Providing a world-class opportunity to study in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country
The University of West Alabama Foundation is proud to highlight the ongoing success of the UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center, located on 2,100 acres of property in Bibb County, Alabama. For years, the Center has provided a world-class opportunity for faculty and students (both undergraduate and graduate) to engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on learning experiences in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country. This facility exemplifies the University’s commitment to a fully immersive conservation biology program.
Through multidisciplinary projects, the Center supports vital research in botanical and zoological biodiversity, ecology, archaeology, water quality, and conservation land management, among many other areas. Its mission is to foster discovery and learning while advancing the University’s role as a leader in environmental conservation and education.
“There are a million teachable moments on this tract of land. I am happy UWA will be providing those moments to students.”
Mr. Bill Hubbard
Situated on over 2,100 acres in Bibb County, Alabama, with extensive frontage on the Cahaba River, the property is a haven for unique and rare plants and animals. This includes the endemic Alabama Croton, as well as fish, mussels, and snails found only in the Cahaba River ecosystem. The Center serves as an outdoor classroom and a frequent field trip destination for UWA students, as well as for other universities and institutions. It also accommodates researchers from other organizations seeking to study the area’s unparalleled biodiversity.
The UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center continues to provide transformative educational and research opportunities, establishing itself as a premier site for the study of one of the most ecologically significant regions in the world.
The Case for Supporting UWA’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center
The University of West Alabama Foundation is actively seeking financial support to enhance and sustain the Cahaba Biodiversity Center. Key funding priorities include:
- An Education Building To maximize the research and teaching potential of the Center, UWA aims to construct a state-of-the-art facility featuring classrooms, dining, and lodging accommodations for students and researchers.
- Enhancements to Existing Facilities A major milestone has been the renovation of “The Barn,” transforming its second floor into a residential space with two faculty bedrooms, four student dorm rooms, four and a half bathrooms, a common kitchen and dining area, gathering space, and meeting rooms. This upgrade enables the Center to comfortably house up to 22 students, faculty, and visiting researchers.
- A Stewardship/Maintenance Endowment Most of the property’s acreage is protected under two conservation easements. Long-term maintenance and stewardship of this land are critical. A well-funded endowment will ensure the ongoing preservation of these vital ecosystems, and contributions toward this effort are greatly appreciated.
In The News
Learn more about the Cahaba Biodiversity Center by viewing this Absolutely Alabama syndicated news story originally aired April 18, 2021.
Contact Information
Joan Rundles, MAT
UWA Station 7 // Livingston, AL 35470
jrundles@uwa.edu
205-652-3862
Brian R. Keener, Ph.D.
UWA Station 7 // Livingston, AL 35470
bkeener@uwa.edu
205-652-3796
Pledge Your Support
Dr. J.J. Wedgworth
UWA Station 6 // Livingston, AL 35470
jwedgworth@uwa.edu
205-652-5459