Mission

Cahaba River Coalition works to protect and restore the Cahaba River and its watershed. Through science, education, and community action, we safeguard one of Alabama’s most extraordinary natural resources for the people, wildlife, and communities that depend on it.

We study the river, advocate for its protection, and connect people directly to the water so they understand why it matters.

Protecting the Cahaba takes all of us. Join Cahaba River Coalition to help ensure this remarkable river remains healthy for generations to come.

Join Cahaba River Coalition

Volunteer

Cahaba Riverkeeper

Cahaba River Coalition has a Staff Riverkeeper and is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a global network dedicated to protecting waterways.

The Riverkeeper monitors the watershed, investigates pollution, and works to prevent threats to the river before they occur. When the river is harmed or laws are violated, the Riverkeeper holds polluters accountable and advocates for the rights of the watershed and the communities that depend on it.

Report Pollution

Environmental Education

Cahaba River Coalition believes people who understand the river are better equipped to protect it. Our education programs connect students and community members to the Cahaba through hands-on learning and real-world science.

We introduce future river stewards to the watershed starting as early as third grade and continue supporting their growth through high school, college, and beyond. Along the way, we help participants understand how everyday actions—from stormwater runoff to litter—can impact the river, and how they can help protect it.

Through our CLEAN Environmental Education program, students explore the Cahaba through stream walks and canoe trips that bring watershed science to life.

Bring Your Class

Volunteer Mobilization

Community volunteers play a vital role in protecting the Cahaba.

Throughout the year, volunteers join us to remove trash, restore habitat, and combat invasive species along the river and its tributaries. These hands-on efforts improve ecosystem health while connecting people directly to the river they are helping protect.

Volunteer Now

Research and Monitoring

Science guides our work to protect the Cahaba River.

Cahaba River Coalition conducts water quality monitoring, supports scientific research, and connects researchers to the watershed. By gathering and sharing data, we help scientists, policymakers, and communities better understand the river and the challenges it faces.

Swim Guide Sampling

Cahaba River Coalition collects samples throughout the watershed from May through September to monitor water quality and provide insight into the health of the river. We make this information available to the public through Swim Guide.

Cahabapedia

Cahabapedia is an interactive and dynamic GIS map of the Cahaba River and its tributaries. Cahabapedia removes silos among federal, state, local, and academic institutions conducting long-term studies and responding to urgent issues.

Microplastics Study

We study microplastic pollution in the Cahaba River and monitor changes over time.

DNA Fish Study

Cahaba River Coalition collaborates with partners to collect samples for Environmental DNA testing to understand how biodiversity in the watershed is changing.

Help Protect and Restore the Cahaba River

The Cahaba River is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America—and it needs people who care about its future.

Become a member or volunteer today and be part of this mission.

Become a Member

Volunteer Today