Resources

Huntsville Environmental Coalition has carefully curated a comprehensive list of resources for you to pursue sustainable initiatives in and around Huntsville, Alabama.

    • Sweet Trails Alabama - Promotes the development and use of trails for recreational and conservation purposes.

    • Alabama Scenic River Trail - The mission of Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is to enhance community development in areas of recreation and tourism with an emphasis on opportunities throughout more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams with the longest historic water trail in the United States.

    • Singing River Trail - A proposed 70-mile greenway and trail system connecting communities in North Alabama.

    • Alabama State Parks - The Alabama State Parks Division operates and maintains 21 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water in Alabama.

    • Wild Alabama - An organization focused on preserving Alabama's wilderness areas and educating the public about environmental stewardship.

    • Sierra Club of Alabama -  Advocates for environmental protection and sustainable practices in Alabama through grassroots activism.

    • Alabama Birding Trails - A collection of birdwatching sites that showcase the rich avian diversity of Alabama.

    • Waterkeepers Alabama - A coalition dedicated to protecting and restoring Alabama's waterways through advocacy and community engagement.

    • Alabama Rivers Alliance - A statewide network advocating for the protection and restoration of Alabama's rivers and waterways.

    • Tennessee Valley Audubon Society - A community dedicated to bird conservation and education in the Tennessee Valley region.

    • Alabama Wildlife Center - A wildlife rehabilitation facility providing medical care to injured and orphaned native animals.

    • Rise Raptor Project - An organization focused on the conservation and rehabilitation of raptors through education and outreach.

    • Outdoor Alabama - A state resource offering information on outdoor recreation, wildlife, and natural resource management.

    • Wild Ones Alabama - A group that advocates for the use of native plants in landscaping to support local ecosystems.

    • Recreative Natives - A small, woman-owned nursery in Cropwell, AL specializing in plants native to Alabama to create sustainable, low-maintenance gardens.

    • Nemophily Natives - At Nemophily Natives, they grow over 300 different species of native plants from seed! Their goal is to preserve our wild heritage by propagating native plants for habitat restoration and contemporary gardens.

    • Huntsville Botanical Garden - A public garden offering educational programs and showcasing diverse plant collections, including native species.

    • Master Gardener of North Alabama - A volunteer organization providing horticultural education and promoting sustainable gardening practices.

    • Master Naturalist of North Alabama - A program that trains individuals in natural resource conservation and environmental education.

    • North Alabama Native Plant Society - A society dedicated to the study and preservation of native plants in North Alabama.

    • Feral Foraging - A community initiative promoting safe foraging and the use of wild edibles to connect people with nature.

    • Native Habitat Project - Works to restore native habitats through community involvement and educational outreach.

    • Foraging Ahead - A natural landscaping company set on changing the narrative around what it means to have a “nice lawn.” They are educating, implementing, and consulting for native lawns which will improve local biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

    • Native Plant Nurseries- a list of small businesses that sell 100% native species, organized by state

    • North Alabama Land Trust Native Plants Article - an article by HEC board member Sara Johnson with a list of native plant ideas for your garden!

  • Food Security Initiatives

    • The Camp Midcity Farmers Market - A vibrant farmers market offering local produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment at MidCity District.

    • Madison City Farmers Market - A popular market featuring fresh, local produce and handmade crafts in Madison, Alabama.

    • Church Food Pantries - Local churches providing food assistance to community members in need.

    • Food Bank of North Alabama - A regional food bank distributing meals to hunger-relief programs and individuals across North Alabama.

    • Manna House - A nonprofit providing free meals and groceries to families and individuals in need in Huntsville.

    • Huntsville Helping Hands - A community organization offering food, clothing, and emergency assistance to those in need.

    • House of Harvest - A  faith-based organization providing free groceries to families in Madison and surrounding areas.

    • Asha Kiran - Support services for multicultural communities in North Alabama, including food and health assistance.

    • Patricia Haley Charity - A nonprofit offering food assistance, clothing, and support services to low-income families in Huntsville. AshaKiran's mission is to address crises such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking in the foreign-born and other underserved communities.

    • Fellowship of Faith Church - A church community providing food distribution and support services in North Huntsville.


    Local Farms

    • Henry’s family farm CSA - A local farm providing weekly produce shares through their community-supported agriculture program.

