InSpire Award shines light on conservation efforts in Alabama

Spire leaders honor Cahaba River Society for protecting watershed  

The Cahaba River is a precious source of water for Alabama – providing drinking water for one-fifth of the state’s population. It’s also one of the most biodiverse waterways with more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America!  

Protecting a resource like the Cahaba River takes a lot of work, and it’s a task that the Cahaba River Society doesn’t take lightly.  

Their conservation efforts helped earn the organization a 2024 InSpire Award – created to honor nonprofits that make an exceptional difference in the communities they serve. During a ceremony in late November, Henry Campbell, director of advanced analytics, and Nick Isbell, service supervisor, met with Cahaba River Society staff to present them with the award.  

The presentation took place on the bank of the Cahaba River in Birmingham, a place where many Spire volunteers have spent a Day for Good cleaning the river. Henry currently serves on the Cahaba River Society board, and Nick is a long-time volunteer with the organization.

The Cahaba River Society team was honored for its dedication to protecting and restoring the Cahaba River watershed. The organization partners with volunteer organizations, like Spire, to keep the river, which serves as the main source of drinking water for nearly one-fifth of Alabamians, clean.

"The Cahaba River Society is honored to receive this 2024 InSpire Award," said Wil Rainer, field programs director for Cahaba River Society. "This award is a reflection of not only our longstanding partnership with Spire, but also of Spire's commitment to bettering our river and our community. Together we have turned shared values into impactful action, and we look forward to the many taro root digs, litter removals, fish fries, sponsorship events and paddling trips still ahead."