What is Leave Only Footprints?
When visiting Alabama's Beaches, you might have seen signs, flags, and even stickers around that say "Leave Only Footprints. Leave Only Footprints is an initiative to help visitors and locals enjoy our pristine beaches in a sustainable way for years to come. The program balances a healthy ecosystem for wildlife with a fun beach experience for visitors and locals.
Development of Leave Only Footprints
Years ago, community leaders realized the area had a serious problem. The sea turtles weren’t nesting like they used to, and birds were so comfortable around humans that they got bold, sometimes taking food right out of people’s hands. The harmony of local sea life and wildlife was imbalanced. The community was met with a challenge on how to balance beach fun for people with a healthy ecosystem for wildlife.
Together, our communities, area businesses, and concerned citizens organized in 2007 to create a beach sustainability program to protect our valuable natural assets. In 2015, the Beach Litter program was added to further protect the health and safety of the beach, surrounding waters, animals and, of course, beachgoers.
Every year, more than six million people visit Alabama’s Beaches to vacation and enjoy our white-sand beaches, fantastic fishing, watersports, fresh seafood, and the many other fun activities our destination offers. These offerings would not be possible without the preservation of our natural resources. Practicing responsible tourism when visiting Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan is vital to keeping our beaches in the pristine condition we all enjoy today.
How You Can Help
Do Not Walk on Sand Dunes
Do Not Walk on Sand Dunes
Sand dunes act as barriers to protect the mainland against high waves and storm surges and provide habitats to some wildlife. Stay off the dunes and use beach walkovers and boardwalks. Walking on the dunes is prohibited by law in both cities.
Remove All Belongings From the Beach Each Day
Remove All Belongings From the Beach Each Day
Leave only footprints on the beach by removing all belongings, including toys, chairs, tents, coolers and blankets, by sunset each day. Doing so prevents them from being swept into the water and keeps our beaches clear for nesting sea turtles and rescue personnel. Please note that any items left on the beach before sunrise or after sunset will be discarded by beach patrol.
Do Not Dig Large Holes in Sand
Do Not Dig Large Holes in Sand
If you dig a hole, fill it before you leave the beach. Holes are hazardous to sea turtles and other beachgoers. Large holes become a hazard to our first responders during rescues. Any holes dug on Alabama's Beaches must not exceed 12 inches deep.
Keep Pets Off the Beach
Keep Pets Off the Beach
While pets are welcome at many places in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, they are prohibited from our beaches. If you want to bring your four-legged friend along to your vacation adventures, check out all the pet-friendly spots in the area.
Avoid Using Bright Lights at Night
Avoid Using Bright Lights at Night
Avoid flashlights or flash photography at night, as the light can disorient the nesting sea turtles. Stop by our Welcome Center to get stickers to cover your phone flashlight or hand-held flashlight.
Recycle
Recycle
Recycle when possible and use reusable products such as grocery bags and water bottles. This is an easy way for you to help keep our community healthy. The less garbage that goes into landfills, the better.
Leave What You Find Along Alabama’s Beaches
Leave What You Find Along Alabama’s Beaches
Alabama’s Beaches boast plenty of stunning views and fascinating natural wonders. It’s easy to want to take home a treasure from the beach, but these creatures and creations are essential to the local environment, and we want future generations to continue to enjoy our shores. We ask that you leave all inhabited shells, driftwood, marine life, and other natural items found along our shores right where you found them.
The Success of Leave Only Footprints
The program has been a huge success! Local accommodations, restaurants, and other area businesses have all pitched in, promoting the program with flyers and pamphlets to educate both residents and guests. City staff and volunteers have committed to preserving the beach through several initiatives. Additionally, eco-volunteers have done an amazing job of protecting the dunes and sea turtle nests. The whole community has adopted it as part of the local lifestyle.
Who You're
By keeping the coastline clean, you’re not only helping beachgoers but also wildlife that call the area home. Creatures like sea turtles, seabirds, crabs, beach mice, dolphins, and an array of sea life all benefit from our participation in preserving our ecosystems.
Discover our Coastal Critters
Take Part in
To protect their beauty for generations, the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach cities have enacted the Leave Only Footprints initiative. What does this mean for you and your next beach vacation? Familiarize yourself with the beach usage rules and regulations before your visit and arrange a fun and responsible vacation on Alabama’s pristine beaches.
When visiting Alabama's Beaches, you might have seen signs, flags, and even stickers around that say "Leave Only Footprints." Leave Only Footprints is an initiative to help visitors and locals enjoy our pristine beaches in a sustainable way for years to come.
