SoulGrown

One of the most effective ways to support Alabama’s environment is by restoring native habitats. Kyle Lybarger, founder of the Native Habitat Project, emphasizes the importance of planting native species and removing invasive ones. “The grasslands are slowly being destroyed, but you can choose to bring them back,” he says. Native plants provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife, help maintain soil health, and require less water and maintenance than non-native alternatives. To get started, landowners should educate themselves on native plant species and avoid planting harmful invasive species. Resources such as the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) and The Nature Conservancy in Alabama offer valuable guidance on identifying and cultivating native species. Understanding what’s safe to plant and how to manage your land is crucial to conservation efforts. Thomas Reddick, a conservation advocate, believes education is one of the most powerful tools to protect Alabama’s landscape. “Whether you’re managing acres of land or just your own backyard, it’s important to understand what’s safe to plant,” he shares. Even if you don’t own vast stretches of land, these are simple yet impactful steps you can take to protect the natural beauty of Alabama the Beautiful. Photo Credit to The Nature Conservancy in Alabama

Birmingham-based vocalist Kathleen Farrar Buccleugh has performed classical music on stages across the country and around the world. The soprano has wowed audiences across Alabama, New York, and Vermont. She’s performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/Alliance Theatre and with the Bassi Brugnatelli Chamber Orchestra in Italy, and in summer 2017, she was in residence with the Utah Festival Opera. But when she takes the stage at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater in early April, she’ll be doing something she’s never done before—a solo opera. Opera Birmingham is set to present The Diary of Anne Frank, starring Buccleugh, on April 5th and 6th. This one-act, one-woman show is based on the posthumously published journals of Anne Frank, a German-born Jewish girl who lived in hiding in Amsterdam with her family during World War II. When asked what it meant to be tapped to lead the show, Buccleugh shared, “I was so thrilled, but it’s terrifying at the same time.” Hear from Buccleugh about the highly anticipated one-woman show below. https://lnkd.in/e_JUyd9J

As spring arrives in Alabama, so does an exciting lineup of music festivals that celebrate the state’s diverse music scene. Whether you enjoy blues, country, bluegrass, or rock, these festivals draw in music enthusiasts far and wide with unforgettable experiences featuring prominent musical talents and a shared love of music, food, and the arts. Meet the unforgettable festivals coming to Alabama this spring at the link below. https://lnkd.in/eJ7-5sia

“Freedom Monument Sculpture Park honors the lives and memories of the 10 million Black people who were enslaved in America and celebrates their courage and resilience,” shared Tera DuVernay, Deputy Director of The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice. “At this site, along the very river where enslaved people were brought, the works of art invite an immersive, interactive journey and provide a unique view into the lives of enslaved people.” Here, history is confronted not only through words but through astonishing art, original artifacts, and immersive experiences that honor the lives, resilience, and contributions of those who lived through this dark chapter of American history. https://lnkd.in/ebrh6cgU

This fall, the hallowed grounds of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, will host the 1st annual Iron Hills Country Music Festival. The weekend of October 11th & 12th, rising country stars and modern chart toppers will intersect with legacy country artists on two stages over two days for an unforgettable weekend of country music and more. As Birmingham’s first ever country music festival, Iron Hills aims to deliver the most hospitable concert and event experience in the South. https://lnkd.in/gShtsHZE

At SoulGrown, we hold a deep passion for showcasing the beauty of Alabama. From bustling city centers to peaceful natural landscapes, there is a story to be told from every corner of our state. We seek to highlight all our state has to offer through series like our State Parks Passport, which explores the diverse collection of state parks open to adventurers and those seeking to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Fueled by a similar appreciation for our state’s natural offerings, the Alabama Tourism Department recently held the official launch of their Year of Alabama Trails campaign at Vulcan Park and Museum overlooking downtown Birmingham. The goal of the multi-year campaign is to celebrate the state’s extensive trail systems and their positive impact on tourism, conservation, quality of life, and economic development. “For more than 20 years, our ‘Year Of’ campaigns have introduced visitors to the people, places, and experiences that make Alabama unique,” said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “Trails offer one of the most immersive ways to explore our state—whether from the seat of a bike, the path beneath your boots or the pull of a paddle. This year, we’re inviting everyone to get outside and experience Alabama’s natural beauty in a way only our trails can provide.” Hear more from Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell and Executive Director of Freshwater Land Trust Rusha Smith. https://lnkd.in/eFV6Q3cW

High school counselors from across the state came to The University of Alabama on Feb. 24 and 25 for the STARS Counselor Drive-In to learn about resources and opportunities available to their students. As part of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) Network, a group of the nation’s most prominent institutions, UA is widening the path to higher education for rural and small-town students in the state. The event concluded with a tour of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium and photos with UA’s mascot, Big Al. #Sponsored

When picturing The Alamite Hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, one of the first things that comes to mind is the eye-catching artwork found throughout the space, from the lobby to the rooftop bar. Curated largely by Blair Plott, a member of The Alamite’s ownership group, the collection features works by many talented local artists and each piece holds a unique story. SoulGrown is excited to continue an exclusive series of interviews, deep dives, and more that tell each artist’s tale. This edition’s interview is with talented local artist Kristin Blakeney. Read the full interview and see Kristin's stunning work below. https://lnkd.in/ez4GX3r9

The proprietor of Shashy's in Montgomery is the always on the go Jimmy Shashy. He’s been running the place for 35 years give or take, and shows no signs of letting up. He’s also a sometime waiter, head baker, and chief menu maker. And what a menu it is. Always known for their bespoke takes on classic dishes like eggs Benedict at breakfast and the Alabama vegetable plate at lunch, the dinner options pick up right where those leave off. The appetizers are fresh, light and plentiful. Fried green tomatoes with the house made ranch and the fried oysters with house made cocktail are joined by Peter Shashy’s Bayou La Batre Raw Oysters, Jimmy’s shrimp and crab gumbo, red beans and rice — where the rice is always fluffy! Your favorite classic dishes like the other worldly Greek style fresh gulf snapper, the perfectly smoked beef tenderloin, and all your fried seafood favorites are all accounted for. Don’t forget the shrimp and oysters! Miss Annie – the 78 year old fry cook has been dropping quality seafood into clean hot grease for over 20 years. Some even say she is the glue that keeps the whole place together. Read the full Shashy's review by David Mowery. https://lnkd.in/eSVkzh3U

We had the honor of interviewing the incredible Florence-based fashion designer Billy Reid for our most recent episode of Get to Know Alabama. Watch the full interview below. https://lnkd.in/eR6jJ8bh