Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – In an impressive display of community involvement and environmental stewardship, Gulf Shores City Schools students alongside other volunteers have placed 403 recycled Christmas trees at the base of sand dunes in Gulf State Park. These trees are strategically placed to trap windblown sand, thereby facilitating the natural process of dune formation. This initiative is vital for the growth and protection of the coastal barrier that shields the island from storms.

The Gulf State Park has been placing Christmas trees at the bases of dunes as part of its dune restoration program for almost 40 years.

Fifty-one students from Gulf Shores Middle School and High School, who took part in this conservation effort. These students are not only participating in the restoration work but are also gaining valuable knowledge of coastal ecosystems. Under the guidance of Dune Doctors, a company specializing in dune preservation, these students are learning the intricacies of placement of the Christmas Trees as well as the importance of planting dune plants. This knowledge transfer continued, with these students teaching fifth graders the process during Thursday's "Planting for Protection (P4P) Event."

The Planting for Protection initiative, spearheaded by Dune Doctors, is an educational program aimed at fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment among the younger generation. It seeks to cultivate the next wave of coastal stewards by engaging them in hands-on conservation activities. This program emphasizes the importance of dunes in coastal resilience and the role they play in protecting against natural disasters.

The effort by the students and volunteers in using recycled Christmas trees for dune restoration demonstrates a sustainable approach to environmental protection. By repurposing the Christmas trees, the community is not only aiding in the creation of new dunes but also promoting recycling and environmental sustainability.

This event highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation and serves as a model for other coastal areas facing similar challenges. Through educational programs like Planting for Protection, Gulf Shores is nurturing a generation that values and actively participates in the preservation of their natural surroundings. The success of this event is a testament to the power of community action and the positive impact it has on coastal ecosystems.