BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Freshwater Land Trust teamed up with B.A.S.S. employees Friday, Nov. 13, for a volunteer workday to restore critical habitat for the endangered vermilion darter and watercress darter. The volunteers worked at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, Ala., to remove invasive species and replant native shrubs along the creek.
See photos of the B.A.S.S. work day here.
“This was our second work day with the FWLT,” said Bruce Akin, CEO at B.A.S.S. “B.A.S.S. prides itself on its conservation efforts, and as a partner of the FWLT it is very rewarding to restore habitat and to protect an endangered indigenous species here in central Alabama.”
Both the watercress and vermilion darters are endemic to Jefferson County, Alabama. The vermilion darter’s habitat is limited to only a 6-mile segment of Turkey Creek.
“Turkey Creek is such a unique treasure to Alabama, and it is our goal to ensure its natural heritage is preserved forever. Good partners like B.A.S.S. make that possible,” said Wendy Jackson, Freshwater Land Trust executive director. “We’re proud to have a partner who understands the importance and value of conservation.”
B.A.S.S. has been a conservation partner with the FWLT since the company relocated to the Birmingham area in 2011. The FWLT has prided itself in preserving land in more than eight counties in central Alabama. The trust focuses on five different priorities when it comes to conservation: water quality protection, biological conservation, recreational potential, important connectors between conservation areas, and community conservation priorities.
More About The Freshwater Land Trust
The FWLT is a nonprofit organization whose mission is the acquisition and stewardship of lands that enhance water quality and preserve open space. Since 1996, the trust has worked to acquire, conserve and connect lands that are critical for the protection of rivers and streams and that provide recreational opportunities for the community.
The FWLT owns and manages more than 5,000 acres, making it one of the largest owners of private nature preserves in the state of Alabama. With its many partners, it has helped protect more than 10,000 acres throughout central Alabama.
For more information on the FWLT, visit www.freshwaterlandtrust.org.