| Joy Harris

Mike Roden, Executive Director of Water Works Center for Environmental Education (left), and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, show off one of the 52 new kayaks funded by the Alabama Scenic River Trail; the National Park Service; Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation and Development; and Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education July 15. This is part of the RiverKids program to show Alabama’s youth the wonders of the state’s river systems and the importance of conserving these environments. “Kids just don’t get in touch with the natural world like they used to,” Roden said. “This is a way to not only to get kids on the river but also to give them an opportunity to participate in kayaking events at the Alabama Sports Festival.”