Learn how to responsibly enjoy The Cahaba, one
of the most biodiverse rivers in the U.S.
BY JEANA DURST
happens to be located right in our backyard. The
Nature Conservancy noted The Cahaba River
as one of only eight “hotspots of biodiversity”
to numerous plants, including the iconic Cahaba
many other wildlife varieties. And lucky for us,
public access to the Cahaba River has been greatly
no guarantees that this biodiverse ecosystem will
remain healthy.
We caught up with David Butler, riverkeeper
out more about how families can enjoy the river
defend the ecological integrity of the river and
its watershed, the organization works “to ensure
clean water and a healthy aquatic environment,
and to preserve the recreational and aesthetic
16 Bham Family August 2020
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CAHABA RIVERKEEPER
values of the river basin.” Cahaba Riverkeeper
Cahaba and its tributaries, while keeping the
public informed about their discoveries.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The Cahaba is generally a very safe
river. However, water levels can change the
all people actually recognize how powerful
water is,” Butler says. In addition to following
standard safety practices, it’s always necessary
to let someone know when and where you are
going before setting out on the water. “In the
10 hours, and people aren’t prepared for the
happens when it rains and people are unable to
several municipalities rescue people off the river
routinely, and it is not uncommon for someone
include wearing appropriate clothing, taking
plenty of water, and being mindful of wildlife.
To understand more about water levels
and other safety considerations, consult
cahabablueway.org. It’s also a great resource for
/cahabablueway.org