Restoring & protecting the Cahaba River watershed & its rich diversity of life
YOUR CAHABA RIVER ~ WHAT’S AT STAKE
Drinking water Globally-significant biodiversity Recreation Education Tourism
≈ Cahaba “Peopleshed” includes BWWB Cahaba River at same location in Irondale drinking water area & Jefferson, Shelby, After a rain on a good day 2016 drought Bibb, Perry, & Dallas Co. ≈ More fish species per mile than any other river of its size or larger in all of North America ≈ Essential resource for the health and economy of central Alabama ≈ Biggest challenge: degradation of the River’s natural flow and water quality due to urban development Mud pollution Riverbank collapses Drought Pathogens Invasive plants Forest & habitat loss
ABOUT CAHABA RIVER SOCIETY ~ OUR GOALS
CRS is an educator, expert resource, and collaborative partner for science-based and practical solutions
2717 7th Ave South, Suite 205 • Birmingham, AL 35233 • 205-322-5326 www.cahabariversociety.org Cahaba River Society 2017 Achievements INSPIRING RIVER STEWARDSHIP Education ~ Recreation ~ Volunteer Service Projects
66 Delivered 79 river and classroom educational programs to 42 institutions through the The Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program, serving 1,713 people, 49% of whom are people of color, with 35,300 total people served since the program began in 1996 66 Worked with partners toward the 2018 official launch of the Cahaba Blueway water trail, helping to secure partners and funds and with the development of river access in Jefferson, Shelby, and Bibb Counties 66 Completed 10 volunteer service projects with 152 participants, with projects that provided hands-on opportunities for people to connect with their Cahaba River while building knowledge and stewardship commitment, including river clean ups, forest restoration projects, and planning outdoor classrooms on the River 66 Launched “Project Tarobliteration” to root out invasive taro plants from Cahaba river- banks and Cahaba Lily habitat
RESTORING THE RIVER Clean Water ~ Biodiversity ~ Green Infrastructure ~ Natural Flows
66 Helped lead 2nd Cahaba Connections Conference - 70+ leaders and citizens learned about Cahaba restoration initiatives and model green infrastructure programs in Alabama 66 Served as collaborative resource for river-protective design of 6 development projects and awarded Crowne at Cahaba condominiums for water-smart development 66 Supported the Cahaba Beach Road coalition to defend region’s drinking water and the Little Cahaba River from a proposed Highway 280 cut-through road and bridge 66 Documented to ADEM that the Cahaba’s natural flows have been degraded by urbanization and that ADEM should officially designate the River as “flow impaired” 66 Advised City of Birmingham stakeholder group and drafting of model codes to require improved stormwater management and promote green infrastructure 66 Defended Clean Water Act protection for headwater streams and wetlands as part of national Clean Water for All coalition BUILDING OUR IMPACT Celebration ~ Communication ~ Collaboration
66 Held 7 educational and/or fun(d)raising events reaching over 1,380 people 66 Hosted the 8th annual Cahaba River Fry-Down raising over $50,000 with support from more than 50 business and educational partners--thank you! 66 Planned 2018 collaboration trainings with the Collaborative Environmental Network of Alabama to widen our circles for collaboration within and beyond our organizations 66 Increased national recognition for the Cahaba through participation in the Clean Water for All Coalition and through workshops on our education programs and stream restoration efforts presented at national conferences 66 Published two reports to members, revitalized Cahaba Current e-newsletter, issued over a dozen action alerts, and increased social media followers by 246% to over 7,700 followers in improved communications efforts to our members and constituents 66 Began development of new website to be launched in 2018--watch for it! Cahaba River Society 2018 Board of Directors Agreement
The Cahaba River Society's Board of Directors has the following primary roles:
Oversee policies and strategic planning to fulfill our mission, “To restore and protect the Cahaba River watershed and its rich diversity of life,” according to our values, Education, Collaboration, Stewardship, Integrity, Equity & Inclusion.
Oversee and contribute to the Society's financial health and sustainability and its organizational strength.
Supervise the Executive Director to carry out these purposes.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
♦ Be a member of the Cahaba River Society. All Board members must be financially contributing members of the Society. A giving level of $250 or more is recommended. CRS desires a Board of Directors providing broad community representation, and we value Board participation at all levels of giving.
♦ Help CRS widen our circle of friends, members and financial supporters. Raise funds according to ability and to help meet or exceed CRS budget. Board members focus on raising new sustainable donations (members, donors, event sponsorships, corporate members, etc.). Diverse ways to aid in financial support and encourage others to actively contribute to the Society include bringing new members/donors, encouraging existing members to renew and increase their giving, assisting with special events, holding house parties, and encouraging corporations and foundations to support us.
♦ Maintain confidentiality of all financial data and sources and of other Board business. Abiding by the Board’s adopted conflict of interest policy, attached.
♦ Board meetings are held every other month beginning in February, lasting 1 ½ hour. Currently scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. The first 2018 meeting is currently scheduled for February 13. Subsequent Board meeting months are April, June, August, October, December. Meeting times are revisited each year at the 1st meeting, to best meet the needs of Board members.
♦ Serve on at least 1 committee in areas of Policy, Education, Stewardship, Science, Development (fundraising/communications/membership), Fry-Down (largest event), or Board Governance.
♦ The Election of Board members occurs at the CRS Annual Meeting of members, typically the last Thursday evening of January. This year the meeting will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
♦ Board members are elected for three-year terms. Members can serve two consecutive terms with an optional additional year at the request of the Board (total of 6-7 years). Cahaba River Society Conflict of Interest Policy
Approved by the Board of Directors on December 10, 2012
(Replaces previous undated policy entitled “CRS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY”)
(Replaces conflict of interest paragraph in the CRS document entitled “The Duties, Responsibilities and Rights of Directors of the Cahaba River Society”)
(See also the Cahaba River Society “Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form”)
It is recognized that a potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of such a conflict, for a Cahaba River Society employee, member of the Board of Directors, or a member of a Cahaba River Society committee may arise from time to time. In general, a conflict of interest exists when an interest of Cahaba River Society conflicts with a personal, financial, or professional interest of a Board member or committee member (collectively “Member”) or the Member’s family, business, or employer. The existence or appearance of a conflict of interest (collectively “Conflict”) may impede Cahaba River Society’s effectiveness, and care must be taken to avoid an actual conflict or the appearance of conflict. It is Cahaba River Society policy to deal with conflicts in an open and ethical manner. Examples of conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
• A Board member, a Board member’s family, or a Board member’s business potentially receiving personal financial gain or loss from a Cahaba River Society Board decision • A Board member serving as Board member or employee of another organization or a company that has policies in opposition to policies of the Cahaba River Society or policies being considered by the Cahaba River Society • A Board member serving as Board member or employee of a potential grant applicant organization • A Board member seeking to provide services to the Cahaba River Society under a contractual relationship • A Board member having a family or financial relationship with a prospective candidate for a staff position or with an entity for contracted services that will be decided by the Board.
In the case of a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, the Cahaba River Society employee, Board member, or committee member with the Conflict is expected to disclose the Conflict to the Board of Directors as soon as possible. Once such a disclosure has been made, the Board of Directors will determine whether or not a conflict of interest exists. If the Board or the member determines that an actual conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest exists, the member involved shall abstain from any discussion or voting incident to the Board’s consideration of the matter except to answer questions posed by the Board. The Board President or any other members of the Board not involved in the Conflict may ask the member of the Board, staff, or committee member who may have a Conflict specific functional questions to assist the Board in its investigation and consideration of the matter. If the matter at issue involves a member of the Board of Directors, the involved member may be temporarily excused from the meeting of the Board while the matter is discussed. Any member so excused will still be counted in determining the existence of a quorum. Conflicts of interest determined by the 2
Board of Directors will be recorded in official minutes of the Board meeting.
Failure of a member of the Board of Directors, an employee, or a member of a Cahaba River Society committee to act in good faith and compliance with Cahaba River Society’s conflict of interest policy may result in termination of employment or membership on the Board of Directors or membership on a Cahaba River Society committee.
Additionally, all members of the Board of Directors must disclose annually by March 1 any interests that could give rise to conflicts and/or must disclose any such interests as they occur during the course of the year. See also the Cahaba River Society’s “Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form” to be used for this purpose.
By virtue of employment, membership on the Cahaba River Society Board of Directors, or membership on a committee of the Cahaba River Society, the Member agrees to abide by this conflict of interest policy.
Cahaba River Society 2017 Board of Directors & Staff
The CRS Board represents diverse interests and expertise, including community and grassroots leaders, professionals in business, industry, development, sustainable building, education, finance, and communications, faith leadership, scientists expert in biodiversity and water quality, engineers, and attorneys. Note: officer positions may alter after 2017 elections.
Dr. Rob Angus Henry Hughes Jay Pigford, AIA, LEED AP Professor Emeritus of Biology, Vice President of Education, Partner, ArchitectureWorks, LLP Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Botanical Gardens Chair - Strategic Planning Vice President – Conservation Co-Chair - Stewardship Chair - Science Robert Pless Matt Leavell Senior Vice President, Pam Baugh Director of Design, ServisFirst Bank Community volunteer & University of Alabama Center for Co-Chair – Development retired biology teacher Economic Development Jeet Radia, P.E., CIH Michelle Blackwood* Min Sun Lee Senior VP - EHS & HR, President, Friends of Shades Creek Assoc. Professor of Art-Graphic McWane, Inc. Marketing Specialist, Design & Program Director, Secretary America’s First Federal Credit University of Montevallo Union Stuart Roberts Board President Arlan Lewis* Financial Advisor Treasurer Attorney, Bradley Arant Boult Neil Davis Cummings LLP President, Davis Architects Margot Shaw Editor-In-Chief, Flower Magazine Nancy Long* Dr. Betsy Dobbins Community Volunteer Thomas Spencer Paul N. Propst Professor of Co-Chair – Development Natural Sciences, Senior Research Associate, Public Affairs Research Council of Samford University Lea Ann Macknally, RLA, ASLA, Alabama CLARB President-elect John English* President, Macknally Land Design Partner, Patty Melt, LLC Co-Chair, Policy
Retired, Vulcan Materials Co. Brad McLane Past President Helen Todd, APR Chief of Administration, NaphCare Helen2o: Fluid Communications Co-Chair – Policy Rev. Bobbie Epting* Chair - Education
Retired, Associate Pastor, Co-Chair - Fry-Down Independent Presbyterian Church *Leaving the Board in 2017 Tim Waldsmith* Executive Vice President International Expeditions Co-Chair - Fry-Down CRS Staff Emeritus Board Beth Stewart, Exec. Director Sonya Cobb* Dr. Randy Haddock, Field Director David Cunningham Gordon Black, Education Director Dr. Eleanor DelBene Tricia Sheets, Director of Administration Co-Chair, Stewardship Casey Laycock, Director of Development Robert Tate La’Tanya Scott, Environmental Educator Frank M. Young, III Katie Shaddix, Communications / Office Manager Beth Maynor Finch *deceased
RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS 2018 CAHABA RIVER SOCIETY
Thomas Spencer, President-Elect Senior Research Associate, Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, the state's leading good government think tank. He joined PARCA in 2012 after 13 years as an award-winning reporter for The Birmingham News covering environmental issues, policy, regulation, environmental stewardship and preservation. Prior journalism was with The Birmingham Weekly and The Anniston Star. Tom advises CRS on governmental relations and policy matters and aids in fundraising.
Lea Ann Macknally - Past President Landscape architect and President, Macknally Land Design. Lea Ann has over a decade of experience in the profession of landscape architecture with a strong focus on the design of public spaces, integrated sustainable design, and Low Impact Development stormwater design. She brings a wealth of relationships throughout the development industry and among local governments and major institutions. She supports the growth and activities of the CRS Tributary (Junior) Board.
