Residents and visitors will have a chance to learn more about the wildlife that calls Alabama’s Gulf Coast home during a community event dedicated to celebrating the region’s marine life later this month.
The Alabama Coastal Foundation and Healthy Gulf will host “Celebrating Alabama’s Marine Life” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Palmetto Room at the Gulf Coast Eco Center, 1650 Eco Trail, in Gulf Shores.
The free event is designed to highlight the diversity of marine life found along Alabama’s coastline and to give the public practical information on how to help protect the animals that share the state’s beaches and waterways.
Attendees can expect short films, educational displays and presentations from local advocates who work on behalf of sea turtles, whales, manatees and other marine species found in Alabama’s coastal waters. Organizers also plan to provide an update on this year’s sea turtle nesting activity along Alabama beaches, an closely watched indicator of coastal ecosystem health each summer.
Snacks and beverages will be provided.
The event comes during peak sea turtle nesting season along the Alabama coast, a period when conservation groups ramp up public education efforts to reduce beachgoers’ impact on nesting sites.
Those interested in attending or learning more can contact Christian Wagley with Healthy Gulf at christian@healthygulf.org.