PHOTOS: Huge March for Science crowd gathers at Linn Park

March for Science Birmingham hosted a march on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to bring Birmingham's scientific community and their supporters together to raise awareness about the importance of science. 

More than 2,000 demonstrators showed up, in addition to over a dozen science and advocacy organizations who set up tables for the event, including AIDs Alabama, Alabama Rivers Alliance, 500 Women Scientists and McWane Science Center.

The Linn Park event coincided with the national March for Science demonstration in Washington D.C., along with over 500 other sister marches across the U.S. In Alabama, there were marches in Montgomery, Alabama and Huntsville. 

The event also featured several speakers from the science and activist communities, including Leslie Hendon, Ph.D., a professor at UAB's Department of Biology who spoke on what the public can do for science; Mitch Reid of the Alabama River Alliance, who spoke of clean water and Randall Haddock, Ph.D., field director of the Cahaba River Society who talked about the importance of conservation.

According to a press release about the March for Science, the goal of the march was to promote science, science education and science-based public policy through embracing a day of science celebration as well as marching an act of protest "against what they see as threats to research and education brought about by funding cuts and political priorities."

A major partner for the march was the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, a 501c3 nonprofit that works to reduce air pollution and educate the public on the benefits of clean air. Good People Brewing Company and Lucy’s Coffee and Tea were also community partners who provided support leading up to the march.

In the coming weeks, Birmingham March for Science has several other events planned, including a panel on health care, advocacy for local science education and promoting local Birmingham and statewide groups such as the Cahaba River Society.

To find out more about the Birmingham March for Science, including future plans, visit their website marchforsciencebhm.org/ or their Facebook page.