2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

Resource Conservation and Development in Alabama AlAbAmA AssociAtion of ResouRce conseRvAtion And development councils www.AARcd.net AlAbAmA AssociAtion of ResouRce conseRvAtion And development councils Alabama RC&D Councils

Introduction

RC&D in Alabama depends on the leadership abilities and unique skills within the communities it serves. That is why so many worthwhile projects have been undertaken and accomplished throughout the state. A significant accomplishment of RC&D is the rekindling of community spirit. There are so many ways to describe RC&D; however it is basically people doing things for other people. In essence, it is local people identifying their problems and opportunities and Alabama Association of dealing with them, with a little help from the government and from others. Resource Counservation and The RC&D Councils in Alabama are proud of their accomplishments; but there is Development Councils Board much yet that can be done to make our communities a better place to live. Chair The Association is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and developing the state’s Johnny Flowers natural and human resources. Vice Chair Greg Glass

Secretary & Treasurer Alabama’s Mountains, Coosa Valley Northwest Craig Sizemore Rivers and Valleys H. Larry Raughton, Chair Roger Hayes, Chair Bill Latimer, Chair Eddie May, Exec. Director Charlie Meek, Exec. Director Executive Director Mike Roden, Exec. Director 404 Snow Street, Suite C 1101 Hwy. 72 East, Suite 17 Mike Roden 5514 US Highway 31 S Oxford, AL 36203 Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Office Manager Hartselle, AL 35640 256.835.0685 256.383.1446 Kyle Baggett 256.773.8495 Page 15 Page 27 Page 3

Ala-Tom Gulf Coast Tombigbee Johnny Flowers, Chair Raymond Wiggins, Chair Don Sherrod, Chair Janice Godwin, Exec. Director Wanda Robbins, Susan Wesson, Exec. Director Post Office Box 355 Exec. Director 2501 7th Street, Suite 300 16 W Front Street South 104 W Ridgeley Street Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 Thomasville, AL 36784 Atmore, AL 36502 205.469.6463 334.636.0120 251.368.1606 Page 31 Page 7 Page 19 Published by the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils Cawaco Mid-South Wiregrass Paul McCaleb, Chair William A. Hodge, Chair Kurt McDaniel, Chair P. O. Box 3128 Kellie Johnston, Tracy Davis, James Currington, Montgomery, AL 36109 Exec. Director Program Manager Exec. Director 2112 11th Avenue South, 5900 Carmichael Place 1690 West Roy Parker Road Office: 334.240.3863 Suite 541 Montgomery, AL 36117 Ozark, AL 36360 Birmingham, AL 35205 334.244.6903 334.774.2334 Web: www.aarcd.net 205.623.0458 Page 23 Page 35 Page 11

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Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council The Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council covers the following Alabama counties: DeKalb, Cullman, Jackson, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan. The office is located in Hartselle. Wheeler Explorers

PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 2012 Officers and Staff WaterWorks Environmental Education: Provided environmental responsibility eco-canoe trips for children in surrounding counties as well as age appropriate Chairman educational items for visitors to WaterWorks Center for Environmental Education. Bill Latimer Youth Leadership: A year-long multi county project for area teens involving Vice-Chair a series of leadership forums designed to teach leadership skills. This project Jeff Clark culminated with a week-long tour of agricultural related business and colleges Secretary/Treasurer in Alabama. Phyllis Seymore Large Print Books: Woodville Library in Jackson County was able to meet the Executive Director needs of their senior adults by providing large print books for the visually impaired. Mike Roden Ag Books for Libraries: Cullman County School libraries were furnished with Projects Manager books related to agriculture. Jay Grantland North AL Agriplex Alternative Sewage: The Heritage Center located in Programs Manager Cullman County is a classroom and meeting place for agriculture education. Renona Seibert Proper sewage treatment was a priority to continue with programs and growth. Since the installation of septic tanks and city hook up the center has been able to host over 1000 participants in different agriculture related events. Wonders of Watersheds: This grant assisted with the education of water conservation in Dekalb County including the first Water Festival for 4th graders. Plant Science Multimedia: The Agriculture Science department at Ider High School in Jackson County was able to purchase a computer and software to teach plant identification and conservation practices. Wheeler Explorers: This multi county project allowed for the purchase of canoes and equipment to conduct environmental Office Location: education classes on the creek. Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Courtland Heritage Museum: Located in Valley’s RC&D Council Lawrence County, the museum created a video 5514 US Highway 31 S on the history of the area. Hartselle, AL 35640 Woodville Library 256.773.8495 www.amrvrcd.com continued

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Council Members Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council Projects Continued Cullman Jackson Buchannan Edwin Carter Fire Prevention Week: Caddo Volunteer Fire Department in Lawrence County Tim Compton purchased materials to pass out in the community and to use at community events Sammie Danford teaching fire prevention and safety. Melba Ferderer Limestone County Water Festival: This annual event for fourth graders Johnny Grantham teaches about the importance of protecting our watersheds and environmental James Graves responsibility through hands on interactive teaching labs. Murray Griffin, Advisor Relationship Smarts: Sponsored by the Athens-Limestone County Family Charlotte Hallmark Resource Center these classes were for parents and at risk teens. The program was designed to teach teens and their parents how to make wise choices keeping them Cherrie Haney at home as opposed to the Detention Home. Robert Harbison Madison County Drinking Water Festival: This annual two day event for Charles Hollis fourth graders teaches about the importance of protecting our watersheds and Donnie Rice environmental responsibility through hands on interactive teaching labs. Tammy Roden Movie Film Event: Facilitated by Jacob’s Ladder in Madison County, a group of Tim Scott children & teens from the Triana community had a movie production company John Vandiver come out and help them write, design, film, & produce a movie. Deb Widner Arab Jr High Band: Located in Marshall County this grant assisted with the purchase of instruments and new music. DeKalb Morgan County Environmental Education: The Flint Creek Wetlands John Eason Mitigation Bank located in Morgan County in an effort to continue upgrading Cecil Gant the area for educational purposes added plant identification plaques to specific Vickie Goggans areas on the property. Dewayne Hulgan Echota Cherokee Log Cabin: Located in Cullman County, this Native Billy Twilley American property needed repairs to the old log house. Bringing this house up to standards to be used for meetings and office space was a priority to the tribe. Jerry Wisener, Advisor

Jackson Jim Frost, Advisor Laurie Gibson Ted Parker Donald Smith Billy Stephenson

Lawrence Scottie Bolden Echota Harold LouAllen Floyd Shankle

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Council Members continued

Kathy Gotcher, Advisor Cave Rescue: North Alabama is home to many caves and amateur spelunkers. This multi county project assisted in the purchase of equipment used in cave Henrietta Taylor rescues and training classes. Janetta Thompson Keeping Heritage Alive: Farming has changed so much over the years. Goldvine Limestone Farms is working to bring the history of Gerald Barksdale farming to our current generation. Part of Bill Latimer this process is the return of syrup making. Students tour the farm to learn this lost art. Jimmy Newby Fire Hose for VFD: Blake Volunteer Fire Protection Authority in Dekalb County Madison Keeping Heratige Alive services approximately 850 households and Ann Anderson businesses. The supply hose on the primary Albert Butler fire engine was past its serviceable life. The Fire Authority was able to purchase Bob Culver 1200 feet of three inch hose and two hydrant wrench sets. Walter Harris Community Garden Project: Section High School FFA in Jackson County Joe Howe purchased a Rain Flo Plastic Mulch Layer. The use of plasticulture increases Anthony Hudson, Advisor production and decreases costs associated with growing. The garden was planted and maintained by FFA and the community is the benefactor of all the hard work. Karen Jones Roger Jones Gazebo for Outside Learning: The Arc of Jackson County, a private non- profit organization that provides services for people with intellectual disabilities, Nell Long had started an outdoor garden/classroom project a few years back. The addition of Peggy Long this gazebo has added the perfect place to stop and watch the butterflies. It is also Phyllis Seymore being utilized as a classroom. Cynthia Smith North Courtland Park: The city has no recreational areas for the citizens. The Kathy Walker ground work was completed to aid in the building of a future play space. After a design was in place lots were cleared and the park benches were installed. Marshall Hillsboro Baseball/Softball field: The city ball field was not up to AHSAA George Carnes standards. After much work the city was able to host a t-ball league. With the addition of the new field, we are looking forward to hosting camps, community Chris Clay leagues, and possibly tournaments. Ricky Cornut ID Card Printer: Homeland Security requested that all law enforcement, fire, Bucky Howe and EMS personnel wear ID’s. The cost of the equipment was more than this Shawn Manning, Advisor small town in Limestone County could afford. This opportunity allowed for the Stanley McClendon purchase of the new equipment bringing the emergency personnel in the town of Jimmy Page Ardmore and surrounding agencies to comply with the request. Jerrel Smalley CASA Community Garden: Local citizens of Madison County reap the Stanley Sumners benefits of this garden each year. The efforts of many volunteer hours pay huge Gina Williams continued Council Members continued

