For Beth Stewart, the serenity and tranquility of the great outdoors represent what great leadership can and should be. “In my leadership style, I’ve really tried to channel this kind of peace, and joy and, and comfort that we find in nature,” Stewart said.Stewart is the longtime director of the Cahaba River Society, and working outdoors comes naturally to her.“My mom got me out in the woods tromping around. She was a gardener. And she taught me all the different trees and the wildflowers,” said Stewart.That outdoorsy upbringing led to a career in conservation spanning decades across the country. Stewart started out in New Orleans, securing grants for parks and playgrounds. “And it was great fun, but I thought, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing.’ I need to go to school,” she explained. “So, I went to grad school. I went out to U.C. Berkeley, got in their planning program. And then ended up in the landscape architecture department where they have an environmental planning program.”She joined the staff of the Cahaba River Society in 1995, where, for two decades, she has worked to help protect Alabama’s longest free-flowing river.“And it was a perfect mix of my interest in water protection. Inland and landscape protection and in urban planning, because most of the challenges facing the Cahaba River are because of the development that’s happening here in the upper watershed,” said Stewart.It’s a job that’s had its share of challenges. It requires her to work with city engineers, planners, and developers, posing important questions about environmental impact. “What are the challenges facing our drinking water in the river? How do we sustain the river in the long term? And what it means about the way we design every single project that goes in the ground in a better way,” said Stewart.In October, the nature conservancy rewarded her drive and dedication with only the second-ever Alabama Women of Conservation Award.“In environmental work, it really takes a lot of persistence. It’s hard to make change happen. And when you’ve been in it as long as I have, sometimes you’re more aware of the things that didn’t work out, “she said. “And to be reminded, there are a lot of successes that have made a difference and an impact. It just really caps my career for me and to be recognized like that by my peers and partners felt wonderful.”Stewart plans to retire next year. She’ll devote more time to hobbies like art and nature photography. She says the environmental field seems to both attract and welcome women.“I think what I value most is watching the different leadership styles of the different women that I admire so much in the various organizations,” said Stewart. “Women who both can be strong and influential and just quintessentially Southern.Many of them are women just like Beth Stewart, whose efforts leave a legacy as rich and diverse as the Cahaba River itself.Follow us on social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube