Keeping the beach clean for generations to come is one of the goals of the new Leave Only Footprints initiative adopted by both the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and similar efforts by several Florida coastal communities. Under the new rules, beachgoers are asked to collect what they bring to the beach and take it home with them, including beach tents, beach chairs, rafts, toys and other gear. Additionally, holes that are deeper than 12 inches must be filled and all trash should be collected and disposed of.

Do something good for the beach you enjoy and give your child a great lesson on conservation and civic responsibility by organizing a trash safari. Grab a hat, some trash bags and plastic gloves, and start your safari. Gather cigarette butts, cans, plastic bottles, fishing line, paper and anything that doesn’t naturally belong on the beach. Make sure the adults on the safari pick up the glass bottles and any other hazardous materials. Explain how long it takes for these things to decompose on the beach. We’ve got some fun facts and trivia on our website to share with your kids.

Sort the items by recyclables and trash, and place them in the appropriate waste receptacles on the beach. Make it a game or a learning experience, and remind your children that the best reward they get from the safari is a clean beach for their next visit.

Abiding by the Leave Only Footprints ordinance will keep the beach clean for people and beach creatures alike, especially nesting sea turtles who lay their eggs along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Some sea turtles along our coast are considered endangered, such as Kemp’s ridley. Get your sea turtle facts and be someone who can Share the Beach with these legendary creatures.