Five Star Wetlands Restoration Program

Southern Company serves as the Southern region lead corporate sponsor of Five Star Restoration, a national conservation program that provides grants and technical support for riparian (land-bordering waterways), coastal, or wetlands restoration projects. Current Five Star partners are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the National Association of Counties, and Wildlife Habitat Council on the national Five Star Restoration program as the Southern Region Lead Sponsor. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation administers this program. Southern Company has committed $1.2 million in matching funds over five years for projects in our region.

Many projects help restore wetlands essential for filtering runoff.

Five Star Restoration provides grants to preserve land bordering waterways.

The Five Star Restoration Program is a national program, providing support to community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of the watershed. In addition to providing habitat for reptiles, fish, waterfowl, mammals, plants, and more, wetlands absorb excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants before they reach rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. When rivers overflow, wetlands help to absorb and slow floodwaters, which can alleviate property damage and loss and can even save lives. They are great spots for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and bird-watching, and they make wonderful outdoor classrooms for people of all ages.

Organizations receiving grants under the program must then match the grant, thus resulting in at least a $400,000 impact each year. Additionally, $40,000/year will support the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation's management of this program.