The US Army Corps of Engineers announced last week that highly invasive and destructive zebra mussels— known for causing damage in the Great Lakes— have been detected for the first time in lakes and rivers near Tuscaloosa. The zebra mussels are not known to have made it here to Lower Alabama yet, but one of the main components of the work of the MBNEP is called Ecosystem Status & Trends. That’s a scientific way of saying we keep a very close eye on what’s going in the waterways and ecosystems of our Bay and Estuary.

You won’t believe how much this year’s CreekFest is bigger and better than ever!!! Hosted by the 3Mile Creek and the City of Mobile: Parks & Recreation on:***Sat. June 12th 10am-3pm*** TRICENTENNIAL PARK

"The restoration and preservation of Lightning Point, one of Alabama’s most iconic and important coastal habitats, is getting a big boost thanks to the efforts of some area high school students and volunteers.

You’re looking at photos (taken in the just the past few days) of the world’s most endangered species of sea turtle— the Kemp’s Ridley— making her voyage up the Alabama sands to lay eggs in hopes of creating the next generation of her kind. Part of the work of the MBNEP is the creation of Plans—scientific blueprints—based on years of research to guide the wise care and stewardship of our coastal waters, animals, and all the natural resources that exist here.

How many of you remember what the Eastern Shore of the Bay was like— many years ago— when it was just a few small coastal communities? The natural beauty of the Bay, its Watersheds and world-renowned Jubilees— the Grand Hotel overlooking it all— were even then known to be national treasures. For those of us too young to remember, if you think Fairhope and Daphne are beautiful now, check out this short film for a brief look at what it was like in day’s past.

Recently, the MBNEP had the honor of presenting to the citizens of Coastal Alabama a new way for those with physical challenges to get out on the beach and into the sand— two extensive ADA/wheelchair compliant beach mats on the north and south sides of the western end of Dauphin Island. The project is a collaboration with the Town of Dauphin Island and the Krewe of Kindness, a disability-affirming organization.