Enjoy the Cahaba lilies, thanks to the people at...

Enjoy the Cahaba lilies, thanks to the people at Carmeuse Longview

One of the most iconic scenes on the Cahaba River is the annual blooming of the Cahaba lilies. The lily flowers from mid-May to mid-June, provide a spectacular celebration of early Summer with their 3-inch wide ivory-white flowers.

One of best and largest populations of Cahaba lilies is found in the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Bibb County, Alabama. The refuge is only accessible by dirt road. However, until recently, the road was almost impassible, threatening to limit access to this year's flowering.

Stepping up to the plate, the Carmeuse Longview Operation, Alabama, worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to make repairs to the road, donating $3,600 of stone and covering the $3,300 freight costs to deliver the stone to where it was needed. Longview also coordinated with local heavy equipment dealer, Thompson Tractor, to provide the equipment needed to make the repairs.

"The lily requires a very specialized habitat-swift flowing water over rocks, and lots of sun-so there's not many places you can see them," explained Greg Champion and Jeffrey Adams, both supervisors at Longview quarry. "We were pleased to support the road repairs needed to ensure Cahaba lily enthusiasts were able to come out to see the lilies at the start of the season."

Pictured in the photograph from right-to-left, are David Butler, Staff Attorney Cahaba River Keepers, Scott Schenk, Construction Equipment Operator for US Fish & Wildlife Service, Greg Champion and Jeffrey Adams of Carmeuse.