    • ENABLE Community Vegetable Garden- A community garden in Huntsville run by ENABLE of Madison County growing fresh produce for homebound and aging seniors in the city.

    • Mason Dixon - A bakery and market offering locally sourced goods, including gluten-free options, in Huntsville.

    • Piper Leaf farm - A family-owned tea company offering artisan teas sourced from their local farm.

    • Sweet City Micros - A local business specializing in fresh microgreens for health-conscious consumers and local restaurants.

    • Madison senior center - Meals on Wheels - A service providing nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Madison, Alabama.

    • Salvation Army - The Salvation Army in Huntsville serves the community through various impactful programs and services. The Huntsville Soup Kitchen offers warm meals to those facing food insecurity, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.

    • UAH Community Garden - A student-run garden providing fresh produce and community engagement at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

    • Oakwood university farm and store - An Oakwood university-run farm offering fresh produce, honey, and community-supported agriculture.

    • Alabama A&M university community farm - A university farm providing agricultural education and fresh produce to the community.

    • Monte Sano Community garden - A community garden promoting sustainable living and local food production in the Monte Sano area.

    Free Food Pantries Map

    • Huntsville’s current system

    • Madison MARS - Madison Assisted Ride System (MARS) provides transportation services for seniors and those with disabilities in Madison, Alabama.

    • Electrification Coalition

    • Animal crossings

    • HUBS Co-op - Huntsville Urban Bike Share Coop is a nonprofit focused on providing access to bicycles, advocating for safe, inclusive transportation options, and teaching bike maintenance to promote mobility freedom for all.

    • EV Credits and a list of qualified vehicles -  Information on federal and state tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles, including a list of eligible models.

    • Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition - A non-profit organization promoting alternative fuels and energy-efficient transportation options across Alabama.

    • Drive Electric Alabama - A statewide initiative encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles through education, infrastructure development, and advocacy.

    • Reuse/Repair

      • Makers Local 256 Repair Cafe

      • Clothing Mending Labs at the Public Library

    • Refilleries/Bulk Stores

    • NewTerra Compost & Phoenix Glass Recycling

    • SA Recycling: Accepts and processes aluminum for recycling.

    • Hazardous Waste Facilities: Accepts items like chemicals, batteries, and electronics for safe disposal and recycling.

      • Destinations:Clean Harbors takes pesticides, household cleaners, paint, and oil. Batteries of all sizes go to Batteries of America. Computers and wires go to Managed Asset Recycling Solutions

    • Greater Huntsville Humane Society and Huntsville Animal Services: Run the "Recycle for Rover" program, accepting aluminum cans to support animal welfare.

    • Pet Supplies Plus accepts drop offs of pet food bags, from any brand and purchased from anywhere

    • Clothing/Textiles

      • CARE Center in New Hope

      • Christmas Charities Year Round

        • Accept all textiles—including sheets, socks, blankets, undies, and clothes that are too dirty or beat up to be worn. They also accept bags and backpacks with small holes/tears to distribute items to the unhoused or in partnership with ShowerUp. 

    • Old Phones/Electronics (ECOatm): Accepts cell phones, MP3 players, or tablets and pays cash. Check their website for the 12 Huntsville locations and accepted electronics: ecoatm.com

    • Cardboard: If you live somewhere without recycling pick up residents can take paper and cardboard to Dixie Pulp and Paper (just north of Martin rd, near Torch tech), free drop off during the week.

    • Plastic Film (Publix): Accepts a variety of clean plastic films, including shopping bags, overwrap (from toilet paper, paper towels, etc.), zip-top bags (without the zipper), bread/produce/dry cleaning bags, air pillows, and bubble wrap. The film is sent for bailing, pelletizing, and manufacturing into new products.

    • Foam (Publix): Accepts clean and dry egg cartons, takeout trays/cups, and meat trays.

    • Plant Pots (Home Depot & Lowes): You can take plastic plant pots and they will be recycled by East Jordan Plastics, likely sent to Lyons, Georgia from Huntsville.

    • Auto Part Stores: Accept used oil and auto batteries for recycling.

Use these resources to live a more sustainable life in Huntsville, Alabama. If you have more suggestions for resources, please do contact us via email and we would love to add them here!