State leaders, conservation partners, and landowners gathered Nov. 6 at The Ridge in Greene County to launch a major effort to restore one of Alabama’s most endangered landscapes — the Black Belt Prairie.
The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (ALSWCC) announced the start of the Alabama Blackbelt Prairie Initiative, a five-year restoration project supported by a $17.5 million USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program grant, along with additional funding from the Alabama Legislature.
Ashley Henderson, Assistant Executive Director of ALSWCC, said the launch marked a significant step toward restoring prairie lands across the region.
“Today’s launch represents more than just funding—it marks the beginning of real, on-the-ground restoration work that will strengthen both Alabama’s natural landscapes and the communities that depend on them,” Henderson said.
Over the next five years, ALSWCC will work with producers and landowners to restore 8,000 acres of prairie through cost-share assistance, technical guidance, and conservation planning. The project covers 19 counties throughout the Black Belt region.
“Some acres will return to productive grazing; others will be managed as wildlife habitat or outdoor recreation areas,” Henderson said. “Each will demonstrate how prairie restoration can support families, wildlife, and local economies.”
Field practices will include prescribed fire, removal of invasive species, the use of native warm-season grasses, and rotational grazing techniques designed to restore soil health, biodiversity, and the native seed bank.
Henderson emphasized the importance of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) as a key partner in the prairie effort.
“No other organization has done more to demonstrate that prairie restoration works and that it can coexist with productive agriculture than AWF,” she said.
Joining Henderson at the event were several leaders representing conservation, state government, and higher education, including:
- Mark M. Tuggle, Chief of Staff for the Alabama Speaker of the House
- Cameron Smith, President of the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
- Dr. Todd G. Fritch, President of the University of West Alabama
- Kelli Wolfe, West Alabama Field Representative for U.S. Senator Katie Britt
- Claude Jenkins, Wildlife Biologist with the Alabama Wildlife Federation
Tuggle said the project reflects the Legislature’s continued support for impactful conservation efforts. “This project is a testament to the Legislature’s ongoing commitment to supporting Alabama’s Black Belt through impactful, targeted investments,” Tuggle said.
Tuggle added, “Simply put, using $2 million in state funding to leverage an almost $18 million federal grant is a great deal for the people of this region and will have a long-term impact on the preservation of native prairies. Alabama is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, and projects like this ensure future generations have the opportunity to experience it.”
Tim Gothard, Executive Director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, also expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the restoration work.
“We look forward to continuing our work in the Black Belt and partnering with landowners in this area to address their desire to restore the native prairie,” Gothard said. “Furthermore, this work will enhance the outdoor recreation and eco-tourism that the Black Belt is becoming known for.”
Landowners seeking more information on the initiative can contact Harli Willis, Program Conservationist with ALSWCC, at (334) 832-8569.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
