As you explore Alabama’s Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway, it won’t take you long to realize why there is a strong movement to protect its natural beauty, wildlife and coastal barrier strength. Coastal ecosystems are both fierce and fragile. They’re vital for wildlife, those who make their home and livelihood inland, and global environmental systems. Take a look at five stops along the byway devoted to land protection and water quality along Alabama’s coast.
1. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
If you haven’t been to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, you need to add this one to your exploration list. Even if you’ve already visited the refuge, it’s time to go back because it’s expanding! Thanks to a recent grant, they’ve added even more land to their 7,000+ acres in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Opportunities include wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature interpretation programs, photography, fishing, boating and educational opportunities.
2. Dauphin Island’s Audubon Bird Sanctuary
This spot’s for the birds . . . but you should visit! The Audubon Sanctuary on Dauphin Island encompasses 137 acres of maritime forest, marshes and dunes, including a lake, a swamp and a beach. As the first landfall for migrant birds after their long flight across the Gulf of Mexico from Central and South America, this protected forest is vital to their survival and acknowledged as “globally important” in the birding world.
3. Gulf State Park
With 6,5000 acres of protected beauty and numerous opportunities for exploration, Gulf State Park is a nature-lover’s dream. This public recreation area along the Gulf of Mexico includes trails, campgrounds, a nature center, the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier and Education Center, and two miles of clean white-sand beaches.
4. Graham Creek Nature Preserve
This peaceful spot along the National Scenic Byway in Foley is home to nearly 500 acres of diverse habitats, including bottomland wetlands, mixed forests, tidal marshes and pine savannas. Experience multiple habitats as you explore hiking, bicycling, walking and cross-country trails. The preserve also features three 18-basket disc golf courses, a canoe/kayak launch, and picnic and bird-watching areas.
5. Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located near Fairhope, Weeks Bay Reserve is devoted to conserving more than 9,000 acres of hardwood forests, submerged aquatic vegetation, salt and freshwater marshes, and bog habitats. Stop by the visitor’s center to learn about coastal habitats through exhibits and live animal displays. Then explore the nature trails that wind through wetlands, marshes, forests and a pitcher plant bog.
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