Events and Organizations:
Are you looking to connect with others in pursuit of a common environmental or agriculture-related goal, or searching for educational opportunities and community events? Check back here frequently for an updated calendar of events across the state related to farming, gardening, homesteading, environmental regeneration and self-sufficiency. We also have a list of local organizations and groups
Events around the state:
Solar Home Tour: Occurring annually (except during Covid), and based out of Blount County, this tour provides an opportunity to visit multiple off-grid and solar homes. It also serves as an educational and networking experience, connecting like-minded Alabamians and giving participants a glimpse at functioning homesteads, and the chance to experience the successes and challenges of those living with and using alternative energy sources every day. Learn more about the tour here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Solar-Tour-Alabama-2033704333525552/
Local Organizations:
Alabama Beekeepers Association:
If you have an interest in beekeeping, protecting our state’s pollinators, or producing honey as an agricultural product, membership in the Alabama Beekeepers Association may be an important step. Not only do they “assist in checking the spread of honey bee diseases, spread and exchange information on experiences, ideas and improved methods of production and sale of queens, package bees and honey, inform the public of the importance and value of honey bees as pollinators of plants and of honey as food for man, and elevate the business of beekeeping to a place of eminence in the agricultural industry,” they also work to teach everyone about the importance of the honeybee in all our lives. Check them out here: https://www.alabamabeekeepers.com/
The Alabama Sustainable Agricultural Network (ASAN):
What is ASAN? Taken directly from their website, “The Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN) is a grassroots network of farmers, consumers, and agriculture-related organizations, all committed to promoting sustainable agriculture in Alabama.” Executive Director Alice Evans, an experienced staff and board of directors, and a network of farmers, consumers, and agriculture-related organizations, all work together both to promote sustainable agriculture and to improve the situation of farmers in the state, while providing the state’s consumers with fresh local products. Learn more at ASAN’s website: https://asanonline.org/ or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/ASANonline/
The Alabama Rivers Alliance:
Alabama Rivers Alliance is “a statewide network of groups working to protect and restore all of Alabama’s water resources through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement.”
Our state has over 132,000 miles of streams and rivers. These waterways contain a higher diversity of animal and plant life than any other state in the US. Unfortunately, Alabama also has one of the highest extinction rates in North America. Our state’s water sources suffer from many issues, including the overflow of raw sewage into rivers and streams from failing storm drains and sewage systems, contamination from heavy metal-filled coal ash, a lack of dam safety laws and regulations, and health issues related to consumption of fish from contaminated bodies of water. Being a part of this community offers members an opportunity to affect positive change, both in our local environment and in the health of Alabama residents.
Check out the Alabama Rivers Alliance here: https://alabamarivers.org/
More organizations to come soon!