The Alabama Gulf Coast welcomes more than 5 million visitors each year. That’s a lot of wear and tear on our beaches and waterways. Keeping them clean and beautiful for future generations is where the Leave Only Footprints program comes in.
We can’t do it alone. We depend on our visitors to pitch in and do their part for the next family arriving. It’s easy to do. When you come to enjoy the 32 miles of white-sand beaches, hiking and biking trails, and back bays and waterways, take all your memories with you and leave only your footprints.
Below are some tips to help practice the Leave Only Footprints lifestyle.
- Use boardwalks or walkthroughs to access the beach. Walking on the vegetation destroys the roots of the plants that hold the dunes together.
- Stay away from bird nesting areas and be mindful of where you walk. Birds sometimes nest on the ground or in the sand and can be camouflaged and therefore hard to see.
- Please don’t litter. Carry an extra bag for trash and pack out what you bring in.
- Holes are dangerous for people and wildlife. If you dig a hole, fill it back in before leaving. Holes greater than 12 inches in diameter are prohibited.
Local residents and visitors are important participants in the quest to keep our coast beautiful. Working together, it’s an easy goal to accomplish.