Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/773040
33 Shor e l i n e S | 2016 Vol :3 Above: Photo provided by ruSSell davidSon — Russell and Morgan Davidson at a cleanup on the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River. While the cleanups have become a tradition for the Smiths, another father and daughter, Russell Davidson and 15-year-old Morgan, shared the experience for the first time in July. "Last spring, I took Morgan fishing on the Warrior River, and there was trash everywhere," says Davidson, Gorgas plant control operator. "We got to discussing how people don't care for the river and don't take pride in it. It's frustrating to me knowing people don't care about the environment any more than they do. I decided to bring Morgan to the Gorgas cleanup this year so she would have the opportunity to do something about it." Russell and Morgan, a 10th-grader at Curry High School, were assigned to remove the trash that had become lodged in the weeds and bushes along the shore. While Russell drove the boat, it was Morgan's job to use tongs to dig the trash from the bushes and bring it aboard. Because the bushes were teeming with spiders, Russell says he was concerned Morgan might shy away from the task at hand. But he had no reason to fear. She readily leaned into the bushes looking for every scrap and bottle. Russell says along with everyday trash, they found several couch cushions and even a child's playhouse, which was so bulky that it took about eight volunteers to drag it onto one of the pontoon boats. "I liked seeing how many people came to help, and I've always enjoyed working and being outdoors," Morgan says of her day on the water. Enjoying the outdoors with her dad is nothing new for Morgan. "I've always been my dad's co- pilot," says Morgan, who has been fishing with her father since she was 6 years old. "So anytime he asks me to help, especially if it's outside, I don't hesitate because I enjoy learning new things and being with my daddy." Russell and Morgan are already looking forward to next year's cleanup. "The most enjoyable thing for me was teaching Morgan to take pride in the environment," says Russell. "Just because you didn't make the mess, doesn't mean you should overlook it and not pick it up." – CAR L A DAVIS