A few years ago, I was sitting in silent prayer in contemplation of how I wanted to use my energy for a higher purpose. I knew that I wanted to work with nature conservation and that I wanted to help people. A memory sprung into my mind of a time years earlier in the Alps where a Swiss banker divulged the info to me that he believed that wars in the future would be fought over fresh water. His hedge fund was funneling all of its capital in fresh water wells and aquifers all over the planet. That memory stuck with me. I remembered again at that moment, fresh water was the most important resource on the planet. It's my opinion that clean water is a basic human right along with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I have lived in Birmingham, Al. all of my life and have spent my best weekends and summers floating, paddling, fishing, on the rivers in Central Alabama. The main river that runs through Jefferson County and provides most of the drinking water to Birmingham is called the Cahaba River. The Cahaba River is the longest substantially free-flowing river in Alabama and is among the most scenic and biologically diverse rivers in the United States. The headwaters come from Springville, Al., a suburb of Birmingham, and is the town that live in. It was a no-brainer for what I had to do next. I called the Cahaba Riverkeeper and asked how I could help.
After a wonderful conversation with Myra Crawford the director and RiverKeeper David Butler, they started sending me out every Thursday to several spots along the North an South of the river for water testing. We test the water for several pathogens, Ecoli, PH, and several other things that can be destructive to the environment. These water samples are then taken to a lab, tested, and the results put up on a website called Swimguide for people to know if they are using or recreating dirty water.
This is the historical sign at the headwaters of the Cahaba River on the outskirts of Springville, Al. (hence the name) with details about the river.
After a year of water testing and raising awareness about our cause it was time to put my skills to good use. I was selected and then elected to be one of the five board members of the Cahaba Riverkeeper. It was was absolute honor to have been called to step up into this position. Now, as a board member, my main objective is conceptualizing, promoting, booking, and performing at fundraisers all around the city. Of these is a music festival/ block party called Airwave which we host in March each year. Airwave has become a hugely successful event that brings the best local/regional bands and DJs to Goodpeople Brewery with all proceeds going back to the Riverkeeper Alliance here in Alabama.
This campaign has been life changing for me. I feel like every person needs purpose. The fight for clean water gives me purpose. I have children who one day have children and I chose to fight for their basic human rights in the face of a society who (by majority) takes the clean water running out of their tap for granted. It is up to us to protect what is sacred and what is ours. We are just individuals who have come together to uphold our duty to live in a clean, healthy, and happy environment and habitat. I implore you to contact you local water protector and see how you can help. Let's come together and save our wild spaces.
These are called Shoal Lillies or "Cahaba Lilly" and are only found in the river here in Alabama.
Source: Wikipedia
Reflection
We've had some beautiful days out there on the river bend.
Some days are not so beautiful though. I'll leave a funny picture of me 2 years ago (about this time of year) when I started with the Riverkeeper. It was lesson learned that cold 40 degree F day to be very careful when trying to get on your canoe. It was a COLD lesson learned! LOL!
If you would like to find out more info about the Cahaba Riverkeeper or want to donate you can find us here:
https://www.cahabariverkeeper.org/
Mission:
The mission of the Cahaba Riverkeeper is to defend the ecological integrity of the Cahaba, its tributaries and watershed and to ensure clean water, a healthy aquatic environment, and the recreational and aesthetic values of the river. The Cahaba watershed is monitored to identify violations of clean water legislation. If notification to the violator and appropriate authorities fails to produce action, remedial and legal action is pursued to protect this unique natural resource and drinking water supply.
Save the skinny water,
LeeJ
