When you think of Gulf Shores, Alabama, white sandy beaches, great food, and fun in the sun immediately come to mind.

Now, the city is making waves outside the beach community through its dedication to sustainability and environmental restoration.

“We have a vision to make Gulf Shores one of the best towns in Alabama and the entire country. About a decade ago, we set forth a plan to ensure that our natural resources are protected and developed for generations to come,” said Robert Craft, the Gulf Shores mayor.

A haven for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, Gulf Shores has various initiatives highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural beauty. Key among these efforts are the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, Oyster Bay & Bon Secour Restoration, Laguna Cove NRDA Restoration Project, Gulf State Park Proposed Land Exchange, Little Lagoon Restoration Project, and the Leave Only Footprints Campaign.

All these efforts combine to make Gulf Shores an ideal getaway for nature lovers – and a great place to live for anyone who loves to take advantage of the great outdoors.

 

 

Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability

At the heart of Gulf Shores’ ecotourism push is the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility will open later this year and offer community programs, youth camps, field studies, public classes, workshops, and recreational programs promoting sustainable living and conservation practices. In short, what Space Camp is for space, the Eco Center will be for the Gulf.

In partnership with the internationally renowned Cousteau Institute, this will be the leading destination for schoolchildren to learn about the Gulf environment. As part of this commitment to our environment, the Eco Center will employ the latest green building technology and feature a farm and garden complex, art center, bicycle hub, wetland lab, and event space.

 

Oyster Bay & Bon Secour Restoration

In 2017, the City of Gulf Shores purchased 836 acres of critical habitat to improve water quality in the Bon Secour and Mobile Bay watersheds. These restoration efforts are pivotal in Gulf Shores’ strategy to revitalize its coastal habitats. These projects focus on restoring the delicate balance of the region’s marshes, seagrasses, and oyster reefs, vital for preserving biodiversity and protecting against deterioration.

 

Laguna Cove NRDA Restoration Project

Another cornerstone of the city’s environmental initiatives is the Laguna Cove Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Restoration project. This project aims to rehabilitate areas impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, focusing on enhancing water quality, replanting native vegetation, and creating habitats for wildlife.

This project is a testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to healing the environment by turning past damage into ecological recovery and growth opportunities.

 

Gulf State Park Proposed Land Exchange

Gulf Shores is also exploring the Gulf State Park Proposed Land Exchange, a creative plan to expand and enhance the park’s offerings. This initiative seeks to swap specific parcels of land to create a more contiguous and accessible park space, promoting outdoor recreation while safeguarding natural resources. This partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would be a win-win for the community and the environment.

 

Little Lagoon Restoration Project

Restoring Little Lagoon, a Gulf Shores gem, is crucial for preserving the area’s natural charm and ecological integrity.

Through the Little Lagoon Restoration Project, city leaders aim to improve water quality and habitat conditions, support local wildlife, and provide a pristine environment for recreational activities.

Specific programs will include living shorelines, improved hydrologic connectivity of the existing canal system, conversion of approximately 200 individual septic systems to the municipal sewer, shellfish restoration programs, marsh and seagrass restoration, hydrodynamic modeling, ecologic research, and long-term water quality monitoring.

Leave Only Footprints Campaign

This campaign is an environmental initiative aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the City’s beaches. The campaign encourages residents and visitors to take responsibility for their trash and other waste to keep the beaches clean and safe for wildlife and future visitors. Key components of the campaign include:

• All non-permitted personal items, such as beach chairs, umbrellas, tents, ice chests, and beach toys, must be removed each night and may only be placed or remain on the beach after sunrise. Personal items left on the beach between one hour after sunset and sunrise may be treated by the City as abandoned property and removed and disposed of as abandoned property.
• Stay off the dunes. This will help preserve our dune system and the habitat it provides. Use beach walkovers and boardwalks where provided.
• Observe and obey Beach Warning Flag System. Double red flags mean the waters are closed for your safety.
• Be respectful of private property beyond the bounds of your lodging property.

Over the last 10 years, the City of Gulf Shores has invested tremendous effort and resources into protecting and enhancing its natural beauty by taking charge of ecotourism and environmental stewardship.

For his part, Mayor Craft is taking a long-term view of the importance of the local environment to the quality of life in Gulf Shores. “If you think back to the BP oil spill, when we stood on the beach in 2011 with oil on our feet and no visitors, it became clear that we are totally dependent on a safe, clean, and usable environment. It is my hope that the City’s work can ensure that for generations to come,” he said.

 

Through the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability, various restoration projects, and community initiatives, the city is creating a sustainable future while offering unforgettable experiences for nature lovers. Gulf Shores invites visitors to join in these efforts, explore its natural wonders, and contribute to a legacy of conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Gulf Shores’ ecotourism initiatives, visit the city’s official website: https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/