UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center

08/04/2026

Schedule here before your date is booked! https://uwa.jotform.com/form/uwa-cbc-interest-form

07/29/2026

As part of National Moth Week, the Cahaba Biodiversity Center hosted an evening dedicated to documenting Alabama's nocturnal Lepidoptera. Using ultraviolet light sheets, participants observed and identified more than 250 moth species, contributing to ongoing biodiversity documentation while gaining a greater appreciation for the ecological
significance of these often-overlooked insects. Events like these strengthen our understanding of local species diversity and support future conservation efforts.

07/21/2026

For three days, the CBC welcomed Alabama educators for the 2026 UWA Data Science & Data Literacy Summer Institute. Participants explored systems thinking, data literacy, and hands-on activities that demonstrated how real-world data can be used to engage students and strengthen classroom learning. Through collaborative lessons, data investigations, and classroom planning, educators gained new tools and resources to take back to their schools. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners for making this valuable professional development opportunity possible!

07/19/2026

We would love to have you!

Join us for our 2nd Annual Moth Blitz at the UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center as we celebrate National Moth Week!

This public event is open to anyone interested in exploring the amazing diversity of moths and other nighttime wildlife.

Register here: https://forms.gle/Efc5883hYeRUL44c9

Help us spread the word!

07/16/2026

We had a great time welcoming the Cahaba River Coalition Summer Camp to the CBC! Students spent the day exploring our Dendrology Trail, learning about plant diversity, practicing tree identification, and discovering the unique ecosystem found inside our cave. It was a day full of hands-on learning, curiosity, and exploring the incredible biodiversity that makes Alabama so special.

07/15/2026

We were happy to host the Energy in Action Professional Development Workshop here at the CBC! Alabama educators spent the day learning about energy through hands-on activities while receiving lesson plans, classroom activities, and other resources they can take back to their classrooms.

07/15/2026

Register with the QR code or https://uwa.jotform.com/form/scienceclub2026

07/14/2026

We've taken a likin’ to lichens!
This past week, Curtis Hansen, Curator of Auburn University’s Freeman Herbarium, led a professional development workshop introducing Alabama educators to the fascinating world of lichens and their importance to our environment. Participants explored the field by collecting their own lichen samples before returning to the lab for a closer look and identification.
Thank you, Curtis, for sharing your knowledge and expertise with both our staff and Alabama's educators. We hope everyone left with new ideas and hands-on experiences to bring back to their classrooms!

06/29/2026

Did you know Alabama is home to one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America?

The June issue of National Geographic shines a national spotlight not only on the Cahaba River, calling it the "Fishiest River" in America, but also Brian Keener, director of the University of West Alabama’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center, who calls the river “an absolute global biodiversity hot spot.”

Click on the link and scroll down to the "Fishiest River" to read this fascinating story about one of Alabama's greatest ecological wonders.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/wonders-america-250-united-states

[Illustration by Madison Mayfield, for National Geographic]

06/28/2026

This past Saturday, the CBC hosted a Snake Training for first responders, providing hands-on experience with 5 of Alabama's 6 venomous snake species. Participants learned proper snake identification, safe handling techniques, and how to respond confidently and safely to encounters with snakes in the field.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this training a success. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our communities safe while promoting respect and conservation for Alabama's native wildlife.