Jim Wadsworth named 2026 River Steward of the Year by Cahaba River Coalition

Jim Wadsworth has spent years working quietly to protect the Cahaba River, and last week, the Cahaba River Coalition (CRC) wanted to make sure everyone knows it.

At its first annual meeting as a combined organization, CRC named Wadsworth its 2026 River Steward of the Year, an honor recognizing individuals whose work aligns with the coalition’s mission to preserve and protect the Cahaba watershed.

Cahaba River Coalition marks first year since merger

The event, held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, doubled as a progress report for the year since Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper merged to form Cahaba River Coalition. The organizations officially combined on August 29, 2025.

“Since that time we’ve continued all the legacy programs of both organizations. We’ve kind of expanded our staff and our capacity to work the entire watershed.”

David Butler, CRC’s executive director and riverkeeper

Some of those improvements are that:

• CRC has expanded its staff and capacity to cover the entire Cahaba watershed, including the lower end of the river for the first time.
• The coalition is growing its swim guide, education and excursion programs.
• Design work is underway to improve river access in Bibb and Perry counties, with public meetings planned in the coming month.

Jim Wadsworth’s role in Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge expansion

Wadsworth’s ties to the Cahaba go back years. In 2021, he engineered the 1,164-acre expansion of Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge through a series of land purchases, later transferring the acreage to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at no personal profit, growing the refuge by about 25%.

This summer, Wadsworth sold CRC 151 acres in Bibb County adjacent to the refuge, along the Little Cahaba River — land home to one of the river’s healthiest stands of Cahaba lilies and rare mussel populations. The sale, which closed in June, was the coalition’s first-ever land acquisition.

“Jim has long recognized the value of public land, and just pulled up a map one day and found this piece of property that he thought would be a great addition to the refuge, and he made it happen.”

David Butler, CRC’s executive director and riverkeeper

“We’re extremely grateful for Jim and all his work. He’s a huge part of why we continue to do this work.”

Paige Goldschmidt, CRC’s senior development manager

Wadsworth joins previous River Steward of the Year honorees, which includes:

• Beth Stewart
• Brett and Judy Butler
• Michelle Blackwood

How to report pollution on the Cahaba River

CRC relies on landowners and community members along the river’s 191 miles to flag pollution and other threats, since staff can’t monitor every mile alone.

Notify CRC of a concern on its dedicated page for reporting pollution or river threats.