Restoring Natural Resources

Southern Company has a long history of partnering with communities, conservation organizations, and natural resource agencies to help threatened and vulnerable species, restore forests and clean waterways. In 2006, Southern Company and its subsidiaries became the Southern region lead corporate sponsor for the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program and have expanded to support communities and have expanded to support communities across the United States.

Restoration efforts include a variety of activities, including debris removal; enhancing stream buffers; providing outdoor classrooms and ecotourism through park, riverfront, wetland and coastal area enhancements; and engaging citizens in on-the-ground restoration.

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program supports community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration nationwide and includes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southern Company and its subsidiaries, and other corporate sponsors.

The hallmark of this nationwide program is strengthening community involvement in natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and hands-on projects by targeting wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration.

Partnerships include at least five participants, i.e., “Five Stars,” from local government, businesses, schools, and youth, environmental and citizen organizations.