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Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys RC&D Council Projects Continued

Morgan Travis Badger dividends for the elderly and home bound clients. There was almost a ton of Brad Bole produce grown and distributed in the month of July alone. Brian Brown Waterfall and Spring House Pump: The Madison County Nature Trail Jeff Clark atop Green Mountain provides an escape from urban life. The old pump for the Foy Kirkland, Advisor waterfall was above ground and required much maintenance. The new pump allows Hal Lee for a quieter more dependable source of water for the water features at the site. Ann Smith Rescue Squad Radio: The Morgan County Rescue Squad has volunteer Summer Stidham membership of over 50 people. Each one needs a radio to communicate with 911 Doyle Whitlow dispatch. Ten additional radios were purchased and put into service. Doug Wigginton

Board Members Bill Latimer Jeff Clark Phyllis Seymore Robert Harbison John Eason Billy Stephenson Jerrel Smalley Scottie Bolden Gina Williamson Janetta Thompson Brian Brown

WaterWorks Center for Environmental Education

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Ala-Tom RC&D Council

2012 Officers and Staff The ALA-TOM RC&D Council covers the following nine Chairman Southwest Alabama counties: Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Johnny L. Flowers, Perry County Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Washington, and Wilcox. Vice-Chairman The office is located in Thomasville. Jerry Davidson, Washington County PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Secretary/Treasurer Arts Revive Carneal Building: $3,039 - to improve and renovate courtyard. Rhondel B. Rhone Clarke County Collective Leadership: $5,400 - youth and adult leadership retreats. Executive Director Sowing Seeds of Hope: $4,220 - two six-week courses of computer literacy. Janice Godwin East Perry Improvement: $4,220 - improvements to building where senior Community Forester citizens have meals and recreation. Jack Rowe Evergreen Farmers Market: $4,894 - basic equipment and supplies to provide Program Manager Farmers market for local growers and consumers. Marie Lowder Castleberry Community Development: $3,545 - to provide handicap accessible bathroom for center. J. Trice Edgar Choctaw County Pavilion Project Phase II: $8,439 - to provide bathroom and water for community pavilion. Leonard Millender Conecuh County Murphy Park Project: $2,110 – enhances the ball fields at Murphy Park. Aubrey Carter The Book Exchange: $2,110 - to provide place for area children and adults to Dallas County exchange books. Max Joiner Chainsaw Safety Monroe County: $2,110 - to provide workshop for area Marengo County chainsaw safety training. Joe McKissick Flatwood Recreation: $3,000 - to construct pavilion at recreation center. Monroe County It’s For the Birds: $2,110 - landscape and improve areas where birdhouses are Roberta Jordan displayed for tourism. Wilcox County Pine Hill Beautification: $3,589 - supplies to decorate downtown and park area Office Location: for holidays. Ala-Tom RC&D Council, Inc. Leadership Wilcox: $1,850 - education classes for future leaders in Wilcox Post Office Box 355 County. 16 West Front Street South TUCCA Center Improvement: $1,500 – utilize mobile home as an Adult Thomasville, Alabama 36784 Nutrition Center. Telephone: 334.636.0120 Fax Number: 334.636.0122 www.ala-tomrcd.org continued

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Council Members Ala-Tom RC&D Council Projects Continued Choctaw County Judge D’Wayne May J. Trice Edgar Economic Development: $2,539 - provide website for the Marengo County Kenneth Johnson Historical Society. Alabama Hunting and Fishing Museum: $2,900 - to create a state museum in Clarke County Linden for hunting, fishing and wildlife. Rhondel B. Rhone Artist Venue: $1,500 - to assist Alabama Rural Heritage Center provides tours and Charles M. Rotch displays for the works of local artisans. Steve James Silas Walking Trail: $8,439 - to construct retaining wall and repair drain problem for area walking trail. Conecuh County Washington County Tourism: $8,439 - to help promote tourism with annual In Leonard Millender the Pines Festival. Danny Golson Selma PALS: $3,057 - provide educational and sports related activities for at risk Lula Palmer youth and Selma Police. Five Points Education Center: $3,057 - Dallas County after school tutoring for grades one through Johnny Jones twelve. Kristen Duke Preserving Perry County: $444 - Aubrey Carter purchase canning equipment for countywide demonstrations.

Marengo County Junior Ambassadors: $1,400 - instructs and Max Joiner Five Points Education Center educates youth to develop leadership qualities. Roy Jordan HIPPY Conecuh: $1,648 - home instruction program to educate parents on how Cindy Neilson to teach their preschoolers. After School Enrichment: $3,115 - after school tutoring program. Monroe County BAMA Kids: $3,000 - after school program tutoring, arts and dance instruction. Joe McKissick Education Outreach: $6,115 - assist with Pioneer Days and Alabama River Dan McDaniel Festival. Jane Ellen Clark Fireproofing Our Community: $5,000 - provide TV, projector and screen for training. Perry County Chainsaw Safety Choctaw County: $3,615 - provide workshop to teach Albert Turner chainsaw safety. Charles Holmes Discovering Health: $1,600 - provide Discovering Health program in all Johnny Flowers Marengo County schools. CCJCMI: $2,038 - mentoring and activities with at risk youth and local elected officials.

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Council Members continued Hippy Clarke County: $2,038 - home instruction program to educate parents on how to teach their preschoolers. Washington County Sweetwater Playground Improvement: $3,015 - provide playground Judge Charles Singleton equipment for Elementary School. Jerry Davidson Forestry Education Events: $1,500 - provide facility for education events for Carl Simpson Alabama Treasure Forest Association. Healthy Living Rocks: $3,000 - Healthy Living Education Program for Wilcox County Washington County schools. Reginald Southall Families Read and Watch: $3,115 - series of book clubs and author talks on McDuffie Stallworth classic literature. Roberta Jordan

Forestry Awareness Week

Craig Field Park

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Ala-Tom RC&D Council Projects Continued

Bessie Munden Park The Bessie W. Munden Recreational Park was founded in 1959 and it is owned and operated by Bessie W. Men Making A Difference Pavilion Project Munden Recreational Park, Inc. (BWMRP, Inc.). Located on the outskirts of Camden, Alabama in Wilcox County it is a public park, serving all citizens, with a special emphasis on the youth Flatwood Recreation Center of our county.

Bessie Munden Park

Leadership Wilcox

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CAWACO RC&D Council

Located in north central Alabama, the Cawaco RC&D Council serves the five following counties: Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker.

PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 General Funds Alabama Theatre Restoration: $3,270 To help restore the historic Alabama Theatre restrooms with energy efficient hand dryers in order to eliminate paper waste; update the men’s room. Project Value: $40,216 Thorsby Helen Jenkins Chapel Upgrade: $5,000 Repair/replace foundation, Adamsville Fire & Rescue flooring structure and surface of HJC. Project Value: $12,725 North Smithfield Greenleaf Manor Fire Station Support: $4,000 Provided 2012 Officers and Staff temporary housing for the Fire Department equipment and trucks after the April 27 tornado decimated the building. Total Value: $40,216 President Paul McCaleb Fire Suppression Equipment for Life Safety Operations: $4,000 Purchase life-saving equipment designed to effectively pierce walls and extinguish fires First Vice-President without a firefighter having to enter dangerous territory. Joe Love Salvation Army Upgrade: $8,000 To relocate the food pantry into the Executive Director warehouse where space will be closed off; create cubicle walls and add work space Kellie Johnston for employees. Project Value: $92,733 Program Manager First Avenue North Beautification: $5,000 Improve streetscape design, increase Patti Pennington community image and strengthen partnerships. In progress. Eletrathon Race at Barber’s Motorsports Park: $10,000 Electric Vehicle kits were purchased to bring young engineers from across Alabama together for an Electrathon race. Teams built their own vehicles then raced them. This will promote awareness of alternate fuel sources for engineers of the future. With the donations of the Motorsports park, materials, other grants and personnel, the total value of this project is $42,432 Operations Improvement, Chilton Food Innovation Center: $7,000 Purchase semi-automated labeler, install safety shower curtain, purchase testing supplies, refurbish donated cooler and oven; purchase new juicer; purchase heat Office Location: resistant hose. Cawaco RC&D, Inc. 2112 11th Avenue S., Suite 541 Learning, Growing, Expanding Horizons: $5,000 BAFA students visited Birmingham, AL 35205 New Orleans April 23-25, 2012 to tour the Louisiana State Museums permanent 205.623.0458 exhibit “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond”. Project Value: $16,873 www.cawaco.org

