Birmingham-based conservationist Ben Wegleitner has joined The Nature Conservancy in Alabama as urban freshwater restoration specialist. 

Wegleitner will put his experience as river sustainability director for the Cahaba River Society to work for the conservancy.

Before his time in Alabama, Wegleitner was addressing municipal stormwater challenges in Lafayette, Ind., and water quality, land use and watershed planning with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant across the Great Lakes Basin.

In June, The Nature Conservancy Alabama was awarded a multi-year grant to tackle urban watershed challenges head-on – Birmingham stormwater run-off and redirection. 

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Jason Throneberry, the conservancy’s director of Freshwater Programs, said he’s excited Wegleitner is on board.

“We are pleased to welcome Ben to The Nature Conservancy to help us expand our freshwater conservation efforts locally,” Throneberry said. “TNC’s work to protect Alabama’s waters extends from the Paint Rock River in the north to the furthest points south  leading to the Gulf; we are thrilled to add a focus on restoration efforts here in Birmingham through this fantastic hire.”  

Wegleitner will work on improving the sustainable management of and  restoration initiatives pertaining to freshwater conservation efforts in and around the Birmingham area.

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“Urban rivers are under incredible stress from flooding, polluted runoff, and aquatic habitat loss,” said Wegleitner. “Retrofitting stormwater infrastructure is essential for safe and healthy communities, but  these rivers also have incredible biodiversity that will benefit from better stormwater management. 

“There are tremendous partner organizations working on these issues around Greater Birmingham, and this added focus on project implementation by The Nature Conservancy will strengthen those efforts.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270