The NFWF Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund
Improving Rangelands and Restoring Threatened Grasslands through Private Landowner Outreach (AL)
Program Overview
A Three-Year Conservation Partnership
This program, led by Alabama A&M University in partnership with Rocky Ridge Land Management and the Native Habitat Project, works with private landowners across North Alabama to restore and improve native grasslands, rangelands, and associated habitats on the Cumberland Plateau.
Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund, the program engages private landowners through demonstration sites to promote the implementation of regenerative soil management, prescribed burning, and adaptive grazing techniques.
$480,000
NFWF Grant Award
$685,773
Matching Contributions
$1,165,773
Total Project Value
Oct 2024 – Oct 2027
Project Period
Four Conservation Goals
The program is organized around four interconnected goals that address the most critical conservation needs of the Cumberland Plateau region.
Rangeland Restoration and Improvement
Restore and improve degraded rangelands to produce higher quantity and quality forage for livestock while providing native plant and wildlife habitat. Focus on converting introduced cool-season grass pastures to diverse native warm-season grass communities through managed grazing, prescribed burning, and native seeding.
Grassland Ecosystem Protection
Protect crucial grassland ecosystems across the target counties. Restore canebrakes (rivercane — Arundinaria gigantea) along streams and bottomlands. Provide ecosystem benefits through stream bank stabilization, soil security, and reduced sedimentation.
Agricultural Field Improvements
Install native cane and other native grasses and forbs as field borders and filter strips. Improve water quality by reducing sediment load in streams. Support landowners in implementing conservation practices compatible with continued agricultural production.
Education and Demonstration
Create Rangeland and Canebrake Demonstration Areas at AAMU WTARS and other sites. Establish Grassland Biodiversity Areas. Provide outreach, education, specialized training, and coordination events targeting landowners in Meridianville, Moores Mill, New Market, and Huntsville areas.
Target Species
The program's conservation practices are designed to benefit these species of regional and national concern.
Northern Bobwhite Quail
Colinus virginianus
Once common across North Alabama, bobwhite populations have declined more than 80% due to habitat loss. Native grasslands, prescribed burning, and brush management are essential for their recovery.
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
A grassland-obligate bird requiring native warm-season grass structure for nesting and foraging. Among the most vulnerable to the loss of native grasslands across the Southeast.
Meadow Jumping Mouse
Zapus hudsonius
A secretive small mammal of native grasslands and riparian areas. Requires tall native grass cover for nesting and foraging — largely absent from introduced grass monocultures.
Rivercane
Arundinaria gigantea
Native bamboo that once lined millions of acres of Southeastern streams. Culturally significant to Native American tribes and ecologically essential for Swainson's warbler and other cane-specialist species.
Habitat Management Targets
Specific habitat management commitments from the NFWF grant proposal
| Habitat Type / Activity | Target Acres | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Riparian habitat — private | 79 acres | Invasive removal, prescribed burning, canebrake restoration |
| Riparian habitat — public (AAMU WTARS) | 10 acres | Forested riparian area serving as Canebrake Demonstration Area |
| Shortleaf Pine habitat | 100 acres | Overstory, midstory, and understory management; Bethel Spring property |
| Prescribed burning — private | 212 acres | Across participating private properties |
| Prescribed burning — public (AAMU WTARS) | 120 acres | AAMU Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station |
| Managed grazing — total | 500 acres | 300 public (AAMU), 200 private landowner acres |
| Management plans developed | 8 plans | Best Management Practices (BMPs) for various properties |
Program Timeline
October 2024
Program Launch
Grant period begins. Initial property assessments and landowner engagement across Madison, Jackson, Morgan, and Etowah counties.
2025
Property Assessments & Wave 1 Calibrations
Field assessments of participating properties. Conservation plans developed. Wave 1 pilot calibrations completed at Bethel Spring and other priority sites. First prescribed burns conducted.
2026
Deliverable Production & Management Plans
Management proposals and educational supplements developed for landowners. Mid-program outreach events and demonstration site activities. Canebrake and native grassland establishment underway.
October 2027
Program Completion
Grant period concludes. Final reporting submitted to NFWF. All 8 management plans delivered. Conservation practices established on committed acreage across program properties.
Participating Counties
The NFWF grant specifically targets Madison, Jackson, Morgan, and Etowah counties. The program also serves Lawrence County through additional landowner engagements.
Madison County
Core grant county — includes Huntsville metro area and surrounding agricultural land
Jackson County
Core grant county — Paint Rock River watershed, significant forest and agricultural land
Morgan County
Core grant county — Falkville area, mixed forest and agricultural properties
Etowah County
Core grant county — Gadsden area, diverse land uses including Blackbelly, LLC
Lawrence County
Additional engagement — Barrett Properties; program expanding beyond core grant area
Landowner Benefits
Participating in this program offers real, tangible benefits for North Alabama landowners.
Expert Help
Free technical assistance and guidance from experts at Alabama A&M University and conservation partners.
Financial Assistance
Help finding and applying for cost-share programs (NRCS, state programs) that can help pay for conservation work.
Healthier Land
Improved soil, better forage for livestock, and more resilient property in the face of drought and other challenges.
More Wildlife
By creating and improving native habitat, you will see more wildlife — quail, deer, turkey, songbirds — on your property.
A Lasting Legacy
Play a key role in conserving the natural heritage of Alabama for future generations.
Interested in Participating?
If you own land in the target counties and are interested in learning how this program can benefit your property, reach out to our team.
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