Nature-Based Tourism in Coastal Alabama

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1 Nature-Based Tourism in Coastal Alabama Chandra Wright Nature Tourism Specialist

2 What Do We Have Besides Beautiful Beaches?

3 Alabama s Natural Treasures Ranks 5 th in the United States in number of species (more than 4,533); 1 st among states east of the Mississippi River Over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams 1 st in number of freshwater mussels, fishes, snails, crayfish, turtles, and carnivorous plants Several species are found only in Alabama and some are only found in one particular area. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and has been labeled America s Amazon.

4 The Bad News (and a Little Good) Alabama: Ranks 2 nd in the US in number of extinct species (90) and 4 th in number of species in danger of extinction (1 out of 7) But with more awareness comes more research. At least 76 new species have been identified in recent years. Approximately 117 species remain on the Endangered Species list including all five Gulf of Mexico sea turtles and the Alabama & Perdido Key beach mice.

5 The Dilemma How do we protect and preserve our natural resources while allowing the businesses which rely on them to be financially successful? We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. ~Native American saying People protect what they love, and they love what they know. ~Jacques Cousteau

6 Largest Artificial Reef Program

7 Dolphin & Nature Cruises

8 Sea Turtles Share the Beach 866-SEA-TURTLE May 1 October 31

9 Leave Only Footprints A safety initiative adopted by both cities to keep our beaches clean and safe for guests, nesting sea turtles and to ensure sustainability.

10 Birding

11 Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

12 Gulf State Park Trails

13 Gulf State Park Interpretive Center Construction is about to begin. Will be located to the west of the Pavilion. Will serve as the Gateway to the Park. It is being constructed to extremely high standards using mostly locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials. The Interpretive Center will strive for Living Building Challenge certification as of April 2016, there are only 8 in the world!

14 Gulf State Park Learning Campus Will be built close to the current park headquarters. The Learning Campus will include three separate buildings: 1) a classroom/lab facility, 2) additional lodging for students, researchers and others, and 3) a separate restaurant which will be open to the public. Will serve as the hub to explore and learn through programs or self guided tours.

15 Numerous Other Opportunities to Explore Nature Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, Wolf Creek Park, Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary and the Estuarium, and many more. Kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch sites and outfitters. GulfQuest Maritime Museum The Oyster Trail: scavenger hunt for oyster facts. Segway, duck boats, helicopter and ultra light gliders.

16 Coastal Opportunities Majority of our guests report spending time on our beaches (81 95% of guests surveyed). The percentages for guests who participated in other nature activities is far lower, with many showing less than 10%. How do we get more of our guests enjoying these other experiences?

17 Handy Resources to Explore Nature Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Nature Opportunities Brochure The Waters, Ways & Wildlife of Alabama s Gulf Coast: Alabama s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway Brochure (and App) Alabama Coastal Birding Trail Guide Book (and App)

18 Questions? Contact Chandra Wright