COVID-19 Update: How You Can Help

March 19, 2020

Dear Black Warrior Riverkeeper supporters,

I hope this note finds all of you well. During my March 13 Covid-19 update, I mostly focused on what our staff would be doing while the pandemic develops locally. Today I will relay what you can do to help us continue protecting the Black Warrior River watershed. I offer the following suggestions with humility, knowing that many of you are too busy bearing other burdens, but that others are looking for ways to make a positive impact.

Stay in touch. Our staff will continue to protect the watershed, but will be doing so from home and outdoors, not our office, until further notice. The best way to contact us with any questions or information is by emailing [email protected] and I will get your message to the appropriate staff member(s).

Report pollution. We continue to monitor pollution problems, and your tips remain crucial to helping us prioritize our investigations. Email [email protected] or use our online form where you can upload pictures: blackwarriorriver.org/report-pollution/.

Explore Waterkeepers Alabama’s interactive map. Among our thousands of supporters, some live, work, or play outside the Black Warrior River watershed. We want to make sure everyone knows which Waterkeeper to send support and pollution reports, so we launched this interactive map of 10 Waterkeepers’ patrol areas in Alabama: waterkeepersalabama.org/newwebsite/.

Volunteer. Several of our ongoing community service projects can be done from home, such as social media outreach. Other projects, especially litter cleanups, can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, either alone or with your family. Learn more here: blackwarriorriver.org/volunteer/.

Donate. Please visit blackwarriorriver.org/donate/ to make tax-deductible donations toward our continued clean water advocacy – if you are able at this time.

Take action. Check out this list of ways you can help protect the watershed and your community from your own computer, phone, boat, or backyard: blackwarriorriver.org/take-action/

Review water quality data. Our ambient water quality monitoring program continues. View its results and learn more about the program here: blackwarriorriver.org/ambient-water-monitoring/

Keep informed. For frequent updates, please continue to check these channels:
Website: BlackWarriorRiver.org
Facebook: facebook.com/BlackWarriorRiverkeeper
Twitter: twitter.com/BWRiverkeeper
Instagram: instagram.com/blackwarriorriverkeeper

Thank you for considering the aforementioned options, and for all your support in general. While we must take the COVID-19 crisis seriously, we will never neglect the continuous public health crisis of pollution. With your help, we will continue finding solutions to pollution while we all get through this pandemic. My prayers are with you and your families.

For Clean Water and Healthy Communities,

Charles Scribner
Executive Director
Black Warrior Riverkeeper