Flint River Conservation Association

We are inviting FRCA members to join fellow citizens from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Alabama A&M University campus ARC auditorium on Akimbo Road near the intersection of Chase and Melody Roads. ADEM has partnered with AAMU to provide an opportunity to receive training on how to obtain information related to environmental issues within their community.  Topics to be discussed:  e-Complaint -  Allows citizens to file an environmental complaint electronically and track the complaint.  e-File – Allows  citizens to access environmental files for industries and businesses that operate under ADEM permits.  What’s Happening in your County – Allows citizens to access environmental activities that are occurring within a specific county.

Due to rain, the invasive species round up in Monte Sano State Park will be postponed one week to Saturday, Feb. 11^th from 1-4.

On Saturday, Feb. 4^th from 1-4,  we will be removing at least 4 species of invasive plants  in Monte Sano State Park on  Bankhead Parkway—an old park road closed to vehicles.  Participants can meet at the Scenic Overlook, which is also Site #29 on the North Alabama Birding Trail.  Tools such as long handled loppers, weedeaters with brush blades, some grubbing hoes, and of course gloves, will be needed.  The species we are targeting are Royal Paulownia,  Multiflora Rose,  Bush Honeysuckle,  and Chinese Wisteria.          Contact Soos Weber for more information:  256-509-1219. 

Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the intersection of I-565 and US Hwy 431/231 (Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 south for 4.5 miles. Turn left on Monte Sano Blvd. and travel 2.6 miles to Nolen Ave. Turn right on Nolen Ave. and stay on Nolen until you enter the park. Follow the state park signs to the Scenic Overlook.   Get map from MapQuest (new window will open)

Join us at 320 Fountain Circle to hear Cindy Lowry, Executive Director of The Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) talk about their work to make a comprehensive water plan a reality for Alabama.  The ARA revamped the Alabama Water Agenda in 2011 to outline 4 key solutions for achieving healthy rivers.   The absence of a clear plan to account for & allocate the state’s water jeopardizes our water security and environment.    www.alabamarivers.org

Join us at Monte Sano State Park Lodge at 6:30 for the celebration and potluck.  Our guest speaker will be Paul Freeman, aquatic ecologist with the Nature Conservancy.  He will tell us about their report; Priorty Areas for Freshwater Conservation: A Biodiversity Assessment of the Southeastern United States.  This is a casual event.  We will provide ham, turkey, and beverages.  Bring a side dish (with utensil) to share.

Dr. Bill Deutsch, known for clean water advocacy and assistance in third world countries, will be the primary instructor for our citizens water quality monitoring class.  This will be on Saturday,  Nov. 19,  from 9-3 at the  Public Services Building, 320 Fountain Circle.  Participants will receive instruction on water resources and how to determine water quality using chemical test kits.  The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.  Register online at:  alabamawaterwatch.org   or Contact Rita toll free at 888-844-4785, or locally call 256-509-1219.

We have an ongoing project at this ”top of the watershed” location in Monte Sano State Park.  Volunteers and state park personnel have started working on the Gatehouse at the Scenic Overlook.  Please call Soos Weber at 256-539-3747 if you wish to work on this project or make a donation.

October 18, 6 p.m.  Our speaker will be Daphne Moland of Wheeler Refuge  320 Fountain Circle

Tues., Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.  -  Monte Sano State Park Lodge  -  $40.00 for rainbarrel and connections.  Limited to 50 families.  Call 256-539-3747 for information or to register.

Citizen Water Monitoring Workshop with Dr. Bill Deutsch on Friday evening, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st.  Register for this free workshop by September 25th at 256-539-3747.