Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council board members, staff and partners gathered at Bevill State Campus in Jasper on December 11 for our annual meeting. It was a day dedicated to celebrating a successful year of bringing impactful projects to life across Cawaco RC&D’s five-county region.
During the meeting, we honored individuals and organizations that have made a special impact on our communities this year.
Legislator of the Year: Senator Matt Woods
Senator Matt Woods was recognized as 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.
Project of the Year: Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Cawaco RC&D’s grant program supported three outstanding educational programs for the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District during 2025.
JCSWCD partners on the Litter Quitters program, which harnesses the influence of high school students to educate the public about litter’s negative effects on our environment and communities. The competition challenges students to create their own video PSA. The students win prizes and get involved in community cleanups, seeing firsthand the impacts litter can have. The winning video is broadcast on a local station, amplifying the message across the region.
JCSWCD also hosted two community-based water quality educational programs. The first, a rain barrel workshop, enabled 43 participants to build and take home their own rain barrel at a greatly reduced price. Rain barrels serve as an important resource during the hot, dry months and help conserve precious drinking water.
The second program, a two-day irrigation workshop, provided valuable hands-on instruction and guidance on drip irrigation techniques, equipping attendees with the skills to assist others in their community. The community garden that benefited from the new drip irrigation system now has greater potential to grow more food, offering a simpler way to nourish plants for those living in a food desert. Attendees received irrigation kits at significantly reduced prices, helping financially disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers to growing healthy food at home more efficiently and productively.
Outstanding Board Member: Keith Pike
Keith Pike received the Outstanding Board Member Award for his unwavering service and dedication to Cawaco RC&D dating back to the early 2000s. A former city planner for the City of Jasper and current employee of the Drummond Company, Keith never misses a Cawaco board meeting despite his demanding schedule. He regularly attends press events with grantees and serves on a special committee for Cawaco, where he makes vital contributions and decisions regarding our grant program. His consistent commitment exemplifies the volunteer spirit that makes our work possible.
As we close out another successful year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, board members, and community leaders who have worked alongside us to strengthen our region. Your dedication to conservation, education, and community development makes a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.
