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a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om
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2016 Vol :3
"It's been a neat way to combine
education and outreach with outdoor
recreation," Nichols says.
Alabama Power became involved
in RiverKids two years ago as part
of its ongoing support of the ASRT.
The company provided video and
production services to create a five-
minute informational video from
Autauga Creek on RiverKids that
Felder and Couch used to promote the
program statewide.
More recently, the Alabama Power
Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant
to buy kayaks, trailers to haul the
kayaks, paddles and life jackets. Of
that amount, $10,000 will go to
three counties in the company's
Eastern Division; Coosa, Randolph
and Etowah.
"Alabama Power has been working
with the Alabama Scenic River Trail
since it first began as a vision of Fred
Couch and other river enthusiasts
and conservationists," says Eastern
Division Vice President Julia Segars.
"We are happy to see they are
extending their reach to children
in teaching them watercraft safety
and river ecology in a fun way. It's a
natural fit for our stewardship."
The remaining $5,000 from the
grant went to Shelby County, where
RiverKids is administered by 4-H
Foundation Agent Charity Battles.
"We discuss the natural things
we encounter along the way, such as
osprey, herons, cliff swallows, river
birch trees and water plants," says
