DONATIONSGo to nature.org/donatealabama to donate.

Did you know that while you are planning for your future, you can plan for nature’s future too? There are planned gifts you can consider that might help you with your estate planning. These gifts might be as simple as a bequest or a gift specifically designed to provide income and at the same time benefit your favorite charity: The Nature Conservancy in Alabama. For example, a landowner recently discovered he could save thousands of dollars in future estate and capital gains taxes by making a gift of real estate. Best of all, these types of gifts provide support for the lands and waters you value so much right here in Alabama. If you have named the Conservancy as a beneficiary of your will, estate plan or retirement plan, please let us know. Call 205-251-1155, ext. 125, or email Jeffrey Ware at jeffrey.ware@tnc.org. We would love to thank you and welcome you to The Legacy Club.

Planning for Nature’s Future, Too

We are using the best available science to inform decision-making. A few of our most innovative tools are available to you:

Gulf of Mexico coastal wetlands along Mobile Bay, Alabama © Ami Vitale

© Andrew Kornylak

NATURE ALABAMAOCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Chris Oberholster © Beth Maynor Young

Friends,

The Nature Conservancy prides itself on being collaborative, creative and solutions-oriented. Our love of the Alabama outdoors—the place where we live, work, fish, hunt and play—unites us in a common goal to protect a state where both people and nature thrive. This, combined with a commitment to sound science, has produced a remarkable legacy of results. It’s what we bring to land deals in the mountains of north Alabama, stream restoration work on Little Shades Creek in Birmingham, and building living shorelines to make our Gulf Coast more resilient in the face of climate change. We appreciate your support and encouragement over the past quarter-century to protect all we love about Alabama. We hope that if you are not yet involved in our work that you will learn more about us, and join as a member and supporter.Chris Oberholster

Thoughts from the State Director

Building a Toolbox for Nature

Climate Wizard Allows you to access climate change data and visualize temperature and precipitation impacts anywhere on Earth at a local scale. climatewizard.org

Coastal Resilience Tool Explore flooding scenarios, analyze the potential impacts, and develop solutions to address these realities. coastalresilience.org

Urban Water Blueprint Analyzes the state of water in more than 2,000 watersheds and 530 cities, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa, to provide science-based recommendations to improve water quality. nature.org/waterblueprint

A New Member, In Her Own Words

Get Involved

Want to know more about what The Nature Conservancy is up to in Alabama? There are lots of ways to connect with us!

• Visit our homepage: nature.org/alabama• Sign up for our free e-newsletter: nature.org/greatplaces• Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/

thenatureconservancyinalabama

SETTLEMENT NOTES: DEEPWATER HORIZON DISASTERThe Gulf is one of the hardest working bodies of water in the world. It provides an incredibly diverse set of goods and services for our country. Alabama will receive $2.3 billion in a settlement resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. “The settlement seems to be a significant step forward to securing comprehensive Gulf of Mexico restoration. There is still a lot to learn about the details of this agreement, though it looks promising for environmental restoration of the Gulf. We are pleased that all of the parties decided to move forward to resolve these cases so that large-scale restoration can begin. The Gulf is an amazing place, and if this funding is directed to restoring the Gulf’s natural areas—its shorelines, wetlands, rivers and deepwater habitats—and if everyone works effectively together, we will be able to pass along a healthy Gulf to our children for all its many benefits,” notes Bob Bendick, Director of the Gulf of Mexico Program for The Nature Conservancy.

nature.org/alabamaThe Nature Conservancy2100 First Avenue North Suite 500Birmingham, AL 35203

Fishing boat and oil platform along the Alabama coast of the Gulf of Mexico. © Ami Vitale

(Left to right) Cathy Robertson and Bill Bennett canoeing the Cahaba River © Paul Freeman

News and Events

Most of my life I’ve been aware of the Conservancy and its mission. Yet, it never occurred to me to become a member or make a contribution until one magical day in May of this year. My friend and neighbor, a longtime TNC supporter, invited me to paddle the Little Cahaba and view the Cahaba lilies in bloom. I jumped at the opportunity, as I had developed a passion for this rare and beautiful species. After a short drive from Birmingham to neighboring Bibb County, we met other guests and Conservancy staff at property owned by TNC member Jim Wadsworth. Jim is working with the Conservancy to set aside his beautiful property for permanent protection, leaving a legacy that will provide enjoyment and environmental education in perpetuity. It is such a comforting thought to know that my children’s grandchildren can experience this unspoiled gem much the same way I did. We then traveled to nearby Bibb County Glades Preserve to launch canoes. We were guided by a team of Conservancy staff members, including Aquatic Ecologist Paul Freeman and Director of Terrestrial Conservation Keith Tassin, who enthusiastically shared their expertise on the fascinating species that make the Cahaba and its tributaries home. The experience made me eager to do my part in this effort to preserve, protect and educate. As soon as we got home, I got online and joined the Conservancy. When you join The Nature Conservancy today, you too will be welcomed into a family of dedicated individuals committed to protecting Earth’s most important lands and waters. Most importantly, you’ll make a difference and become a part of the Conservancy’s key to success in preserving our natural world now and for future generations. Just complete our safe and secure online membership form at nature.org/ALgive

“ As soon as we got home, I got online and joined the Conservancy.”

Cathy Robertson, a new member