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Council Members CAWACO RC&D Council Projects Continued Blount County David Standridge Doug Smith Educational Funds Nell Miller Green Thumb Gardeners: $1,500 Students with disabilities in Life Skills David Standridge program will expand their current garden project to include designing, planting, and maintaining six beds at the main entrance of the school. $17,618 Chilton County Cahaba CWP Support: $3,100 Support the Cahaba CWP facilitator expenses Jim Pitts such as travel. The facilitator takes on a leadership role to educate stakeholders, Tracia Bussey hold meetings and develop collaborative solutions. The facilitator donated over Allen Caton three thousand dollars in in-kind travel during the year. Total Project Value: $7,932 Warrior CWP support: $3,400 Support the Warrior CWP facilitator with Jefferson County expenses such as travel. Volunteers at the Bankhead Lake Cleanup donated the Jim Phillips in-kind for this grant, bringing the total value to $7,479 Sheila Baker Mustang Engineering: $9,385 Through participation in project-based STEM Paul McCaleb project, Isabella HS students learn to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills. Horticulture Connections: $5,000 The program focuses on two vulnerable Shelby County populations- children with disabilities and adults over the age of 65. Through Gary Crowson the use of environmental education, therapeutic horticulture and one-on-one Allan Lowe mentorship, both populations achieve much needed skills and life goals. Project Robert Kelley Value: $10,000 Corley Ellis

Walker County Bruce Hamrick Keith Pike Joe Love

Above: Cahaba stream maintenance workshop

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Books for Education: $6,000 The Parental Involvement Team raised monies and donated funds to match this grant, and in the end the total value of this grant was $48,118. Renewable Energy Models: $550 School of technology students will design renewable energy models that will be taken to high schools as demonstrations. Total Value: $1,366 Your Town Alabama: $7,260 A two and a half day workshop that specifically aims to introduce small town and rural technical assistance providers and decision makers to the role of design in community planning. Total Project Value: $34,985 Community Development Trussville Debris Removal: $15,000 Removal of storm debris created by the Cam Ward, Kurt Wallace in Thorsby January tornado, left along the roadway on Taylor Loop Road. Center Point Playground: $10,000 Provide a safe place for children to play in Center Point.

Thorsby Helen Jenkins Chapel

Upgrade: $5,000 Repair/

Cawaco Helen Jenkins Chapel meeting replace foundation, flooring structure and surface of HJC. Project Value: $12,725

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CAWACO RC&D Council Projects Continued

Mustang Engineering: Mustang Engineering: $9,385 Through participation in project-based STEM project, Isabella HS students learn to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills.

Isabella High School

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Coosa Valley RC&D Council

The Coosa Valley RC&D Council covers an eleven county

area located in east central Alabama which includes the Conducted 17 following counties: Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, USDA Outreach Meetings

Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega and 2012 Officers and Staff

Tallapoosa. The office is located in Oxford, Alabama. Chairman Larry Raughton PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2011 AND 2012 Vice Chairman W.A.S. Youth Community Garden at Historic Hobson City: To provide W. E. Thomas hands-on innovative gardening for youth and adults and to promote community gardening and healthy eating. Secretary/Treasurer Alton Hall Lola Roberts Elementary School Outdoor Classroom: Funds used to implement outdoor classroom for nature learning. Executive Director Eddie May Youth Leadership Cleburne County (YLCC): To provide leadership skill development through participation in training seminars and program activities. Office Manager Deborah Lindley Farm to Kids: A field mural purchased to provide students the opportunity to see a field with several different crops growing, and how foods are grown without Watershed Coordinator/Contractor leaving their school. Justin Bailey Etowah County Youth Agricultural Learning Labs: Purchased learning laboratory kits emphasizing several animal species and natural resource areas. Trickem Valley Community Recreation Center: Repairing of community center including the clearing at front entrance, reinforcing the pavilion, repairing bleachers, refurbishing bathroom, electrical wiring, and a gate and lock for entrance. Downtown Farmer’s Market: The market offers members of Anniston and surrounding communities the opportunity to purchase fresh farm raised fruits and vegetables. Scheduled events include health & fitness programs, nutrition and cooking classes, home & garden workshops, and children activities. Recreation Outreach Center for Kids: After school program purchased supplies for computer lab to facilitate student skills in math and reading. OFFICE LOCATION: “Comet Grove” Oak Grove Community Garden: Established community Coosa Valley RC&D Council garden for low income people, shut-ins and elderly to receive fresh vegetables. 404 Snow Street, Suite C Oxford, Alabama 36203 Pell City High School Baseball: Installed guardrails and protective netting in Phone: 256.835.0685 front of the dugouts for the protection of the baseball players. Fax: 256.835.0774 St Clair County 4-H Archery Club: New bows, backstop netting, and foam [email protected] targets were purchased to replace dilapidated equipment. [email protected]

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Council Members Coosa Valley RC&D Council Projects Continued Calhoun Tim Hodges Alton Hall Hard Surface Project – City of Hokes Bluff: Installed drainage pipe, reshaped Dr. David West ditch to help control erosion and improve drainage between ball fields. Coosa River Clean Water Partnership Support: Support of a Coosa Basin Chambers Facilitator to go to minimum of eight meetings of the Coosa River Basin Wayne White Stakeholders. This funding covered the expenses of the facilitator. W. E. Thomas Randolph County Farm Field Day: Field day to educate fourth graders about Chris Langley farming, livestock, and safety around farm equipment. Coosa Creeks Tourism Development: Developed and printed a map/visitor Cherokee guide to Hatchet and Weogufka Creeks, and purchased a card rack to place in state Judge Melvyn Salter visitor centers. Dewandee Neymann Hollins Park Walking Trail: Repairs and improvement to the walking trail with the installation of pipes for drainage, and topsoil and gravel to prevent washing away. Clay Roy Johnson S.A.K.S. – Students Achieving Knowledge Successfully: Purchased “Garden Activity Bins” for the teachers when using the outdoor classroom. The bins will Earl Smith have nonfiction books, teacher resource books, posters and charts. Barron Jackson Watershed Publication: Publication will be used to educate the public about watersheds, water quality, non-point and point source pollution issues. Cleburne Science & Technology Education Program: Enable students to use Apple’s Rex Nolen Ipad tablet computers to blend technology based, and hands on learning, to Ashley Truett enhance knowledge of conservation. Don Roberts Summer School “Fairfax School”: A four-week program for kindergarten and first grade students to strengthen basic skills in reading and math. Funds used Coosa to pay teachers. Todd J. Adams Cedar Bluff Promotional Campaign: Design of a promotional campaign, Pete Rodgers including brochures, web site, logo, and other activities to attract businesses and Roger Morris residents to increase population, tax revenue, and community pride. Cherokee County Farm Field Days: Students bused to a livestock arena where Etowah demonstrations consist of seeing cotton ginned, milking a cow, riding in a cotton Perry Gwin wagon, seeing quilts being quilted, and touching farm animals. Students received safety lessons about living on a farm. Sharron Gross Jennifer Childers LaFayette Highway Sports Field “Roanoke Green Area”: Removed trees and bushes from old football field, put top soil down, and planted grass to create a multiuse field for soccer, football, baseball, softball, and walking trail. Iron Worker Machine: Purchased ironworker machine to train students and give them the experience using metal equipment to build more complex projects.

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Council Members continued

Randolph Purchase of 2011 Modified Van w/wheelchair lift: Purchased a 15 passenger Terry Lovvorn van with wheel chair lift to transport seniors to and from Senior Center and on Dean Wysner various trips, and to deliver meals to home bound seniors. Larry Raughton Bullseye Project: Improve the appearance and safety of the Coosa County firing range to create a safe place for deputies to perform courses as required by the State of Alabama. St Clair Stanley Batemon Gadsden First Friday Paddle Weekend: To promote river tourism and to let Perry Poe the river improvements known to the public. Lee Ann Clark Fighting Back Climate - A Demonstration in Growing Unique Out-of-

Season Aquaculture Crops for Niche Markets in Alabama: To demonstrate, Talladega educate, and train students and farmers in the most up-to-date and cost-effective John Luker aquaculture techniques and provide aquatic livestock support to regional aquaculture businesses. Jay Watson Frank Bannister Watershed Site #3: Grade and apply gravel to access road and parking lot at watershed, install new drainage pipes to prevent erosion into the lake. Also repair the boat ramp. Tallapoosa Argo Town Park: Geotextile fabric, red rocks, and cross ties were put down to Dwaine Holt protect the area where picnic tables would be. Trees and shrubs were planted to Tommy Futral provide shade. Terry Martin Gardening By the School Yard: Construction of a greenhouse and raised bed gardens, by students, teachers, and volunteers. Seedlings will be started in the greenhouse and then transplanted to the raised beds. Students will be able to experience firsthand how foods are grown. Tallapoosa County Soil & Water Conservation District Video: Create a DVD to increase awareness of the agriculture and industry in Tallapoosa County. Del Marsh Receives AARCDCs Munford High school Community Garden (micro-irrigation): A hands on Outstanding Senator of the Year Award project using plastic culture to serve as a model to teach the ABC’s of gardening to students. Invasive Species Control in Community Recreation Parks: Educate park employees on controlling and maintaining kudzu by obtaining a certified professional in herbicide treatment to demonstrate the proper uses and regulations of applying chemical and techniques of eradication. Chambers County School District Kindle Project: Kindles purchased to provide the students the latest technology with the ability to link to other resources on the web.

