The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association has named the sixth annual Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival the first official “Black Belt Signature Event,” recognizing the festival’s role in promoting tourism, conservation, education and economic development throughout Alabama’s Black Belt region.

The association announced the designation during the festival’s kickoff event in Greensboro. Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association Executive Director Pam Swanner also presented a $5,000 grant to Alabama Audubon, which organizes the festival, to support its continued growth and future programming.

“The Black Belt Birding Festival has become more than an event. It is a catalyst for sustainable tourism in rural Alabama,” Swanner said. “As attendance continues to set new records and attract more out-of-state birding enthusiasts each year, the festival’s economic impact continues to grow while introducing visitors to the exceptional birding opportunities and rich natural and cultural heritage that define Alabama’s Black Belt.”

The grant program, offered in partnership with the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, provides funding for festivals, events and destination development projects that demonstrate broad visitor appeal, measurable tourism impact and meaningful contributions to the region’s economy and heritage.

The Black Belt Signature Event initiative is part of the association’s ongoing effort to recognize and support festivals that showcase the natural, cultural, culinary and outdoor experiences found throughout Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt region, the association said in a news release.

“Alabama Audubon is honored the festival has been recognized as a Signature Event for the region,” Alabama Audubon Executive Director R. Scot Duncan said. “As we approach a decade of conservation work in the Black Belt, this designation celebrates our shared commitment to protecting birds while creating new opportunities for local communities through birding and nature-based tourism.”

State Senator Gerald Allen, who participated in the presentation, highlighted the importance of conservation and the growing interest in birding tourism.

“It was a pleasure meeting with individuals from all over the country who recognize the importance of our environment,” Allen said. “Birdwatching is a growing national pastime.”

State Representative Curtis Travis emphasized the festival’s impact on rural communities and economic development.

“The Alabama Black Belt Birding Festival is more than a celebration of birds—it’s a celebration of one of Alabama’s greatest natural treasures,” Travis said. “It showcases the beauty of our Black Belt region while creating opportunities for tourism, education, conservation and economic growth in our rural communities.”

The Black Belt includes 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.