Jeet Radia, Secretary P.E., CIH, Senior Vice President of Environment, Safety and Human Resources, McWane, Inc. Jeet Radia has been with McWane, Inc. since 2003. He has more than 30 years of technical and management experience in assisting industrial manufacturing firms with a wide range of environmental, health and safety and sustainability issues. He brings particular expertise on environmental and sustainability concerns related to metal casting operations and processes. Before joining McWane, Mr. Radia was a consultant providing senior level technical and regulatory assistance to industrial clients on a variety of environmental, health and safety issues. He is a registered professional engineer and a Certified Industrial Hygienist.
As a recognized expert in the environmental area, Mr. Radia is a frequent speaker at national, state and local conferences, seminars and training courses on environmental issues. He is Chairman of the Air Quality Committee of the American Foundry Society and serves on the board of the US Green Building Council’s Alabama Chapter.
Stuart Roberts - Treasurer Stuart is a community volunteer. He works as a financial advisor and has provided advice to a diversified client base in Birmingham over the past 22 years. Stuart began his interest in the Cahaba River playing in the river with his children looking for anything of interest. He has progressed to a love of western and tenkara fly fishing in both the Cahaba River and Shades Creek. Dr. Rob Angus - Vice President, Conservation / Chair, Science Committee Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. An expert in southeastern river ecology, Rob, his colleagues, and his students have engaged in considerable research evaluating the effects of urban development on fish and invertebrate populations in the Cahaba and other rivers in the Birmingham vicinity.
Pam Baugh Pam is a community volunteer after having taught high school Biology and 6th grade science for 27 years. She is enthusiastic and encourages students to see how all the sciences are interconnected. She currently serves as a docent at the Birmingham Museum of Art, has previously served on the board of McWane Science Center, and is currently on the board for the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center.
Dr. Eleanor DelBene - Emeritus Board / Chair, Stewardship Committee Co-Convener, Collaborative Environmental Network of Alabama (CENA) and Director, The Hermitage (providing spiritual direction counseling). Eleanor co- founded CENA (formerly the Interfaith Environmental Initiative of AL), a network of multi-faith, science, business, utilities, education and environmental leaders to promote collaboration and water and energy efficiency. For CRS she mentors collaboration and faith outreach and supports partnerships for restoration and education projects. Although now Emeritus, Eleanor participates regularly in Board leadership.
Henry Hughes Henry is vice president of education at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, beginning his tenth year in 2017. He is a founding member (1998) of Friends of Shades Creek, for which he currently volunteers as executive director; a board member (beginning 2001 and president of the board, 2013-15) of the Alabama Rivers Alliance; and a member since 2015 of the Stewardship Committee of the Cahaba River Society. He studied forestry and botany at the University of the South, Sewanee, and plant and soil science at the University of Kentucky and Texas A&M University. He worked in reforestation with Hilleshog Forestry and International Paper for twelve years and in urban forestry consulting with Shades Valley Forestry for ten years.
Bradford T. McLane Brad McLane is Chief of Administration at NaphCare, a Birmingham-based governmental contractor providing correctional healthcare services to local, state and federal clients. Brad is in his third week in this position. Previously, Brad worked as a Senior Attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center in Charlottesville Virginia, and as a Trial Attorney for the Environmental Enforcement Section of the United States Department of Justice in Washington DC. Prior to attending law school, Brad traces his roots in conservation back to the Cahaba River Society. Brad worked as a summer intern at CRS after his sophomore year of college at the University of the South (Sewanee). After completing undergraduate studies, Brad came work as the State Policy Director at CRS. With support from CRS, Brad founded and served as the first Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.
Jay Pigford, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee Partner, ArchitectureWorks, grew up on a horse farm in Leeds, Alabama. He obtained a Masters in Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin in 1998 and following graduation he worked for six years with Lake|Flato Architects in San Antonio, Texas. In 2004 he returned to Birmingham and joined ArchitectureWorks that same year and became a Partner in 2006. His current work focuses on education and institutional architecture, the reuse and repurposing of Birmingham’s historic buildings downtown as well as new custom solutions for a wide range of clients.
