FRCA Projects We have many different projects you can get involved with:
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FRCA received a grant from the World Wildlife Federation that we are using to define the Slackwater Darter's (Etheostoma boschungi) habitat range within the Flint River basin. The Slackwater Darter is federally listed as an "threatened" species, and very little is know about its habitat and how to protect the species. With the information we learn during our study, we will be able to better protect its habitat and work closely with surrounding landowners to implement best management practices. FRCA hopes to expand the habitat of the Slackwater Darter, and possibly identify sites currently used by the species.
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 Slackwater Darter, (Etheostoma boschungi) |
An important component of the project is the public education that we will generate through our volunteer training, public meetings, and landowner outreach. We will be able to educate a greater part of the local and scientific communities about the Slackwater Darter, other threatened species, and the importance of clean water initiatives. We hired a local biology graduate student intern and provided hands-on training for habitat assessments, water quality monitoring, outreach, and current GIS modelling techniques. Our intern will be able to strengthen her skills related closely to their degree and be well versed to work for future conservation groups. Our partnerships between local universities and extension agencies will increase awareness and support for local environmental research being conducted throughout the area. We submitted our first technical report to WWF on January 1, 2008. Click the following link to open the report: We've held two workshops, the first on April 5 and the second on April 26. FRCA members got out with maps, cameras, and GPS units to visit a variety of possible streams the Slackwater Darter might like. Here are a few pictures from our workshops:
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GPS units, clipboards, and cameras out volunteers used out in the field
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Allison Bohlman documenting a promising stream site |
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Purple Loosestrife is an aggressive invasive species brought to America in the 1800s as an ornamental garden plant. Even though it's pretty, it takes over wetlands and destroys native species and the native ecology. When purple loosestrife gets a foothold, the habitat where fish and wildlife feed, seek shelter, reproduce and rear young, quickly becomes choked under a sea of purple flowers. Some wildlife will eventually leave to find better habitat but the native plants and insects that can't move are killed by this invasion.
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To help control purple loosestrife in our area's wetlands, FRCA has a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to spray plants while they are growing to eradicate the invasive plant or at least to keep in under control. The Purple Loosestrife grant for Summer 2006- 2007 was very successful. We eradicated hundreds of individual plants near Big Cove Creek. If you would like to volunteer an evening or on a weekend, FRCA will reimburse you for your time and travel at the rate of $20 per trip. We'll start spraying in 2008 in the spring. To volunteer, contact Soos Weber. River Guardians Workshop Flint River Documentary on Discovering Alabama Promote Recycling in Huntsville Recycling takes little effort and you can find recycling centers in and around the Huntsville Area. To get a recycling bin Huntsville city residents can call 256-830-BINS (2467). The Allied Waste Recyclery is located at 1004 A Cleaner Way, just of Johnson Road behind the Huntsville Humane Society. Madison County and all others who live outside Huntsville should call 256-532-1513. There are six drop off sites within the Madison County. These drop off locations accept the same products as the curbside program, except for batteries and motor oil. These waste products may be dropped off on the first Saturday morning (8:00 am to noon) of each month at the Handle With Care facility at the SWDA Landfill, located at 4100 Leeman Ferry Road. For complete information on recycling visit the Solid Waste Disposal Authority. The River Guardians workshop will be the first of its kind in Madison County! FRCA is leading the way to educate and help promote conservation efforts around North Alabama. Our cause was featured on the front page of the Huntsville Times in November 2006 to help rally the local support we need! Headed by FRCA board members, we are leading our members and the public alike on important local watershed issues. We are spearheading a new extension of the River Guardians known as "The Muddy Waters Initiative." Flint River Conservation Association has been instrumental in the conservation of the Hays Nature Preserve and Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary--about 1,000 acres of Flint River Bottomlands. The Hays Nature Preserve will soon be a regional Watershed Education Center for the Flint River. Annual Clean Ups on the Flint River for National Public Lands Day. FRCA has hosted several educational workshops on:
Projects in 2003
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