e 46-mile Valley Creek originates underground in
downtown Birmingham and runs west for about 2 miles
before rising to the surface near Legion Field. From there it
meanders southwest and then northwest through multiple
municipalities and unincorporated Jefferson County before
flowing into the Black Warrior River.
According to the online site BhamWiki, Birmingham's first
sewer system, a 15-mile labyrinth of brick tunnels built in
the 1880s, dumped directly into Valley Creek. And while the
intentional flow of sewage into the creek has long ceased,
its location – in the heart of urbanized metro Birmingham –
poses ongoing challenges for the waterway's health.
Despite these ongoing issues, Valley Creek is home to
many aquatic animals, and is a nesting location for birds,
amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Ongoing efforts by
multiple organizations, including the annual cleanups,
are helping to improve water quality and habitat along the
creek.
is year, there are two Valley Creek cleanups, March 16
and Sept. 28. e Village Creek cleanup is lated for
Sept. 12-14.
"For 13 years, we've been doing an in-creek and out-of-
creek cleanup, and we plan to work with Renew Our Rivers
for many more years," Owens said.
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