BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama Rivers Alliance celebrated 20 years of river protection throughout the state at their annual Alabama Water Rally conference during the River Celebration Awards Banquet Saturday, March 18 at Camp McDowell.
The River Celebration Awards Banquet is an evening devoted to the recognition of those special organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward river protection in our state. Nominations are submitted by members of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.
“A lot of the work of these individuals and organizations goes largely unrecognized except in our own circles,” Cindy Lowry, executive director of Alabama Rivers Alliance, said. “We cherish the opportunity to honor their work and service with our River Celebration Awards and are proud to work alongside them.”
The recipients of the 2017 River Celebration Awards were:
Outstanding Group of the Year – Coosa Riverkeeper for their outstanding work protecting the Coosa River with programs like Swim Guide, Fish Guide and more.
Beyond Rivers Partner of the Year – Southern Exposure Film Fellowship program which brings emerging filmmakers from across the country to tell authentic, engaging stories through short documentary films about Alabama’s environment and the people who cherish it.
The James Lowery Volunteer Service Award – Charles Scribner, executive director of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper, for his service to many environmental groups as well as Cathedral Church of the Advent, the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, Princeton University, St. Paul’s School and UAB.
Business Partner of the Year – Rojo for their dedication to giving back to their community through programs such 10% Tuesday and their $1 for Water Drought Awareness program this past fall.
In addition to these awards, four individuals were also recognized with the lifetime achievement award of RIVER HERO. This award is given to an individual who has spent the better part of their lives working to protect and defend Alabama’s waterways. They go above and beyond the average calling to ensure that all Alabamians can enjoy clean, heathy water and that government and industry are held accountable for enforcing water policies and polluting our waterways.
The 2017 RIVER HEROS are:
Maggie Johnston (Camp McDowell)
Angie Shugart (One World Adventure Company)
Kirsten Bryant (GASP)
Dr. Randy Haddock (Cahaba River Society)
About the Alabama Rivers Alliance
The Alabama Rivers Alliance is Alabama’s statewide nonprofit water protection organization. ARA’s mission is to protect and restore Alabama’s rivers. ARA advocates smart water policy, organizes at the grassroots level and teaches citizens how they can protect their water. Our goal is to achieve healthy rivers, healthy people and a healthy system of government for the state of Alabama. For more information, please visit www.alabamarivers.org
Additional information and photos available upon request
For More Information: Kelly Marshall | 205.322.6395 | [email protected]
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