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Parks
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Off State Highway 180 at the 13-mile marker; 251-540-7720. This 6200-acre refuge with beach access protects and preserves the unique plants and animals that call the Gulf Coast home. Hike the scenic, four-mile Pine Beach Trail or the one-mile-loop Jeff Friend Trail. Catch bass, bluegill and bream in the 40-acre freshwater Gator Lake (canoes and electric trolling motors only). On the nearby lagoon, cast for trout and flounder or scoop up crabs. See a large migratory bird stopover in April, May, September and October. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
Gulf State Park
Headquarters: 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores; 251-948-7275. This Gulf Coast gem boasts 6000 acres of land with 2.5 miles of beaches on four preserved stretches of sand. Inland, 900-acre Lake Shelby hosts freshwater fishermen, boaters, skiers and swimmers; nearby nature trails wind through the wooded land. Scheduled educational nature activities include beach walks, hikes, slide presentations and nature films. Wildlife exhibits at the Nature Center are open year-round.
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
On U.S. Highway 98, about 12 miles west of Foley, 251-928-9792. Protects approximately 6000 acres of coastal habitats and wetlands, including an estuary (a body of water where fresh and salt waters converge). Visit the Interpretive Center with indoor exhibits and a live animal room, and explore the nature trails and bog. Ground trails and boardwalk trails, which are handicap accessible, are available. Picnic facilities are available. Open Monday–Saturday 9–5, Sunday 1–5. Admission is free.
Biophilia Nature Center & Native Nursery
On County Road 95, three miles east of Elberta and 1/4 mile south of U.S. Highway 98, 251-987-1200. Butterflies courting and laying eggs, sparkling sundews catching bugs, and blue-tailed skinks streaking about are potential sights at the 20-acre Biophilia Nature Center and Native Nursery in Elberta. This ongoing ecological restoration project includes young forests, wildflower meadows, a carnivorous plant bog, a swamp, an 11-foot alligator, turtles, a butterfly garden, a screened butterfly room and caterpillar nursery, and a bookstore/library. Call 987-1200 for Nature Center hours and cost of admission.
Meaher State Park
Near Mobile on Battleship Parkway, two miles east of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 251-626-5529. Situated in the wetlands of Mobile Bay, this 1327-acre park features two self-guided nature trails that highlight the flora and fauna of this unique area. Also available: picnic areas, primitive camping, and fishing from the 500-ft. pier. Open daily 7–4. Admission is $1 for adults, 50 cents for children 11 and under.
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