11. From Source to Solution: Safeguarding Alabama’s Waters

11. From Source to Solution: Safeguarding Alabama’s Waters

Author: Jenn Galler June 6, 2025 Duration: 31:16

Today, I’m talking with Cindy Lowry, who is the Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

For over 25 years, the Alabama Rivers Alliance has been a powerful voice for the protection and restoration of Alabama’s incredible rivers, a network of waterways that are not only vital to the region’s ecology but also home to some of the richest aquatic biodiversity in the country. From the shimmering banks of the Coosa River to the lush wetlands teeming with unique fish, mussels, and other species.

Cindy shares the Alliance’s inspiring founding story and how it grew into a statewide coalition of over 100 partner organizations, all working together to protect clean water for all. We’ll explore key programs like the Water Infrastructure Resource Hub, designed to support communities with sustainable water solutions.

We’ll also hear about the challenges and victories in balancing hydropower energy needs with restoring natural river flows, a complex effort critical to both people and wildlife. 


Contact and connect with Cindy: clowry@alabamarivers.org 

ARA: https://alabamarivers.org/ 

DRIFT Fund: https://alabamarivers.org/drift/


Hosted by Jenn Galler, In Our Backyard Podcast is the voice of the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, bringing urgent local stories to the forefront. This isn't about abstract global debates; it's a grounded conversation focused on the very real industrial pressures facing specific towns and neighborhoods. Each episode examines a particular threat, from active coal plants and fracking operations to the routing of new pipelines, unpacking the complex realities behind the headlines. You'll hear directly from the residents and organizers who are living these fights, sharing their personal struggles and strategies for safeguarding both community health and the local environment. The discussions are detailed and thoughtful, prioritizing the experiences of those on the ground. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with the persistent, often overlooked work of environmental justice, understanding that the most critical battles for planetary protection frequently begin just outside our own doors.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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