Andy Prewett is retiring after 23 years as Land Management Director for the Land Trust of North Alabama.
Prewett is retiring in August. Brandon Moore will step into the position. He has more than 20 years of experience in land management and conservation in North Alabama. Land Trust officials cited his “expertise in managing forests, farmland, conservation projects, field crews and environmentally sensitive landscapes.”
During Prewett’s tenure, the Land Trust grew from 2,400 acres and 29 miles of trails to more than 10,000 acres and 100 miles of trails today.
Other changes at the Land Trust:
— Sam Balding is the new Recreation Manager. He joined the Land Trust in June with a background in forestry and land management. Balding will lead efforts to enhance visitor experiences, improve the trail system, and oversee recreation projects at Land Trust preserves.
— Kate Gribbin has transitioned from Recreation Manager to Conservation Manager. She will focus on protecting and restoring the natural resources of the preserves.
HTC Honored as Top Partner
The Huntsville Track Club was recognized as a Philanthropy Partner by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation during a ceremony in June.
The club has worked with Huntsville Hospital for more than 40 years. Among the events it puts on or supports to help the hospital are the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, Autumn Chase and Rocket City Marathon. The Ribbon Run in October, along with its golf tournament and donations, has raised more than $8 million for the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. It is the largest running event in the city, with a record 6,500-plus runners, walkers and supporters last autumn.
The Rocket City Marathon weekend attracts about 5,000 runners for its events, along with family and friends, in December. A track club donation this spring benefitted the new children’s therapy playground at the Women & Children’s Pediatric Therapy and Audiology Department. The marathon is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It leads the city’s sports events in economic impact.
Along with the Huntsville Track Club, other Philanthropy Partners recognized by the hospital foundation were the Huntsville Havoc, Regions, Robins & Morton, Regions Foundation and Torch Technologies.
New Land Trust Partner
The Land Trust of North Alabama is collaborating with local artist Sara Julia Murphy of Pupper Grumples Art to help support local land conservation efforts.
Murphy is a Huntsville-based oil painter and multidisciplinary artist. Her work combines representational realism with humor. It is inspired by the people, places and feeling of home, celebrating everyday life in north Alabama.
The partnership supports local land conservation through Murphy’s Little Gallery Club subscription service. It is a “thoughtfully curated” monthly delivery of original art and surprises. Each subscription includes:
- Two fine art greeting cards featuring original paintings
- A personal note from the studio
- Special surprises like linocut prints, art stickers, and exclusive extras
Every subscription helps in two ways:
- $2 from every monthly subscription supports the Land Trust
- $20 from every annual subscription supports the Land Trust
Land Trust members also receive an exclusive benefit: Use code LANDTRUST2026 for 10% off items in Murphy’s online shop through the end of 2026 (this does not apply to Little Gallery Club subscriptions).
Project Giveback 5K
The PGB Aloha 5K is set for Sept. 26 at Redstone Arsenal to support Project Giveback, which supports Gold Star families, wounded veterans, first responder households and vulnerable community members facing crisis.
Project Giveback’s vision is to create events and opportunities that bring people together to give back with intention, dignity and lasting care. Along with the 5K will be a Warrior Kids Superheroes vs Villains event. Redstone Gateway is the title sponsor.
Participants also may allocate $10 of the registration fee to an organization or program making a positive impact on the lives of kids, domestic abuse victims, abandoned seniors, homeless veterans, or school programs.
Daniel Sillivant and Julia Donovan took division honors at the 2025 race.
