Mobile Baykeeper will celebrate its 10th year anniversary at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center on Oct. 4. Mobile Baykeepers, previously known as Mobile Bay Watch, Inc., is commemorating its tenth year with a celebration in honor of their members.

Executive Director Casi Callaway said one of the most important ways to celebrate was with a fundraiser. Mobile Baykeeper now boasts more than 3,500 members.

Mobile Baykeepers wants to protect the beauty, health and heritage of the Mobile Bay watershed. Callaway said that Mobile Bay accounts for 40 to 50 percent of Baldwin County. The group’s strategy is four tiered: To make sure citizens are educated about issues; to find solutions and form coalitions; use laws to protect our health and natural resources; and find solutions to problems affecting our health and environment.

Issues facing coastal Alabama, like preventing LNG facilities from killing billions of fish, having adequate sewage treatment facilities, and guarding against industrial pollution are just some of the problems they address.

“We have had amazing victories in the last ten years,” she said.

For instance, the water systems in both the cities of Mobile and Prichard have been upgraded and improved due to the group’s efforts.

The Mobile Bay watershed covers two-thirds of the state of Alabama, Callaway said. There are more than 200 rivers, bays, bayous, inlets, sloughs and creeks associated with the fourth largest drainage basin in North America.

Callaway hopes the region does not have to learn lessons the hard way.

“We need to slow down and make good decisions for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said.

The keynote speaker will be Steve Fleischli, the president of Waterkeeper Alliance. The Waterkeeper Alliance provides a voice for waterways and their communities worldwide.

A local bluegrass band, Delta Reign, will provide the entertainment. Composer-in-Residence Kenji Bunch with the Mobile Symphony will join with Delta Reign.

A silent and live auction will be held with items ranging from purses to framed artwork. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event will serve heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine.

For tickets or more information, call 251-433-4229 or visit the Web site at mobilebaykeeper.org.