By Gary Lloyd
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson has received a grant as part of the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program.
Birmingham-Southern College will lead bank and in-stream restoration at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve along a 100-foot stretch to support the vermilion darter – a species of fish found only in Turkey Creek. The project will reduce sediment to increase the darter’s habitat range and decrease population isolation. A stream-bank access point and pavilion will also be constructed.
Other areas receiving grants include Village Creek in Jefferson County, Alma Bryant High School in Mobile County and Troy University in Pike County.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson
photo courtesy of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
The awards leverage more than $1.5 million in partner funding and in-kind services for stream bank and coastal restoration.
“These projects are successful because they are based on partnerships among conservation groups, businesses, schools, landowners and many others,” said Matt Bowden, Alabama Power’s vice president of Environmental Affairs. “Since joining the partnership in 2006, more than 20 projects in Alabama have restored more than 100 acres of wetlands and 6,000 feet of creek and stream bank.”
Alabama Power participates in the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program as part of Southern Company’s partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Counties and the Wildlife Habitat Council.
This year, Southern Company, the regional corporate sponsor of the program, is providing $202,439 to 11 projects that, combined with project and partner matching funds and in-kind services, will result in nearly $3.5 million.
“With the help of public, private and corporate funders, the Five Star and Urban Waters program supports dynamic conservation work across the country,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “These grants not only protect and restore the places that fish and wildlife need, but also enhance natural amenities for the entire community.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
