When it comes to spring break, we love our guests. We appreciate their business and their yearly interest in our area. And as we gear up towards our busiest time of year, we need to spread the message that keeps our beautiful beaches clean for a long time: Leave Only Footprints.
The Leave Only Footprints campaign offers a sustainability plan in 2016 for Orange Beach. In compliance with Ordinance No. 1792 in Gulf Shores and Article VI of the Orange Beach Code of Ordinances, the campaign gives advice and preaches proper techniques in preservation.
To highlight the simple steps:
— Avoid stepping on ANY beach vegetation. Beach grasses and plant roots are essential in preventing beach erosion. Our country has planted beach grass for centuries to preserving our beautiful coastline, and stepping around this can do wonders keeping a sound structure.
— Leave objects alone. By leaving the ecosystem around you untouched, you help keep the beach experience alive for the next person. Not only do you deplete the coastline of it’s natural gems, but you also harm the habitat. Shells and driftwood play important roles in building birds nests. So as those are removed, so to are the opportunities for avian creatures.
— Be aware of birds. Speaking of birds, let nesting areas you find while exploring be. In many places, signs and placards are posted around these areas. Birds nests are easily camouflaged by vast sand, so be cautious when entering this area. This means no driving on these areas, keeping dogs away from nests, disposing of your trash and steering your kites clear of any potential contact.
The Leave Only Footprints campaign also encourages beachgoers to make sure they remove their belongings at the end of each day. Any objects left are potentially affecting the nesting and hatching of sea turtles. Also, excessive digging and glass bottles are prohibited.
If you have any questions, head to the Leave Only Footprints’ Facebook page and head to the program’s website www.cleanisland.org.
As always, be sure to contact our team at Century 21 Meyer Real Estate – Kris Powell for inquiries if you’re buying, selling or renting. Or if you’re just visiting, make sure you give us a call!
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