Learn more about sea turtles, Monarchs in Oct. at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge

Learn more about sea turtles, Monarchs in Oct. at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge
Learn more about the sea turtles that nest along Alabama’s beaches and the efforts involved in protecting their nests during a Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge staff talk on the beach at the end of Mobile Street off of Ft. Morgan Rd. in Gulf Shores on Wednesday, October 9 at 9 a.m. No reservations required.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge will also be conducting guided butterfly tours in October. The tours start at 10 a.m. on October 16, 19, 23 & 26.
The butterfly tours are free to the public and reservations are required. Tours are limited to 12 people and each tour will consist of a 2 hour round trip walk down one of the refuge trails. At least 24 hours notice for cancellations. binoculars are helpful but not required to enjoy the tours. Restroom facilities are available at the refuge office and Pine Beach Trail.
During the walk along Gator Lake Trail, participants will search for the beautiful Monarch butterfly and learn about all the butterflies which pass through this area, their habitats and their life cycles. Participants will also be asked to help catch monarch butterflies so that they can receive tags that will allow scientists to track their migration.
The walks will start at the Gator Lake trailhead located off of Mobile Street. Come prepared to walk over 2 miles, in the soft sand, with minimal shade. Water and bug spray are highly suggested.
The refuge is also hostin an Oct. 15 Ask a Naturalist evnt from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Mobile Street boardwalk. Ask one of the refuge naturalists questions you may have about the native habitats, flora, and fauna at the refuge.
For more info about any of the events, contact the Refuge Office, Monday – Friday, 9: a.m. – 2 p.m. at (251) 540-7720. The refuge is located at 12295 State Highway 180 in Gulf Shores.