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Coosa Valley RC&D Council Projects Continued

Cherokee Farm Field Days Ipads: Providing each school in Cherokee county with an Ipad 2. This will incorporate science and agriculture knowledge to the students. Good Touch, Bad Touch and Bullying Prevention: Purchased resources for the teachers and workbooks for the students to help prevent children from becoming High Tunnel House and Plastic victims of child molestation. The Culture Field Day Bully Prevention is to teach children how their words and actions can affect other people. St Clair County Area Porous Pavement: : Instead of a traditional Good Touch Bad Touch and Anti-Bullying parking surface, a porous surface which Program at Ranburne Elementary School will allow water to infiltrate into spaces within the parking lot instead of running off. Hands on Plastic Culture Irrigation Demonstration Project: A hands-on project to teach the ABC’s of gardening to FFA students and other interested persons. Centre Elementary School Critical Area: Ground leveled, topsoil added, grass planted where portable classrooms were. Outdoor Classroom Maintenance AG Simulator: Interactive mobile educational display unit allowing users to harvest virtual row crops through the magic of audio visuals. Participants are able to see and hear how farmers harvest a variety of crops.

Operations and Maintenance of Watershed Structures

Senator Gerald Dial Presents Grant Award

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ulf oast ouncil G C RC&D C 2012 Officers and Staff Chairperson Raymond Wiggins The Gulf Coast RC&D Council serves Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile Counties. Its Board of Directors is comprised Vice Chair Otis French of representatives from the County Commissions and Soil Secretary and Water Conservation Districts from each of the three Darnisha McCants counties and the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians. The Treasurer office is located in Atmore. Frank Nalty Executive Director PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Wanda Robbins 13th Annual Baldwin Catfish Roundup for the Disabled: Grant amount was $1,000; total project amount was $8,174. The purpose of the Catfish Roundup is to give disabled individuals the opportunity to fish all day and enjoy good food and fun with family, neighbors, and friends. Mobile County 4th Annual Water Festival: Grant amount was $6,300; total project amount was $13,111. The purpose of the Water Festival is to teach fourth grade students about their drinking water, pollution, and filtration methods. This event is sponsored by the Mobile County Soil and Water Conservation District and is strongly supported by the Mobile County School System. After School Achievement Program: Grant amount was $10,000; total project amount was $16,983. Grant funds were used to expand upon Dumas Wesley Community Center’s after school program which serves at-risk youth. Outdoor Classroom at Dawes Intermediate School: Grant amount was Office Location: $10,000; total project amount was $125,000. Grant funds were used to build a Gulf Coast RC&D Council garden pavilion and stage for an outdoor classroom garden. M.T. Blount’s Multicultural Garden: Grant amount was $2,000; total project Physical Address amount was $2,200. Grant funds were used to transform barren land and asphalt 104 W Ridgeley Street surfaces into an outdoor classroom at M.T. Blount High School. Atmore, AL 36502

W.C. Griggs Running/Walking Track: Grant amount was $10,000; total Mailing Address project amount was $22,580. Grant funds were used to provide a track for the P.O. Box 281 W.C. Griggs Elementary School’s physical education program. This track is also Atmore, AL 36504 open to the community. Mobile County Farm and City Education Safety Day: Grant amount was Phone: 251.368.1606 $3,000; total project amount was $3,781. The purpose of this event is to educate Fax: 251.368.2054 fifth grade students on the importance of natural resources through conservation www.gulfcoastrcd.org and educational activities. [email protected] facebook.com/gulfcoastrcd

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Council Members Gulf Coast RC&D Council Projects Continued Baldwin County Ron Cink Otis French Randall Hastings

Escambia County Larry White Raymond Wiggins Nell Wiggins Frank Nalty

Mobile County John Pafenbach Bill Smith Darnisha McCants Darrell Driskell Brenda Litchfield

Poarch Band of Creek Indians Dumas Wesley’s After School Program Tracy Sell Mobile County Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club: Grant amount was $2,000; Billy Smith total project amount was $2,404. Grant funds were used to educate students on the importance of natural resources through conservation and educational activities. The garden is an ongoing project which requires a time commitment from the 4-Hers and volunteers. Flomaton Canoe Landing: Grant amount was $42,705; total project amount was $53,263. Grant funds were used to enhance and preserve Big Escambia Creek. The canoe launch will enable safer accessibility to the Creek while attracting more visitors. Little River Volunteer Fire Department: Grant amount was $10,000; total project amount was $19,749. Grant funds were used to provide seed dollars in an effort to attract and pursue other funding opportunities. Business Expo and Jobs Fair: Sponsorship amount was $500. This yearly event is sponsored by the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and its purpose is to promote job creation and economic development throughout the region by helping job seekers with job search skills and providing networking opportunities with multiple employers in one single location. Growing Healthy in Escambia County: Grant amount was $17,023; total project amount was $20,529. This project was sponsored by the Alabama

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Cooperative Extension System and its purpose was to provide an outlet for the citizens of Escambia County to learn to grow nutritious food in a local garden, to learn best management practices for food production, and to learn to eat healthy. Healthy Senior Health Education & Community Awareness Project: Grant amount was $1,285. Grant funds were used to purchase a laptop and digital camera, which Community, will be used in conjunction with the community garden and health outreach project. The equipment will allow senior citizens to register on site for SNAP Healthy vouchers as part of the By Fresh, Buy Local Farmers Market Program. Children Healthy Community, Healthy Children Community Garden Project: Grant amount was $7,500; total project amount was $9,629. This project was Community sponsored by the Escambia County Healthcare Authority and its purpose is to Garden Project: help fight childhood and adult obesity in Escambia County. Semmes Senior Center Project: Grant amount was $5,000. Grant funds Grant amount were used to assist in equipping the Computer/Media Room for the Center. The Center, once completed by January 2013, will serve the underserved senior was $7,500; total residents of Semmes and surrounding communities. project amount was Handicapped Ramp Installation and Repair: Grant amount was $2,449. This $9,629. This project project was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Atmore organization. The purpose was to assist the elderly and disabled by constructing new ramp structures was sponsored by the and repairing existing ramps. Escambia County Technology in the Classroom: Grant amount was $3,000. This project was sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Grant funds were used Healthcare Authority to purchase iPads, which will be used for educational programming, particularly 4-H and Farm Safety Day programs. and its purpose is to Education Tour Trailer: help fight childhood Grant amount was $3,750. This project was sponsored and adult obesity in by the Alabama Forestry Escambia County. Commission. Grant funds were used to purchase a trailer, which will allow children and adults to be safely and efficiently transported between exhibits while touring outdoor venues. 4th Annual Mobile County Water Festival

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21 Alabama RC&D Councils

Gulf Coast RC&D Council Projects Continued

W.C. Griggs Running/Walking Track: Grant amount was $10,000; total project amount was $22,580. Grant funds were used to provide a track for the W.C. Griggs Elementary School’s physical education program. This track is also open to the community.

W.C. Griggs Running/Walking Track

22 2012 Annual Report

Mid-South RC&D Council

The Mid-South RC&D Council covers the following counties: Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. The office is located in Montgomery. 2012 Officers and Staff PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Back Poach Gardening and Fresh Vegetables: The project involved helping Chairman seniors and children have access to local healthy fresh grown vegetables. The William A. Hodge council provided $1,500 to assist with purchasing materials and supplies. Vice Chair Pine Level Recreation Master Plan (Autauga County): The Pine Level area Patty Lambrecht is one of the fastest growing communities in Autauga County and presently there Secretary/Treasurer are no public recreation facilities available. The Council provided $13,150 to fund Jackie Thomas a comprehensive Master plan for a 155+ acres recreation site. Program Manager Improvement for Beeland Park Tennis Courts (Butler County): The Tracy Davis Council provided $2,962 to help purchase equipment for additional tennis courts. Growing Food for Future Generations (Elmore County): This project reached 815 elementary, high school students and their parents at the Holtville High School. The Council provided $8,829 to help purchase gardening equipment and materials to expand the irrigation system for the vegetable garden. Fire Hydrant Installation (Lowndes County): The Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department has been in need of a fire hydrant on the premises of the fire department site to fill the fire truck prior to and at the end of a fire call. The Council provided $2,500 to help purchase the hydrant and for installation. Lowndes County 4-H Youth Livestock Program (Lowndes County): The Council provided $3,600 to help purchase twenty (20) priefert setup panels to help restrain animals during livestock events. Hayneville Municipal Park Bleachers (Lowndes County): The Town of Hayneville replaced older bleachers on Field #2 with new safe bleachers that would allow fans to watch games in comfort and safety. The new bleachers seat approximately 54 guests and are handicap accessible. The Council provided $1,500. Office Location: HickHill/Blackbelt Fire Department (Lowndes County): The Council Mid-South RC&D Council, Inc. provided $1,000 to help assist in volunteering recruits and to purchase training 5900 Carmichael Place materials, supplies and needed equipment. Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: 334.244.6903 Fighting Family Obesity in the Rural Area (Lowndes County): Research Fax: 334.271.2715 has shown that residence in the rural area experience higher rates of obesity and www.midsouthrcd.org

