Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/818529
35 Initially, their efforts consisted mostly of offers to partner with or assist other organizations dedicated to waterways and the environment. "We wanted them to know we were here, we were a trustworthy partner and we weren't trying to step on anyone's toes," said Felder, now executive director. "We were looking for ways to work together." Couch's and Felder's persistence has paid off with impressive results. Between 2004 and 2014, the percentage of people in Alabama who reported that they paddled recreationally increased from zero to nearly 7 percent. To accommodate this growth, the number of paddling outfiers in the state increased from 10 in 2009 to more than 45 in 2016, bringing new jobs and increased tourism. In addition to supporting outdoor activity as a healthy form of recreation, Couch and Felder's efforts have taught thousands "Many of the kids that go through this program ask for their own kayaks for Christmas." – Jim Felder, executive director, Alabama Scenic River Trail of young Alabamians greater environmental awareness. In 2016, the Alabama Power Foundation awarded a grant to Alabama Scenic River Trail to support its RiverKids program, a summer event founded in 2012 and designed to introduce Alabama's young people to the sport of recreational paddling and the state's bounty of river trails. In its first year, RiverKids served about 800 children. "But it reached more people than that," said Felder. "By the end of paddling season, brothers and sisters came out as well. The families got involved." By 2014, the number of participants in the program had grown to around 1,200. In 2015, RiverKids started a partnership with 4-H Clubs of Alabama. Today, the 4-H RiverKids program serves more than 1,600 children across Alabama each year. One of the chief strengths of this program is its reach into communities across the state. Kids finish the program, and they want to stay out on the water and share what they've learned with their friends and family. "We get calls all the time from parents about buying kayaks," said Felder. "Many of the kids that go through this program ask for their own kayaks for Christmas." Environment