Gopher Tortoise Get Together

Looking for a tort-ally good time?

Join us on April 12 from 9 am-12 pm on Rosemary Dunes Trail, where will be celebrating Gopher Tortoise Day with the Learning Campus, Orange Beach Coastal Resources, and Alabama’s Certified Wildlife Biologist, Ericha Shelton-Nix! There will be activities and live demonstrations suitable for hatchlings, juveniles, and adults! 

Why should we celebrate gopher tortoises?

Thanks for asking! In Alabama, gopher tortoises are found in the lower 23 counties and are either state or federally protected, depending on the location. Being the only native tortoise east of the Mississippi River, gopher tortoises play a vital role in our scrub pine ecosystem here within the park. They dig deep burrows that serve as a refuge for roughly 360 different species against the natural elements, fire, and predation. This makes the gopher tortoise a “keystone” species, meaning without them, many species would not be able to survive. 

Burrow scoping demonstrations will be held at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30.

Registration: Registration is preferred but not required.

Location: Lookout Structure, Rosemary Dunes Trail, Orange Beach AL

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRkauR9Azx39XVV56

Parking Locations and Distance:

• Rosemary Dunes parking lot, 1.6miles

For guests who cannot make the trek, transportation will be available at the Rosemary Dunes parking lot, located next to Hotel Indigo. 

• Orange Beach Sportsplex, 1.6miles

• Catman Rd parking lot, 2.1miles

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call 251-948-7275 ex. 62093