Robert Pless, Co-Chair, Development Committee Senior Vice President, ServisFirst Bank, is a proud native of Alabama with deep roots in both the business community and the outdoors. An avid hunter, fisherman and ultra-trailrunner, he grew up playing in Shades Creek and has never lost his passion for the natural world. Robert brings experience in the financial management of non-profits and is committed to development and sharing his love of the Cahaba River basin.
Margot Shaw Margot, the editor in chief of flower magazine, attributes her knowledge and appreciation of floral design to her former boss and mentor Sybil Sylvester, an esteemed florist in Birmingham, Alabama who has taught Margot the (garden) tools of the trade for the past four years. While working for Sybil in her downtown shop, Margot quickly learned to cultivate her aesthetic of floral design and nurture her appreciation for their healing properties. Both a patron and participant in the arts, Margot studied Art History and Sociology at Hollins College in Virginia, Interior Design at the University of Texas and has an ongoing interest in photography. flower is her first foray into magazine publishing.
She is a native of Birmingham, Alabama who resides in her hometown with husband Gates. She has three daughters, Hansell, Westcott and Elizabeth, two cats, Minuit and Jacques, and two dogs, Lancelot and Luce.
Helen Todd, APR., Co-Chair, Education Committee Helen is the Owner of Helen2o: Fluid Communications, a communications consulting and whitewater kayak instruction business started in May of 2012. Helen has worked in a number of communication leadership roles in many Birmingham companies including, National Director of Communications at HealthSouth, Vice President of Internal Communications at Regions Financial Corp., Public Relations Manager at Southern Living, and Media Specialist at UAB. Her career started in broadcasting with a stint in radio and then in television as a producer at Fox 6. Helen is also an avid whitewater enthusiast and holds the following ACA (American Canoe Association) certifications: Level 4 Whitewater Instructor, Level 3 Instructor Trainer, Adaptive Paddling Endorsement and is the current ACA State Director for Alabama.
Neil Davis, President, Davis Architects. Neil joined Davis Architects in 1977 and became the firm’s president and design director six years later. His projects have won numerous design awards on local, state and national levels. Neil’s commitment to environmental stewardship and architectural excellence are shown in the design of various projects such Hewitt-Trussville High School, the Trussville Community Center and Living River, a retreat on the Cahaba. He brings CRS a wealth of relationships and expertise in sustainable development and business.
Dr. Betsy Dobbins, Paul N. Propst Professor of Natural Sciences in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Samford University, and Co-director of Clark Scholars Program in Computational Biology. Betsy’s research includes biochemistry of plant steroids in the bioassessment of creeks and rivers. She has led student-implemented restoration of an eroded stretch of Shades Creek and their assessment of the rebound of aquatic life. She is a member of the CRS Science Committee, assisting in applying sound science to CRS policy and steering restoration.
Matt Leavell, Director of Design, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development. .Matt is an architect, urban planner, and educator. Alabama Innovation Engine is a design based community development initiative, a partnership between Auburn University and the University of Alabama that is developing ways to connect design resources with communities throughout Alabama. Matt also teaches urban planning courses at Auburn University. An Alabama native, Matt has a Master’s of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University and Bachelors’ of Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University. He is a licensed architect in the state of New York and a LEED accredited professional. Matt leads our Cahaba Blueway initiative, which engine helped birth, and links CRS with design and planning resources.
Min Sun Lee is Associate Professor of Art - Graphic Design and Director of Graphic Design program at the University of Montevallo. Lee embraces her unique combination of Korean and Western culture in her design. She is interested in the research and design of unique solutions to problems involving the human experience, social patterns and communication between cultures. She feels that through proper execution, design can serve as a valuable ally to those in need. Min was Cahaba River Society (CRS) Tributary Junior board member for 3 years to support, promote and educate CRS.
DON’T MISS OUT!
CLEAN teaches concepts of the schoolyard and backyard as part of the watershed with activities such as seining for fish, water quality testing and macroinvertebrate surveys.
