YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Birmingham Endangered Species Mural
20/11/15 14:56 Filed in: Environment
As we set out to find the artists working on the watercress darter mural the sun shone down on the city of Birmingham, Alabama rinsed clean by torrential rains the day before. Cruising along 2nd Avenue South, we soon spotted the artists transforming a grey cinderblock wall in to a vibrant mural. Curious to find out more about the project, we parked the car and introduced ourselves.
Local artists Creighton Tynes and Merrily Challis at work on the mural (photo. Boris Datnow)
The Birmingham mural features the watercress darter, a small, brilliantly colored, endangered fish found only in five spring-fed creeks located in the Black Warrior River system flowing through the Birmingham metropolitan area. This endangered species was almost wiped off the planet when a city maintenance crew removed a beaver dam, which drained the spring pool, killing thousands of watercress darters. Fortunately, conservation organizations are working to protect this unique species. Birmingham was selected by the as the site of darter mural because Alabama is a world hotspot for freshwater animal diversity, and the Center is working to protect hundreds of Alabama species from extinction.
Local artists Creighton Tynes and Merrily Challis at work on the mural (photo. Boris Datnow)
The Birmingham mural features the watercress darter, a small, brilliantly colored, endangered fish found only in five spring-fed creeks located in the Black Warrior River system flowing through the Birmingham metropolitan area. This endangered species was almost wiped off the planet when a city maintenance crew removed a beaver dam, which drained the spring pool, killing thousands of watercress darters. Fortunately, conservation organizations are working to protect this unique species. Birmingham was selected by the as the site of darter mural because Alabama is a world hotspot for freshwater animal diversity, and the Center is working to protect hundreds of Alabama species from extinction.
Roger Peet director of the mural Project with Claire (photo. Boris Datnow)
The Center for Biological Diversity’s endangered species mural project is spearheaded by Portland, Ore., artist Roger Peet, who has teamed up with local artists to bring endangered wildlife to public spaces around the country. The project aims to use art in public spaces to increase awareness of regional biodiversity.
The mural is being painted on the wall of the soon-to-be-opened Lake Cottage Books.
Like the Center for Biological Diversity, my mission is to inspire appreciation for the value and beauty of endangered species. Each time I write a new eco-mystery for the series, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six, upper elementary and middle grades, I am amazed at what I learn about the endangered species central to my story. It is my hope that my eco mysteries will inspire kids to take action in their own communities, and, ultimately, become wise stewards of the earth’s precious natural heritage. For More information and free teacher lesson plans visit: www.mediamint.net
Where: 7769 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, East Lake Neighborhood. (photo. Boris Datnow)
Center for Biological Diversity
Endangered Species Mural Project
Artist Roger Peet at work.(photo. Boris Datnow)
For additional information about the watercress darter and to visit The Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge:
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