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23 Alabama RC&D Councils

Council Members Mid-South RC&D Council Projects Continued Autauga Sid Thompson Joan Smith overweight than people living in urban areas. The Council provided $3,000 to Yvonne Thomas upgrade walking trail, repair bridges and replace a swing set and slides. Jack Wadsworth Triple Play (Lowndes County): The Council provided $3,300 to the Boys & Girl Club of Hayneville to help control obesity. Bullock Library Books for Redland Elementary School (Elmore County): The John McGowan Council provided $971 in funds to assist in purchasing 50 new library books for Dina Moore 900 students and 34 teachers at the newly built Redland Elementary School. David Padgett Sharing Macon County History (Macon County): The tourism industry Ronald W. Smith has been identified as a key to Tuskegee/Macon County’s economic woes, but currently does not touch the lives of individual residents nor benefit local residents in a meaningful manner. The Council provided $3,000 to help record oral Butler histories of the city. Ted Tindal Audit/Tax Return: The Council provided $7,750 to assist with audit & tax return. Phyllis Dantzler Jerry Hartin Macon County Landowners’ Resource Guide (Macon County): The Macon County Forestry Planning Committee developed a resource guide that Jennifer Stringer would make landowners aware of technical resources, agencies and financial assistance available to improve their land practices. The Council provided $1,500 Elmore to assist in producing and distributing the publication. Total project cost $2,000. Doug Terrell Restoring Green Infrastructure (Montgomery County): The council Patty Lambrecht provided $5,564 in funds to continual support of the Montgomery downtown Robert Parker redevelopment plan. The funds were used to plant 236 additional trees making the Earl Reeves streetscape more attractive to business. During this project several new commercial businesses have opened in conjunction with street tree installations. Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Uniform/Equipment (Lowndes County): Lee The Council provided $1,356 to help purchase uniforms & equipment for the Clifford E. Jones sheriff’s office. Dana Sizemore Facility Repairs “Union Springs Library” (Bullock County): To replace damaged and rotten facial and cornish woodwork material plus caulking and Lowndes painting to help ensure the integrity of this 101 year old building. The council James Chambliss provided $1,371. Total project cost $6,972. Robert Harris Non-point Source Enviroscape (Lee County): The Council provided $1,000 Jackie Thomas to purchase materials and supplies to educate students on solving local water Billy McCurdy quality and quantity problems, soil, animals and plants. 9th Annual Lee County Water Festival (Lee County): To educate students and their families about all aspects of surface water and groundwater and its relationship with other related natural resources. The council provided $1,500.

24 2012 Annual Report

Council Members continued

Macon Bullock County Water Festival (Bullock County): The Council provided $1,500 to purchase activity/supplies, t-shirts and transportation. William A. Hodge Jesse Fitzpatrick Learning About Milk Production (Bullock County): Over 9,600 children attended the fall festival that provides a tactile learning experience for children Miles D. Robinson ages four thru twelve, teaching them about the milking process. The Council Kathryn Story provided $1,200. Total project cost $3,000.

The Autauga Yellow Dot Program (Autauga County): Funding was provided Montgomery to print brochures for the Yellow Dot Program. The program assists Autauga citizens Raymond Boykin and first responders in the event of an automobile accident or other medical John A. Mitchell, Sr. emergency involving the participant’s vehicle. The Council provided $4,000. Teresa Smiley Autauga County Farm City Week Safety Day (Autauga County): Over Sharon A. Redd 475 third graders, teachers and some parents attended this 29 year tradition in Autauga County that helps make youth become aware of the rich agricultural heritage of Autauga County and Alabama while stressing the importance of farm safety. The council provided $1,800 to help purchase materials/supplies. Autauga County Water Festival (Autauga County): Over 850 students and 135 volunteers attended this children’s event that teaches the importance of conserving natural resources. The council provided $1,500 to help sponsor the Fishing Magicians. Lowndes County Youth Forestry Classroom Field Day (Butler County): To promote water conservation to the & Safety Field Day students attending the field day by showing them ways to conserve and protect our water sources. The council provided $1,500 to help purchase educational materials. 4-H Gardening Clubs (Elmore County): This project introduced students, ages 9-19, to the many benefits of gardening. The Council provided $3,900 to assist in purchasing materials and supplies. Lowndes County Youth Forestry & Safety Field Day (Lowndes County): The Council provided $3,000 to help upgrade the walking trail, repair bridges and replace swing set and slides for children. The Learning Zone (Lowndes County): The project provides a three-four day after school extended day tutorial programming in reading/language arts, mathematics and science to students in grades 1-12. The Council provided $1,200 to help purchase materials and supplies. HIPPY (Lowndes County): This project prepared fifty-three children 3 and 4 year old living in rural Lowndes County for kindergarten. The Council provided $4,500 to help purchase curriculum. Edgewood Tutorial Plus: Tutorial Program (Lowndes County): To help improve academic achievement and social functioning for youths, K-12th grade in

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25 Alabama RC&D Councils

Mid-South RC&D Council Projects Continued

the Fort Deposit Community and surrounding areas. The council provided $6,000 to help purchase material and supplies. Montgomery County Water Festival 2012 (Montgomery): Over 3000 fourth grade students and teachers from both public and private schools attended this event and participated in three hands-on-activities and an environmental entertainment. The Council provided $1,500 to help purchase t-shirts. Check to Macon County for Environmental Career Youth Leadership (Montgomery County): To help 2012 Projects 7th and 8th grade students from Dunbar-Ramer School who come from limited resource households in Montgomery County to educate and inform them in the knowledge and skills needed to assist in achieving their goals. The Council provided $1,300 in funds to help purchase materials and supplies and to attend a workshop. Greenhouse Aquaculture/Hydroponics/Holticulture Project (Montgomery County): This project taught underserved students from the Montgomery area who comes from limited resource families the basic concepts of Agriculture and Aquaculture. The Council provided $6,000 to help purchase materials and supplies and a field trip to Auburn University.

Representative Pebblin Warren and 4-H Central Alabama Discovery Education Tours (Macon County): Patty Lambrecht Grades 4th – 10th students used the funds to pay registration cost to travel to Philadelphia to tour historical site. The Council provided $1,250. Macon County Water Festival 2012 (Macon County): Three hundred 4th grade students from South Highland Middle School, Macon County Schools and Macon East Academy attended the water festival that educated students on the importance of water resources, the human activities on ground and surface water and understanding the water cycle. The Council provided $1,500. Developing Leadership Thru Conservation Internship (Area-wide): The council employed one intern over the length of two academic semesters to manage projects, oversee project activities, work directly with project sponsors, volunteers and implement administrative requirements of project management. Representative Thad McClammy and The Council provided $5,000. Patty Lambrecht Macon County Senior Olympics (Macon County): The Council provided $4,000 to help host the annual Macon County Senior Olympics Day activities. Over 300 seniors attended the one-day event. Town of Pike Road Community Garden & 4-H Jr. Master Gardener (Montgomery County): The rural, historic Town of Pike Road’s Agriculture & Stewardship Committee implemented a community and demonstration garden and host a 4-H Junior Master program at the Old Town Hall. The Council provided $2,500 in funds.