The Cahaba River Society’ Shane Hulsey CLEAN Program delivers Environmental Science lessons in ~ Stream walks & Classroom CLEAN for 3rd grade & up. accordance with the Alabama Science Course of Study. ~ Middle and high school can also choose a canoe trip on the Cahaba River. CLEAN
PROGRAM TO SCHEDULE A CLEAN PROGRAM
Offering students hands-on environmental education while contact La’Tanya Scott safely participating in a stream walk or canoe trip in the latanyas@cahabariver Cahaba River watershed – often in their drinking water society.org source. CLEAN’s interdisciplinary field and classroom or Gordon Black curriculum is tailored to local water resources and clean@cahabariver encourages self-discovery, team work, and critical thinking. society.org CLEAN connects youth with nature and helps them make 205-322-5326 informed decisions about water resources. CLEAN has served more than 34,000 youth & teachers since 1996. 2717 7TH Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 www.cahabariversociety.org
CLEAN
PROGRAM
SERVICE ACHIEVEMENTS 2016 - 2017
Stories from the River
“A group of students were afraid to get in the water. I asked them, 'if I completely jump in and show you guys it's ok, will you get in!' After I jumped in, the kids excitedly ran in with me to do water quality activities. They were so engaged and wanted to stay longer. The questions they asked were outstanding - what did I study in school to get this career, what else could you do with a science degree and more. Just to know that we are impacting students in a positive educational and personal way so they may one day desire to work in the environmental field is worth me jumping in the river ten thousand times over."
~La’Tanya Scott, Environmental River-based engaged learning Educator Schools and Educational Organizations Served by CLEAN 2016-17
Advent Episcopal School Fresh Air Farms Restoration Academy “Thank you. We are truly grateful for AG Gaston Boys & Girls Girl Scouts Shades Mountain Elem an up close and personal look into Club Hillcrest High (Tuscaloosa) Simmons Middle why conservation is so important, and AL Governor School Homewood High Spain Park High also for teaching us how habitat con- Altamont Hoover High Sylacauga High servation does not just need a show- Alabama School of Fine Hudson Middle Tarrant Elem. able account of preferred chemicals Arts (Birmingham) Thompson High (Shelby Bibb County 4 H but that it needs a thorough study of - Indian Springs High Co.) Birmingham YMCA what organisms live there. The experi- Irondale Library Vestavia High Brainsworth CC (SAIL-like Minor High (Jefferson Co.) Wilkerson Middle ence made our couple weeks at gov- Program) O.A.K (Outdoor Adventure (Birmingham) ernor school worth it. Again we are Bread Center Kids) Independent Presbyterian truly thankful for the chance.” Centerville Elem Pell City High Church Cherokee Bend Elem Putnam Elem (Birmingham) UAB ~Rising Seniors, * Green denotes — Educ. Institutions & Org. serving Economically Disadvantaged communities. Janet Ort’s Research Science Class, - Alabama Governor School of 2017
Thank you for your support of the CLEAN Environmental Education Program of the Cahaba River Society. Your investments are strengthening and growing this impactful educational A future biologist cradles her first catch program, which broadens the horizons of thousands of our future leaders.
Cahaba River Society Strategic Plan 2017-2022 DRAFT 5 9 17 M I S S I O N To restore and protect the Cahaba River watershed and its rich diversity of life S T R A T E G I C P R I O R I T I E S
Education & Recreation Policy Engagement Restoration & Protection Equity & Inclusion Organizational Strength Fund Development Communication
S T R A T E G I C G O A L S
Serve and work with the full Inspire people to value and take Lead decision-makers and the Increase funding and diversify Promote the restoration and demographics of those in our Develop staff and technology Expand CRS’ audience and care of the river through community toward policies and sources for financial protection of the river’s ecology “peopleshed” to advance water resources needed to excel in provide accessible, actionable education and recreation actions to achieve river sustainability and program and beauty equity and achieve our mission achieving our mission and goals information restoration and protection impact