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City dedicates new Eric Obermann Linear Forest at Aldridge Creek Greenway

Published on October 21, 2020

Eric S. Obermann Forest at Aldridge Creek Greenway

More than 10 years after Huntsville resident Eric Obermann lost his life to the fatal disease ALS, the City of Huntsville is honored to dedicate a new forest on Aldridge Creek Greenway in his memory.

Undaunted by COVID-19 and frequent rain, the City’s Landscape Management Department with support from Operation Green Team planted approximately 270 native trees and shrubs along the greenway this year for the Eric Obermann Linear Forest. These plants will eventually grow to shade more than one-half mile of greenway.

The Eric S. Obermann Foundation, led by Eric’s father, Stuart Obermann, generously donated $28,000 to install the forest.

“Thanks to the Obermann family and the Foundation, future generations of Huntsvillians will be able to enjoy a cool walk through the woods along this part of the greenway,” said Marc Byers, forestry-horticulture supervisor for Landscape Management.

Eric, a member of the 2000 graduating class of Grissom High School, was a sophomore at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta when he was diagnosed with ALS, a neuromuscular disease that attacks motor neurons and causes nerve degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. He was only 19.

As his disease progressed, Eric remained engaged with people and activities and was heavily involved in ALS advocacy and awareness. Before his death in 2010, Eric and his family launched the Eric S. Obermann Foundation to provide a “most improved” Grissom Band senior with a scholarship.

The City hopes the new Eric Obermann Linear Forest has a positive impact on residents and visitors for years to come.

“Our greenways are a valued part of our City,” Byers said. “We are proud to work with the Foundation to enhance Aldridge Creek and hope our community enjoys it.”

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For more information, contact Kelly Schrimsher, Director of Communication, City of Huntsville, AL, 256-427-5006 w, 256-503-5032 ckelly.schrimsher@huntsvilleal.gov.

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