Senator Bill Beasley and William Hodge

26 2012 Annual Report

Northwest RC&D Council

The Northwest Alabama RC&D Council consists of five counties: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, and Winston. The office is located in Tuscumbia. LaGrange Historical College Project PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Phillips & Hackleburg High Schools Technology Project: Grant funds 2012 Board and Staff purchased technology equipment to update classrooms. Chairman Roger Hayes Winston Co. Foster Grandparent Program: Grant funds were used to support Foster Grandparent program in Winston County. Foster grandparents provide Vice-Chairman assistance with teaching and mentoring elementary students. Don Barnwell LaGrange Living Historical Association Support: Grant funds were used to Secretary/Treasurer provide support for LaGrange College Site Park. Joel Pounders Franklin Co. Imagination Library Project: Grant funds were used to provide Board Member books to over 250 children in the Franklin County area from birth to 5 years old to Bill Taylor promote early childhood literacy and encourage parents to read to small children. Board Member Phil Campbell High School Outdoor Classroom: Grant funds were used D. C. Thornton to repair and renovate Outdoor Classroom damaged in the April 2011 tornado. Board Member The Franklin Co. SWCD organized repairs and planned a dedication ceremony to Ken Sunseri recognize community leaders. Board Member Franklin Co. Extension Farm-City Banquet: Grant funds were used for James Bingham purchasing materials and supplies for Farm-City Banquet which educates students and citizens on the link between food they eat and the people who grow it. Executive Director Charlie Meek Franklin Co. SWCD Envirothon Program: Grant funds were used for environmental education competition for Franklin County students. Office Manager Angela Malone Rain Barrel Workshop Project: Grant funds were used to purchase rain barrels and supplies for Rain Barrel Workshops in Colbert and Winston Counties. The Programs Assistant Alabama Cooperative Extension staff helped plan and host events. Heath King Colbert Co. Extension Farm-City Awareness: Grant funds were used for Senior Aid educational materials for Farm-City Parade activities for Colbert County Students. Gloria Watson Oka Kapassa Native American Festival (Council-wide): Grant funds Office Location: were used to implement 2 day Native American festival. One day is dedicated to Northwest AL RC&D Council elementary students to learn about Native American culture and the second day is 1101 Highway 72 East, Suite 17 open to the public. This festival has received tourism awards for program delivery. Tuscumbia, AL 35674 Florence/Lauderdale Co. Public Library/Grant Research: Grant funds Phone: 256.383.1446 were used for staff time to research grant opportunities for the library. Fax: 256.381.3318

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27 Alabama RC&D Councils

Council Members Northwest RC&D Council Projects Continued

Lauderdale Community Raised Garden Beds Project (Council-wide): Grant funds D. C. Thornton were used to develop community raised garden beds at strategic locations. Larry Irons Outreach Meeting Project (Council-wide): Grant funds were used to plan Nancy O’Neal and conduct 10 outreach meetings in the Council-Area to reach farmers and introduce them to NRCS. FSA, RD, and Extension also presented at meetings. Colbert Anti-Litter Supplies Program: Grant funds were used to purchase supplies to Bill Taylor distribute to all anti-litter programs in the council area. James Bingham Cherokee High School FFA District and State Convention: Grant funds James Gardiner were used to support the FFA Program at the high school to attend and compete at the competitions and purchasing supplies needed to prepare for competitions.

Franklin Colbert Alloys Park: Grant funds were used to renovate present restroom Joel Pounders facilities to accommodate requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Don Hastings Double Springs Historical Library: Grant funds used to renovate & make Frank Mitchell library used for community activities & agency meetings handicap accessible. Spruce Pine Museum Building Project: Grant funds were used to restore a

Marion 1900 store building to a museum and print brochures & postcards to distribute to schools to promote field trips to historic museum at no charge to students. Don Barnwell Charles Stone Town of Hodges Trailhead & Campground/Multi-use Trail: Grant funds were used to build a 160 acre Trailhead at the southern end of the Town of Doug Gunnin Hodges, to be used as an equestrian trail and campground. Russellville Fire & Rescue Smoke Detector Project: Grant funds were used Winston to purchase tamper proof smoke detectors and distribute to community volunteer Roger Hayes fire departments to be distributed to residents. Ken Sunseri City of Winfield Safealert Notification System for Marion Co.: Grant James Peak funds were used to implement this extra backup for current paging system for all the Fire Departments in Marion County called the Safealert Notifier System. Russellville Fire & Rescue Weather Radio Project: Grant funds were used to purchase weather radios for those in community on a fixed income. A weather awareness day was held at the Russellville Wal-Mart where radios were distributed. North Alabama State Fair Sewer Upgrades and addition: Grant funds were used to upgrade and add sewer lines at the fairgrounds. The old lines were over 40 years old and were not working properly. North Alabama African Heritage Festival (Council-wide): Grant funds were used to plan and implement the North Alabama African Heritage Festival. The festival allowed the community to enjoy cultural activities.

28 2012 Annual Report

Lauderdale Co. SWCD Grazing Clinic/School: Grant funds were used to implement an informative, hands-on meeting with livestock producers to learn about different grazing methods to improve production and help the environment. In Harmony With Nature Project (Music Preservation Society): Grant funds were used to develop and test a model for planning litter-free events. A How-To handbook was developed and distributed to all cities and county officials through Lauderdale County Grazing Northwest AL to use to plan festivals and community activities as litter-free events. School Project Haleyville Center for Technology Laptop Project: Grant funds were used to purchase laptops to enhance the capabilities of the Technology School at Haleyville High School for students to have access to the Internet and the automotive learning software also known as CDX. Phillips High School Football Field Sprinkler/Bank Erosion Project: Grant funds were used to purchase portable sprinkler system and the purchase of sod for controlling the erosion at the high school stadium. Waterloo Fire Dept/Replacement tool-supplies: Grant funds were used to purchase fire department tools and supplies. Town of Rogersville In-Car Video Camera Package: Grant funds were used to purchase and install an in-car video camera system to be used by the Rogersville Police Department. Winston County Arts Council Art classes: Grant funds were used to purchase supplies and art equipment for the Winston County Schools. North AL African Heritage Festival Winston County EMA Firefighter Notification System: Grant funds were used to purchase emergency notification system that sends text message notification to county firefighters when an emergency arises. Education/Training for Winston Co. Firefighters Association: Grant funds were used to purchase training videos about firefighting and medical care. The videos were used for training by the volunteer fire departments in Winston County. Firefighter Equipment for Winston County Firefighters Association: Funds were used to buy equipment to respond to Winston County fire/rescue situations. Winfield Park & Rec Drainage Improvements for Walking Trail: Grant funds were used for improvements in drainage by installing 400’ of drainage pipes/gravel at the walking and nature trails. This also added parking spaces to the present parking areas at the park. Town of Littleville Park Restroom Project: Grant funds were used to construct a restroom facility for the city park in Littleville. The funds were used for all phases of the project from pouring the foundation to purchasing plumbing supplies. NW RC&D Outreach meeting

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29 Alabama RC&D Councils

Northwest RC&D Council Projects Continued

Meals on Wheels (Community Action Agency): Grant funds were used to purchase 330 meals for homebound and disabled residents in Northwest Alabama. Meals are delivered by program volunteers. I-Pads for the Elementary Classroom/West Elementary School: Grant funds were used to purchase 7 I-Pads to be utilized by each classroom to serve a total of 594 students grades K-2nd. Phil Campbell High School Lauderdale County 4-H Round Up: Grant funds were used to bring the Herp Outdoor Classroom Journey Program, a traveling exhibit from the AL 4-H Center that features live turtles, snakes and alligators, to present at the Lauderdale County 4-H Round-Up. There were 13 schools and two home schools participating in the program. Colbert Heights High School FFA Support & Convention: Grant funds were used to purchase building supplies used for training in the Agri-science class for competitions and for the lodging of the students at the FFA Convention. Colbert County Rural Fire Protection Education & Training: Grant funds were used to educate volunteer fire fighters & Colbert County citizens about expanded protection via a new rural fire hydrant in the Ford City Community. Colbert County High School FFA District & State Convention: Grant funds were used to register and transport students to the District & State FFA Convention. Food CO-OP Project: Grant funds were used to develop a Business/Vision Park Place Community Plan for a Regional Food CO-OP. Garden Project Phillips High School Dressing Room Project: Grant funds were used to renovate the boys and girls dressing rooms for gym at Phillips High School. National RC&D Outreach “Bridging the Gap: Raising Awareness about Technical and Financial Assistance Available to Rural Communities”: RC&D Staff created outreach materials for two meetings to provide information to an audience that had not participated in any USDA or Extension Programs in Franklin and Lauderdale Counties. Northwest AL RC&D Council partnered with USDA, the AL Cooperative Extension System, and the AL A&M Small Farms Research Center as well as the President of the Small Black Farmer’s Association and a Director of the North Alabama Hispanic Coalition for Equal Rights to reach participants for these Outreach meetings. Eagle Cam/Weather Station in Waterloo, AL: Grant funds were used to install and maintain Eagle Cam and Weather Station equipment in Waterloo, AL. Rain Barrel Workshops

30 2012 Annual Report

Tombigbee RC&D Council

The Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is a part of a special program to conserve

our natural resources and to improve the overall economic Tombigbee RC&D presents a check condition of our local citizens. The Council is composed to Fayette County Commission to fund the Feral Hog Workshop. of representatives from County Commissions, Soil Representative Dan Boman is pictured in the middle. Conservation Districts, and one member-at-large in each of the following eight counties: Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, 2012 OFFICERS AND STAFF

