SHORELINES

Q1 Shorelines 2019

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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. 15 www.apcshorelines.com

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