BirdForum

Wrapping up the look at Leave No Trace principles, the last two deal with respect. Respecting wildlife and being considerate of others go hand-in-hand. For wildlife, the best advice is to keep a safe distance. Do not feed animals or leave food behind. As Boy Scouts put it, “Keep wildlife wild.” Being considerate of others basically means keeping noise and distractions to a minimum so others can enjoy the peace and solitude offered by the great outdoors – and the varied habitats and environments...

CarolWeaver

As promised, here's a closer look at the Leave No Trace principles and what they mean. The first, plan ahead and prepare, seems pretty straightforward. But what should you plan and prepare? Boy Scouts, who adhere to the principles, are taught to find out about the area where they are hiking as well as about members of the group. Novice hikers will have a much different set of skills than experienced ones, so know what to expect out of the group so you can plan stops in designated areas instead of...

CarolWeaver

To be good stewards of the environment, visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast who want to take a walk on the wild side need to do a bit of advance planning. If you intend to hike while visiting Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines – not rules – were developed almost 50 years ago by various federal agencies overseeing the country's natural resources. Here's a look at the principles: First, plan ahead and prepare....

CarolWeaver

OK, time to pack for the trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Swimwear? Check. Beach towels? Check. Hiking shoes? Check! While it's great to hit the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach bare of foot so that you can wiggle your toes in the sugary sands or dip them in the warm waters of the Gulf, there are compelling reasons to bring along sturdy, comfortable shoes that will allow for lots of walking. In addition to comfy shoes for lots of shopping, consider bringing along footwear – and other accessories...

CarolWeaver

Date: 10/16/2008 - 10/19/2008
Fairhope, AL
Phone: 251-990-0420
Website: www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

The fifth Alabama Coastal BirdFest coincides with the annual fall migration of many birds from North America to Central and South America. Coastal Alabama is a critical stopover point during this migration. There is something for all birders—from beginners to experts. Every trip features a very special facet of the beautiful Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. Proceeds...

CarolWeaver