Lamar, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa. Chairman Don Sherrod PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Vice-Chairman Environmental Education by Auntie Litter (Bibb): Grant funds were used Craig Sizemore to provide training for the Auntie Litter Specialist in Bibb County and Auntie Secretary/Treasurer Litter coloring books/activity books to be used in the program that provides Farrington Snipes environmental education and awareness programs. Project value: $2,000. Executive Director Bibb Earth Day/FAWN Program (Bibb): This project provided outdoor Susan Wesson environmental education activities in a natural setting via Earth Day and Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) programs. Natural resource professionals helped students understand the importance of conserving, preserving and protecting our natural resources for posterity. Project value: $2,200. Sprinkler Fire Protection System for Iron Works Museum (Bibb): The object of this project is the preservation and protection of the archival and artifact collections at the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama. A NFPA 13 fire protection sprinkler system was installed in the museum to prevent loss of these historic resources in the event of a fire. Project value: $8,000. Interpretive Signage at West Blocton Coke Ovens Park (Bibb): Funds were used to create and install permanent outdoor interpretive signage at Office Location West Blocton Coke Ovens Park. The signs contain Tombigbee Resource Conserva- photos and drawings with text related to the park’s tion & Development Council importance as a former industrial site and current 2501 7th Street, Suite 300 green space with natural assets including wildflowers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 birds and forest land. $2,600. Phone: 205.469.6463 Email - [email protected] www.tombigbeercd.com

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Council Members Tombigbee RC&D Council Projects Continued Bibb County Al Green James Martin Pesticides Education Workshop (Fayette): This workshop provided training Joe L. Owings on the proper use of pesticides and their application. Hazardous waste products in Fayette County were collected and properly disposed of. Project value: $6,000. Fayette County Feral Hog Workshop (Fayette): This project consisted of a workshop which John Gordon shared technical information and raising awareness regarding issues with wild hogs Owen Sweatt in Fayette County. Twenty-five portable hog traps were also purchased and placed Wayne Meherg throughout the county. Project value: $7,714. Improve Baseball Facilities Project (Fayette): Funds were used to provide lighting and poles at the baseball field at Berry Park in order to make it regulation Greene County size. Project value: $15,000. Tennyson Smith Willice Lashley Repairs to BethSalem Church Phase II (Greene): Made repairs and painted inside and outside shutters of historic Bethsalem Church. Project value: $8,000. Earlean Isaac Race for Education (Greene): S.C.O.R.E, Inc. purchased computers, printers, and accessories to enhance students’ learning by providing access to online Hale County educational programs that will strengthen deficiencies in academic subjects. Leland Avery Project value: $6,000. Roland Perry Stewart Community Association (Hale): Provided hardwood, crush run, and Tommy Martin benches to enhance the Stewart Community Association Park. Project value: $4,000. On Your Mark, Get Set…Go (Hale): Purchased audiovisual materials designed Lamar County to promote self-esteem, character development, and drug/violence prevention; Johnny Rogers materials and supplies for Career Day and Red Ribbon Week. Project value: $3,000. Craig Sizemore Leadership Hale County (Hale): Educational program that seeks to identify Harold Jordan emerging and current leaders from within our small community and prepare them for greater civic involvement and responsibility.

Pickens County Literacy Stars (Hale): Provided diagnostic literacy technology to enable Willie Colvin reporting of literacy needs and books to support students’ volume of reading. Don Sherrod Tom Bevill Building Restoration Project (Lamar): Provided funds to repair Dr. Linda Forte the roof and to install handicapped accessible improvements. Project value: $7,000 Courthouse Beautification (Pickens): Funds were used to create new landscaping at the old courthouse in Carrollton, which is on the historical register. Sumter County Project value: $5,490. Anthony Crear Edward “Gump” Ozment Gordo Fire & Rescue Thermal Imaging Camera Workshop (Pickens): A thermal imaging camera was purchased and workshops offered on the use of the Richard Holland camera. This camera is a wonderful tool that allows the fire fighters to be able to see accident and fire victims in low visibility situations, and has the capacity to save many lives. Project value: $8,510.

32 2012 Annual Report

Council Members continued

Tuscaloosa County Hardy McCollum Neil Hyche Farrington Snipes

Senator Roger Bedford and Representative Dan Boman pose with Sulligent and Lamar County FFA students who attended an agricultural field trip in Kentucky.

Kentucky Agriculture Trip (Lamar): Sulligent and Lamar FFA students participated in an educational field trip to Kentucky to tour several agricultural schools, farms, and beef units. This project allowed students to learn about different opportunities that agriculture offers. Project value: $6,000. Pirate Cove (Pickens): This outdoor classroom consists of raised beds holding seasonal flowers and vegetables. It provides learning opportunities about plants, wildlife, and natural resources and creates an environment to connect students to their environment, learn conservation and bio-diversity. Project value: $2,000. Sumter Academy “Storytime” Technology Centers (Sumter): Purchased projectors to be used with “Storytime” reading, language and art curriculum. Project value: $2,000. Students at Myrtlewood Elementary Coleman Center for the Arts Community Garden (Sumter): This School learn how pollution affects our community garden consists of a central community garden plot and satellite water supply and how to protect and garden plots. Educational workshops are geared toward small scale food production conserve water. and organic gardening and are offered at project sites, public schools, local institutions, and the Coleman Center for the Arts after school and summer art education programs. Project value: $4,000.

Sumter/Marengo Water Festival (Sumter): A water festival was held at Gordo Fire and Rescue the University of West Alabama, creating an awareness of groundwater and other natural resources in an effort to develop the knowledge base and sense of stewardship of students, teachers, and future teachers. Project value: $4,000. Children of the Village Network (Sumter): Funds were used to renovate a donated building which will be used for community services such as a food bank, clothing closet, prevention and intervention programs, scholarship assistance and parenting classes. Project value: $4,000.

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Tombigbee RC&D Council Projects Continued

Greening Holt: Landscapes, Trees and Community Gardens (Tuscaloosa): The objectives of this project are to develop accessible community garden sites and to address the loss of trees and greenery in this tornado ravaged community. Project value: $8,000. Holt Callahan Sustainable Demonstration Farm (Tuscaloosa): The farm will be created and used to raise food for people in need. It will also serve as a demonstration farm to educate children, students, residents and beginning farmers Literacy at and ranchers on best practices and benefits of local agriculture. Project value: $6,000. The Mal and Charlotte Moore Center of Caring Congregations oundville M (Tuscaloosa): Provide assistance with building a new facility to care for adults Elementary with Alzheimer’s and other related memory disorders. Project value: $15,000. Students at Moundville Education Outreach (Area Wide): This project provided funds to educate youth at several area schools and environmental festivals about the importance Elementary School of sustaining our natural resources. Live honeybees in a demonstration box were used to share information about pollination and its value in our world. A tabletop use books and software model of a watershed, EnviroScape, was used to show how pollution can affect our purchased to increase water supply in surprising ways. Project value: $13,000. literacy.

Bibb Earth Day/FAWN Program Bibb Earth Day/FAWN Program Dorie Stinnette of the U.S. Forest Brierfield Park Historian Ted Burnett uses Service Talladega National Forest- the large blast furnace as a backdrop to discuss Oakmulgee District used what nature how iron was made a the Bibb County site for provided at Brierfield Ironworks the Confederate Navy during the Civil War. Historical Park to show students how to learn to identify trees.

34 2012 Annual Report

Wiregrass RC&D Council

The Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development (WRC&D) Council serves the following Southeast Alabama

counties: Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, 21st Century Computer Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike and Russell. Learning Lab

PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2012 Garden to Table Fresh Food Initiative (Barbour): WRC&D provided 2012 OFFICERS AND STAFF financial assistance to Twelve Stones Community Development Corporation to develop two community gardens located in economically depressed, socially Chairman disadvantaged areas. The food is grown and harvested by volunteers and provided to Kurt McDaniel low-income families. WRC&D allocated $3,442 toward the $4,700 estimated cost of the project. Vice Chairman Dean Smith Barbour County School Outdoor Environment Learning Facility (Barbour): WRC&D provided $4,550 to Barbour County Middle School to Secretary/ Treasurer create an outdoor area for nature study and to provide students with instruction for William Holman hands-on-learning. Executive Director Life Lessons from the Cottage House (Barbour): WRC&D provided James Currington financial assistance to the Cottage House Inc. for the purpose of teaching young Program Manager adults, youth, parents and other community member’s life skills in planning, Deborah Childree preparing and cooking healthy nutritious meals. The cost of this project was $3,850. Coffee County Groundwater Festival (Coffee): WRC&D provided

financial assistance to the Coffee County Groundwater Festival Committee for the purchase of materials used to conduct education activities focusing on water conservation. WRC&D allocated $2,000 toward the $5,000 estimated cost for the groundwater festival. Vocational Instruction Culvert Erosion (Coffee): The Council approved $4,964 to eliminate erosion problems and resolve drainage problems that affect soil and water quality as well as serve educational purposes for the students. Cedar Drive Erosion (Coffee): The Council approved $4,470 to the City of Office Location: Enterprise to control excessive storm water runoff in the Cedar Drive area. The erosion posed an environmental hazard and threatened soil and water quality. Wiregrass RC&D Council 1690 West Roy Parker Road Rose Hill Community Center (Covington): WRC&D provided $5,300 in Ozark, AL 36360 financial assistance to Rose Hill Community Center to purchase equipment and Office 334.774.2334 materials to renovate the restrooms and make them handicap accessible. Fax 850.254.2960 www.wiregrassrcd.org

