Skip to main content.

Community-scale urban water conservation projects make a big splash

Eight southeast environmental stewardship projects were recognized for the achievements in restoring coastal, wetland and river ecosystems.

Southern Company highlights projects that make a positive impact on our communities.

Southern Company, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized the achievements of eight environmental stewardship projects focused on restoring coastal, wetland and river ecosystems during the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Plaque Recognition Ceremony and Lunch.

Projects funded through the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program address community-level stewardship of natural resources such as water quality issues in priority watersheds. This includes erosion due to unstable streambanks, pollution from stormwater runoff and degraded shorelines caused by development.

“Each project targets the community’s natural resources, taking us one step closer to a cleaner and safer environment,” said Jay Jensen, director of the Southern Regional Office, NFWF. “Think of it as one step closer to drinkable and swimmable waters for your neighbors and the community at-large.  And clean and safe communities help improve quality of life, which in turn can help with public health and job creation as businesses are attracted to a happy and healthy workforce.”

The April 5th event recognized projects funded in 2016 with commemorative plaques. The projects include:

  • Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance – Restoring Oyster Reefs in Choctawhatchee Bay through Community Stewardship
  • Birmingham-Southern College – Long-eared Bat and Darter Habitat Restoration at Turkey Creek Nature
  • City of Birmingham – Bertram A. Hudson K-8 School Bioretention System
  • City of Montevallo – Shoal Creek Stream Enhancement
  • Trees Atlanta – Enota Park and Proctor Creek Restoration
  • Grove Park Neighborhood Association – Proctor Creek Rain Garden Partnership
  • Atlanta Audubon Society – Restoring Bird-friendly Habitat in Peachtree Creek Watershed
  • Coastal WildScapes – Cay Creek Wetland Demonstration Landscape

Click here to learn more about this program and these projects.