The Alabama coastline is essential to many species. The region along the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Mexico attracts rare migratory birds and other threatened species. They rely on the protection and security of the pristine Alabama coast and its rich marine and freshwater habitats.
Dauphin Island, in particular, is one of the most critical habitats for both local and migratory bird species among dozens of others. But the animals aren’t the only ones that utilize the bountiful beaches, marshes, and forests here. People love them too, and locals are committed to protecting it for the generations.
Dauphin Island and the Alabama coast is a treasure, and it is one that is worth protecting. This is why Connect to the Coast was created. A few locals, with unreserved passion and love for their community, sought to expand the scope of protection on the island.
They want to continue making the island a wonderful place to live, both for tourists staying in Dauphin Island rentals and long-term residents.
What is it?
In short, Connect to the Coast is a local initiative focused on protecting priceless coastal resources. It is more than just protecting a few beloved migratory birds. Dauphin Island is a key ecological resource. With the proper commitment, thousands of species survive, untouched lands stay as so, and the coastal beaches are preserved for the future.
Connect to the Coast understands the multiple benefits of habitat protection: by addressing the conservation needs of the region and they also assist with economic growth. In other words, the better the community and the group makes Dauphin Island, the more people who are attracted to its pristine coastline.
What Does Connect to the Coast Do?
The group focuses on these key areas.
- Provide reliable data for scientific reports, funding, and support.
- Promote an open dialogue about what the island needs, what still needs to be done, and ideas on how to accomplish it.
- Facilitate common ground between local business, grassroots groups, government, major industry, and every individual.
- Advocate for action through local events and larger-level campaigns for political support, funding, growth, and more.
Connect to the Coast works tirelessly to bring about a better future for Dauphin Island.
Various entities all have different ideas on how action needs to be taken. A big role of Connect to the Coast is to balance out the conversations and turn it into action.
How You Can Help
The group has helped create a platform for regular people to learn, engage, and get involved. Anyone who is interested to connect with the organization and learn about wildlife protection on Dauphin Island can begin as a student.
Leaders strongly agree that action begins with knowledge. Basically, no real action can be taken towards resolving a problem if the problem isn’t first understood. This is why the group provides Dauphin Island environmental education, connecting locals and non-locals alike to what is happening, what is wrong, and what can potentially be done about it.
Students of all ages can learn about the delicate nature of the local ecology. If they understand this, they can be inspired to take action. Their passion is more than just a vague sense of loving nature. We are all students. Through knowledge, we can become involved and help Alabama take major strides forward.
Events and Current Initiatives
The group has a few projects on the table. The Oyster Shell Recycling Program will take oysters from local diners and collect them back into the waters. They can help oysters grow, build habitats, and limit erosion.
The underwater Forest Documentary will also help inform everyone about the expansive and incredible depth of plant life underneath the Dauphin Island waters. These are just a few of the current sustainable projects in motion for the group. You can help by focusing on a specific project area where you are passionate.
The Legacy of Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island needs some protection. Anyone who wants to get involved can subscribe to the newsletter on the Connect to the Coast website at joinacf.org. Contact the group if you want further details.
Explore the many educational opportunities on the island, open at all. You can stay at one of our Dauphin Island vacation home rentals while stopping by the sea lab, estuary corps meetup, or any other local education event.