Chewacla State Park to receive pollinator garden
CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA STATE PARKS
ALABAMA — Chewacla State Park will add a pollinator garden thanks to a grant to Alabama State Parks from the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils. The $25,000 grant will fund development of 12 pollinator gardens at state parks throughout the state.
Pollinators play a critical role in ecological balance, food production, biodiversity and environmental health. Bees, birds, moths, bats and other pollinators have been in decline in many parts of the country due to habitat fragmentation, pollution and invasive species. Pollinators need flowering plants and vegetation to live and forage for food, which the Alabama State Parks’ new pollinator gardens will supply.
“We truly appreciate RC&D for funding this project, which will create a new interactive experience for State Parks visitors to enjoy,” said Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein. “These pollinator gardens are more than just something pretty to look at and enjoy — they also improve and enhance habitat for pollinators, and that has incredible ecological benefits for all Alabamians.”
In addition to Chewacla State Park in Auburn, The pollinator gardens will be located in Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula, DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville, Cheaha State Park in Delta, Roland Cooper State Park in Camden, Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort and Lake Lurleen State Park in Coker.
“The new pollinator gardens are sure to become popular experiences at our State Parks,” Lein said. “We strive for every visitor to enjoy a first-class experience in our state parks, and these gardens definitely fulfill that goal.”
Six of the 12 pollinator gardens will include a children’s storybook trail experience, including Oak Mountain, Gulf, Wind Creek, Lakepoint, DeSoto and Joe Wheeler State Parks.
Explore all 21 Alabama State Parks by making reservations through the Plan Your Adventure Online portal at Alapark.com. Advance planning is encouraged to secure preferred dates.
ABOUT ALABAMA’S STATE PARKS SYSTEM
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com.
Beautification council dedicates two new benches at Town Creek Park
Beautification council dedicates two new benches at Town Creek Park
The city of Auburn recently celebrated Waste & Recycling Workers Week, recognizing those who keep our community clean and safe. Whether it’s rainy, sweltering, freezing or windy, Environmental Services crews show up year-round to service Auburn’s more than 17,000 garbage, recycling and trash customers.
Auburn water board releases consumer confidence report
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — Each year, the Water Works Board of the city of Auburn distributes its Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report to notify customers about the quality and safety of their drinking water.
The report provides information about the contaminants that may be found in the drinking water and how these contaminants may affect customers’ health. It is also an opportunity to educate customers about drinking water sources, treatment techniques and delivery methods used to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws.
A copy of the report has been mailed to all customers. Print copies are also be available at the Bailey Alexander Water and Sewer Complex (1501 W. Samford Ave.) and other city facilities. Those with questions may contact the Water Resource Management Department at (334) 501-3060.