We’re always talking about the Leave Only Footprints program. Do you really know what it is and how it benefits our coastline and its inhabitants?
The beautiful gulf beaches of Alabama have been a favorite vacation spot for folks in the southeastern United States for generations. In recent years, our little 32–mile beachfront on the northern Gulf of Mexico has gained more popularity. Now, more than 5 million visitors from across the nation and world travel to our destination each year. Wow! Just imagine what the beaches would look like if each of those people left one piece of trash or one toy on the beach. It’s not a pretty thought.
In 2016, the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach adopted the Leave Only Footprints policy that asks beach visitors to remove all personal items from the beach by one hour after sunset each day. Having an empty beach at night protects marine life and wildlife.
A few other tips to help protect our clean island:
- Avoid walking on any beach vegetation. Plant roots hold together the fragile dunes.
- Explore away from bird nesting areas. Nests may be on the ground and camouflaged, so please watch your step.
- Please don’t litter. Pack out all your trash and recycle what you can.
- Refill all holes. They can cause injury to wildlife and people. Also be careful when playing in the holes. Falling sand from side collapses can be dangerous and even deadly.
The Leave Only Footprints policy is exactly what it says. Come to the beach, have fun, make memories, and when you leave, take everything out that you brought in. That way, you really do leave only footprints on the beach.