is an investment in both our students and the future of Alabama. Opportunities like this help young people prepare for meaningful careers while strengthening the communities and industries that depend on a skilled workforce.”

#BevillState #BuildingFutures #Cawaco ... See MoreSee Less

Cawaco RC&D

4 weeks ago

The Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce’s Young Ambassadors Program educates, inspires, and empowers future business and community leaders. The 28 students who participated this year gained hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and servant leadership through real-world service opportunities.

Local community organizations also benefited from the involvement of volunteer teens, who provided valuable assistance with events, outreach efforts, and service projects. Their participation helped organizations expand their impact and encouraged youth involvement and community pride.

Thank you, Sen. Shay Shelnutt For Senate, Sen. Wes Kitchens for State Senate, Rep. David Standridge, and Rep. Heath Allbright for State House District 11 for your partnership in supporting this project that strengthened relationships across generations, encouraged volunteerism, and created lasting positive impacts throughout the community.

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Cawaco RC&D

2 months ago

Today is the first day to join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a chance for residents across the Southeast to make a difference for pollinator conservation!

So, how can you get involved?

ONE: CATCH THE LATEST BUZZ! 🐝
Check out GSePC.org for all the details and resources.

TWO: PICK YOUR PLANT! 🌸
Choose a favorite pollinator plant to monitor.

THREE: GET TO COUNTING! ⏱️
Keep count of each insect that lands on your plant for 15 minutes.

FOUR: SHARE THE RESULTS! 💻
Fly on over to GSePC.org and upload your count.

Southeast Pollinator Census Community is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. Happy counting! 🐝 🦋

(The pictured pollinator can be found in the Butterfly Garden at The Birmingham Zoo!) ... See MoreSee Less

Cawaco RC&D

2 months ago

Our partner, Jefferson County Greenways, is hiring a Propagation Specialist!

If you're passionate about native plants and their environmental relationships, this is a great opportunity to learn more and work across Jefferson County! You'll even get to propagate native plants for our Cool Green Trees program!

Applications close August 31: jobs.gusto.com/postings/jefferson-county-greenways-propagation-specialist-7512fc35-b194-4537-a239... ... See MoreSee Less