One day last month I walked into the backyard and noticed something I had not seen for many weeks: a few sprigs of green amongst the large expanse of brown. It was a sign of hope for the coming of spring after a long and cold (by Birmingham standards) winter. It also made me think of the years when I did not live in Birmingham but used to travel back every April to visit family. During those trips back, as the plane would begin its descent into the Birmingham airport, I would look out the window and be amazed at how green the city was. I always found the green to be welcoming and beautiful, and during those years away, when I would think of Birmingham, my thoughts were always of a city nestled in green.
This month’s issue focuses on green, and, if you are a resident of our region, I hope you will consider this an issue that helps bring attention to some of our greatest assets. I think you will enjoy some of the interesting stories, and I hope you will let this issue continue to make you think of Birmingham in new, different and very encouraging ways. Birmingham is a place fi lled with green sprigs waiting to turn into something more. With a budding collection of public parks, a growing understanding that we have beautiful rivers and nature trails, and an appreciation for the part we can play in the green building movement that is growing daily, Birmingham is poised to take its rightful place among the greenest cities and regions in America.
We were a city that grew “magically” in our early days, due to our abundant natural resources. Interestingly, I think we are poised for our second great period of growth, and, again, I think it will be due in large part to what our Creator has put here. It is, however, up to us to cultivate what we have been given. So enjoy this issue as we welcome in a long-awaited spring. May the warmer weather and good reading make you appreciate and enjoy our beautiful region all the more.
