The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
"The mission of the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability is to promote sustainable tourism, raise environmental awareness, and encourage the stewardship of natural resources to increase community resilience, strengthen the coastal economy, and enhance the quality of life of the residents and visitors of the Gulf Coast Region."
Coastal Alabama provides beautiful views and amazing outdoor adventures. In addition to the region's renowned sugar sand beaches, Gulf State Park and the City of Gulf Shores provide tourists the opportunity to explore lush woodlands, coastal marshes, elevated boardwalks, and cutting-edge environmental amenities.
The public of Gulf Shores received a restoration grant to construct the Gulf Coast Center Eco Center on public property near Gulf Shores High School and Gulf State Park. Scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, the campus will include a variety of community programming such as youth camps, field studies, public seminars, workshops, and leisure activities. The campus will include a farm and garden complex, an art center, habitat restoration displays, a cycling hub, a wetland lab, an event area, and a challenge course.
The Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, raising environmental awareness, and encouraging responsible care of the Gulf Coast's natural resources.
Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability's Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
GULF CAMP
The Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability has partnered with Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment to create. GULF CAMP. This program is located in the lovely Gulf State Park and provides a week of fun and adventure for adolescents ages seven to thirteen. They offer four one-week classes during the month of July. Activities include kayaking, biking, beach exploration, swimming, nature, arts & crafts, outdoor cooking, and more. Camp is held at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, Lake Shelby, the Beach Interpretive Center, and the Backcountry Trail.
In the summer of 2019, the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism and Sustainability in Alabama began its first round of Public Programming at the Learning Campus, highlighting a stunning new facility and providing free and low-cost seminars to both locals and tourists. They introduced many activities including candle-making, natural dyeing, paper-making, solar-oven baking, and others. In addition, they collaborated with guest lecturers from the Alabama Coastal Foundation, the Lodge at Gulf State Park, and local horticulturists to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of our community's natural environments. Bigger and better events will be taking place in the summer of 2024.
Public Learning Programs
Join us in supporting the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability
75% of this month's donations will go towards our partner, the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability.
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism & Sustainability continue its mission of promoting sustainable tourism, raising environmental awareness, and improving the quality of life for Gulf Coast residents and visitors.