Alabama’s Beaches

31 05, 2019

Learning about the environment with kid-friendly activities

By |2019-05-17T09:40:09+00:00May 31st, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

With warm temperatures and longer days, springtime is the right time to head to the beach! Take your umbrellas, beach chairs, snacks, and drinks — but be sure to Leave Only Footprints when you leave for the day. Family days at the beach can be full of sandcastles, games, and dips in the Gulf. You can make the memories of a lifetime along the white-sand beaches. Children and adults alike love to frolic along the pristine shores and watch the [...]

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24 05, 2019

Don’t overheat at the beach

By |2019-05-17T09:26:13+00:00May 24th, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

The last Friday in May is National Heat Awareness Day. For those of you who don’t know, it gets hot — very hot — in the South. Particularly in coastal Alabama, where the heat and humidity work together to create a double whammy. If you aren’t used to dealing with this weather, it can be a potentially critical issue. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can cause fatalities. A few ways to prepare for this mix of sun, heat, wind, and water include [...]

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21 05, 2019

Recycling and the economy

By |2019-05-17T09:15:12+00:00May 21st, 2019|Blog|0 Comments

It just makes sense to recycle. Or does it? While the planet is in a precarious position of being overused and overwhelmed, more people are waking up to the need to preserve our natural resources. Clearly, we must reduce our use and acceptance of single-use products as a whole, and certainly, we can decrease our dependence on plastic. But did you know that recycling makes dollars and sense? In comparison to making a product out of new vs. recycled materials, [...]

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14 11, 2018

The myth of oyster season

By |2018-11-14T14:14:08+00:00November 14th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Show of hands: Who loves oysters? Okay, now another poll question: Who has heard you should only eat raw oysters during months that include the letter “R”? The myth dates back a few hundred years - to 1599 to be exact. According to the New York Times, that’s when the warning showed up in an English cookbook as “don’t eat oysters in the summer.” It made sense at the time, mainly because unrefrigerated or un-iced oysters spoil more quickly and [...]

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7 11, 2018

Why fall is a great time to visit the beach

By |2018-11-07T14:23:17+00:00November 7th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

The off-season is a great time to visit the Alabama coast, and fall is a favorite season for many. You’re going to encounter smaller crowds, both on the beach and in restaurants and shops. Kick back, relax and enjoy our beautiful area during a less congested time of year. Cooler temperatures make it ideal for walking on the beach, enjoying outdoor recreation on our nature trails, and casting a line. Highs average in the mid-70s and night temps typically only [...]

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10 10, 2018

The role of sand dunes in our coastal ecosystem

By |2018-10-10T13:12:29+00:00October 10th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

When you visit our Alabama beaches, you may notice signs that prohibit walking on sand dunes or damaging the sea oats. There’s a reason we protect those dunes. Our coast and beaches need them. Why? Glad you asked. Those hills of sand act as a natural barrier to protect inland areas against storms and waves. When these barriers are damaged, high surf and strong waves brought on by storms are free to flow farther inland, potentially bringing greater devastation to [...]

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12 09, 2018

How to be a good neighbor to hatching sea turtles

By |2018-09-12T14:09:04+00:00September 12th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Did you know our Alabama beaches are a prime nesting ground for sea turtles? Unfortunately, with development along our coastline comes some dangers for these nesting turtles and for the hatchlings as they make their way to the water. But volunteers are on duty to help keep them safe. How does that work? Share the Beach was formed in 2005, and now comes under the umbrella of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and The Alabama Coastal Foundation. The Share [...]

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19 04, 2018

Native species to spot at the beach

By |2018-04-19T21:05:27+00:00April 19th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

Alabama consistently ranks in the top five states for overall biodiversity of plants and animals. Did you know any of these interesting facts? Among the state’s 4,500 species are some rare types found along our coast, including the white-topped pitcher plant, gopher tortoise, Alabama beach mouse, eastern diamondback rattlesnake and red-cockaded woodpecker. Twenty species of whales and dolphins live in the Gulf of Mexico. And another mammal, the West Indian manatee, can be spotted in our area as well. More [...]

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21 03, 2018

Be safe this boating season with these tips

By |2018-03-21T18:24:24+00:00March 21st, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

It’s spring on the Alabama coast and that means folks will be getting out the boats and hitting the waterways. It’s also a good time for boating safety reminders before launching into the season. First, check local weather forecasts for conditions before you take off. Storms come up fast on the Gulf Coast, so boaters should stay aware. If you notice darkening clouds, rough winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Second, use [...]

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27 02, 2018

What you shouldn’t take to the beach

By |2018-02-27T23:42:10+00:00February 27th, 2018|Blog|0 Comments

When you visit our beaches, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions. Leave Only Footprints regulations prohibit leaving any items overnight on public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In addition, several items are prohibited anytime on the beach, including: Glass containers Metal shovels or excessive digging Litter Tents or structures larger than 12 x 12 Overnight camping Fireworks Loud music Fires Pets Vehicles The reason for many of these restrictions concerns safety, others are for the comfort [...]

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