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35 Alabama RC&D Councils

Council Members Wiregrass RC&D Council Projects Continued Barbour County Ann Adams Carol Threatt Covington County SWCD Education Outreach Programs (Covington): Earl Gilmore The Council awarded $3,650 to the Covington County SWCD to promote Patrick McDougald awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of our natural resources through “hands on” teaching activities, demonstrations, visual arts and exposure to challenging reading materials that young students can relate to. Coffee County Shirley Grant Native Alabama Reptile and Amphibian Program (Covington): WRC&D Mike Newman provided financial assistance to Covington County Soil and Water Conservation to provide “hands on” activities and quality instructional programs regarding species’ Dean Smith habitat and conservation status. The cost of this project was $900. Al Britt Crenshaw County SWCD Conservation Education (Crenshaw): WRC&D provided financial assistance to the Crenshaw County Soil and Water Conservation Covington County District for the purpose of educating fourth and fifth grade students and their Mike Birge families about forestry, wildlife management, natural resources and water quality. Wayne Reynolds WRC&D allocated $2,425. Darren Capps Crenshaw County 4-H (Crenshaw): WRC&D provided financial assistance Bragg Carter to the Crenshaw County Extension Office to provide educational programming through a part time 4-H agent Assistant to 500 Crenshaw County youth ages 9 through 18. WRC&D allocated $2,125 toward this project. Crenshaw County Brantley Baseball and Softball Landscaping and Erosion Control Pat Folmar (Crenshaw): WRC&D awarded $7,770 to provide erosion control and shade by Ricky McElwain installing crusher run and landscaping at the school ballpark. Benjie Sanders 21st Century Learning Center (Dale): WRC&D provided $3,239 in financial Troy Hudson assistance to the G. W. Long High School to replace worn out computers and create an updated computer lab for the students. Dale County Ozark Rose Garden Beautification (Dale): WRC&D provided financial Dawn Peters assistance to the City of Ozark for the purpose of installing a fountain in the Estus Walker middle of the city’s rose garden. This provides beauty and a place for residents to rest and eat lunch. WRC&D allocated $1,753 toward the cost of this project. Kurt McDaniel Derek Brewer Arguta Community Center (Dale): WRC&D provided financial assistance in the amount of $2,500 to repair the senior center to make it safe and handicap accessible for seniors to hold meetings and have a place to gather for entertainment. Geneva County Dale County SWCD Education (Dale): WRC&D provided financial assistance T. Louis Register to the Dale County Soil and Water Conservation District for $4,550 to conduct Steve Dunn several different conservation and water quality programs directed at students in Henley Hicks Ozark and Dale County. Justin Barfield Geneva SWCD District Training (Geneva): WRC&D provided $6,884 in financial assistance to Geneva SWCD to take education into the schools and

36 2012 Annual Report

Council Members continued communities by participating in the GWF, Geneva County Land Judging, attended the Cotton Expo and Farm Day. Henry County Geneva County SWCD Education (Geneva): WRC&D provided $4,550 in Andy Williams financial assistance to Geneva County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Carolyn Riley District participated in the Samson Fall Festival, Ft. Rucker Energy Expo, Peanut Pam Ward Festival and several civic meetings to get the conservation message out to the public. Franklin Swann E-911 Dispatch Upgrade and Police Safety Equipment (Henry): WRC&D provided financial assistance to the Abbeville Police Department for the purpose Houston County of purchasing safety barricades and upgrading the flooring in the Police Dept. Two new notepads for police vehicles will be purchased. WRC&D allocated $7,459 Jared Forrester toward the cost of this project. William Holman Henry County 4-H (Henry): The Council awarded $3,550 to the Henry Mark Culver County Extension Office to provide funds for the 4-H Program to be carried into Doug Sinquefield all the schools.

Henry County Groundwater Festival (Henry): $1,000 went to the Henry Pike County County Extension office to buy materials to educate students in all Henry County Roy Kendrick schools the importance of protecting ground water for the future from potential Herb Huner sources of pollution. Homer C. Wright Recycling Containers (Houston): $1,700 was awarded to Landmark Park Russell Oliver for Recycling Containers to put inside the park. This project will help promote recycling and conservation of our natural resource. Russell County Educational Signage (Houston): Landmark Park was awarded $750 for Ben Bowden educational signs. The high quality signs will last for many years and will help the park educate the public about the Pineywoods cows and heritage breeds of livestock. Greg Glass Cattie Epps Entrance Improvements (Houston): Landmark Park was awarded $4,247 to continue renovations to the entrance of the park on U.S. Hwy 431. The project Johnnie Robinson included replacing lighting with low level, more energy efficient lighting. It also included installation of an irrigation system, painting the wooden gates and replacement of park admission signs. Poultry: Backyard Flocks for Fun and Food (Houston): $1,000 was awarded to Alabama Extension Service to provide learning opportunities for youth and families interested in raising backyard and small poultry flocks. Honey Bee Swarm Trapping Program (Houston): $1,250 was awarded to Houston County Extension Office to purchase honey bee swarm traps, which are molded fiber material in the shape of a round bucket with a lid that contains a pheromone that attracts honey bee scouts from swarms to the traps. Houston County Groundwater Festival (Houston): WRC&D provided Outdoor Gym Time for continued Russell County

37 Alabama RC&D Councils

Wiregrass RC&D Council Projects Continued

financial assistance to Houston County Extension Service for the purpose of educating 4th grade students on all aspects of ground water. Preservation practices and natural resource awareness were communicated in multiple venues to students. WRC&D allocated $1,000 toward the $5,500 estimated cost for the project. Library Outreach & Programming (Houston): WRC&D provided financial assistance to Houston Love Memorial Library in Dothan for the purpose of creating an outdoor classroom. WRC&D allocated $2,000 toward the $6,000 Landmark Park Recycling Containers estimated cost for the project. CR 7755 Roadway Stabilization (Pike): WRC&D provided financial assistance to the Pike County Soil & Water Conservation District for the purpose of repairing erosion on a county roadway making it safe for traffic to use the road. WRC&D allocated $6,884 toward the cost for the project. 4-H Resource Conservation and Education (Pike): WR&D provided financial assistance to Pike County Extension Office for the purpose of implementing units addressing the utilization and conservation of natural and human resources in existing 4-H club programs. WRC&D allocated $4,550 toward Brantley High School Landscaping the cost of implementing the program. Outdoor Gym Time (Russell): WRC&D will assist Phenix City Elementary School in repairing erosion and developing tennis courts for the students to use during P.E. classes. WRC&D allocated $4,550 toward the $30,000 estimated cost for the project. Landscape of Fifth Avenue (Russell): WRC&D will assist the Trinity UMC to improve the landscape quality of the end of Fifth Avenue to the public. WRC&D allocated $4,625 toward this project. Organic Food Security System (Russell): $2,414 was awarded to Alabama Coffee County Groundwater Festival Council on Human Relations, Inc. to build a community garden and demonstration project to provide a cost effective means for residents to receive fresh produce. Capacity Building (Area-Wide): WRC&D provided opportunities for training of each council member. The opportunities included national, regional, state meetings; as well as opportunities to learn management skills, skills related to project sponsorship and developing partnerships. WRC&D allocated $8,500.

Covington County SWCD Check Dale County SWCD Soil Tunnel Geneva County SWCD Education Presentation

38 2012 Annual Report

RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS

NON DISCRIMINATION

STATEMENT The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils prohibits discriminate in all of its programs against race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Association will take affirmative action to ensure that its programs are delivered without regard to their race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs and marital or family status. For additional information or to file a discrimination complaint write to: The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils P. O. Box 3128 Montgomery, AL 36109 Office: 334.240.3863

RC&D BOUNDARY RC&D OFFICE LOCATION Web: www.aarcd.net

39 2012 AnnuAl RepoRt

Resource Conservation and Development in Alabama AlAbAmA AssociAtion of ResouRce conseRvAtion And development councils www.AARcd.net AlAbAmA AssociAtion of ResouRce conseRvAtion And development councils