⏲️ This month’s edition contains 1016 words (just over a 3-4 minute read).

CONSERVE Future Ecologies Lab Brings Advanced DNA Analysis

to UA

A process that once took two full days now takes about an hour. The CONSERVE Future Ecologies lab's new KingFisher Apex is the first genomics platform of its kind at The University of Alabama, dramatically expanding the University's capacity to study full ecosystems and compete with leading research institutions. The equipment is already accelerating rivercane restoration research and creating hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of water scientists.

New CIROH Research Awards Advance NextGen Water Prediction

New CIROH research projects will strengthen the Next Generation Water Resources Modeling Framework, advancing forecasting platforms and expanding flood inundation modeling nationwide. The 47-project fiscal year 2025 portfolio totals $25.5 million from NOAA.

GWSC: Drought May Test Central Asia’s New Cooperative Approach

After years of conflict over shared water resources, Central Asian nations have reached a new level of cooperation. GWSC researchers examine whether the region's fragile agreements can hold as reservoirs fall to historic lows and downstream neighbors brace for shortages.

New UA Facility Focused on Water Will Support Research

The University of Alabama will open the UA Wiregrass Hub in downtown Enterprise, Alabama, in fall 2026. The facility will house the CRIMSON Water Initiative, using data analysis and forecasting tools to help communities prepare for and rapidly respond to floods, droughts and other water-related challenges.

GWSC Welcomes Peter Schwartzstein to UA

International journalist and researcher Peter Schwartzstein visited The University of Alabama February 18-19, drawing more than 100 students, faculty and staff to a public lecture on how water scarcity, governance and conflict intersect across the globe.

GWSC Joins Reservoir Center for Water Solutions Partner Summit

More than 80 partner organizations gathered at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions annual summit in Washington, D.C., and GWSC was among them, reinforcing its role in national water policy conversations.

How a Unplanned Career Path Led to Meaningful Work

Dr. Kate Brauman, GWSC deputy director, didn't set out to translate water science for policy. In a conversation with students from The Environmental Defense Initiative, Brauman shares how an unplanned career path led to meaningful work.

From Anthropology Student to CONSERVE Storyteller

CONSERVE took a chance on a first-time filmmaker, lending professional equipment to an anthropology student for a project 800 miles from campus. Ekaterina Menkina says the experience changed absolutely everything.

CONSERVE Ep. 2: Reimagine Rivercane Part II – The Art and Culture of Rivercane

Join scientists as they explain how rivercane stabilizes streambanks, improves water quality and supports wildlife through healthy riparian buffers.

Open Education Programs Summer 2026

FLOW Academy - Closes Feb. 28

Research Experience for Undergraduates - Closes March 1

AROUND ALABAMA:

Renew Our Rivers Kicks Off 27th Year

of Statewide Waterway Cleanup

Now in its 27th year, Renew Our Rivers launches its 2026 season March 7 with approximately 27 cleanups planned across Alabama's lakes and rivers. Since its start on the Coosa River in Gadsden, volunteers have removed more than 13.7 million pounds of debris from Alabama waterways.