One of Scenic 98 Coastal’s is missions raising awareness for conservation groups working hard to preserve and protect our coastal lands and waters. South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) is one of those important organizations. I sat down with Katherine Kuhn, Outreach and Communications Manager for SALT to learn more about what they do.

SALT was formally known as the Week’s Bay Foundation, but as its scope increased it changed its name in 2020 to better reflect its reach. Formed in 1990 as a non-profit with a mission to protect land and act as a Friends Group to the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, SALT is a primarily volunteer organization with a few paid staff. They currently have job openings and volunteer opportunities, so if land conservation and environmental work are up your alley, contact Katherine.

Katherine graduated from Springhill College in 2016 with a degree in Marine Biology and has been at SALT for a year and a half. She says, “Whether we realize it or not, we are people of the water, and there are plenty of watery edges around here. We are about protecting land at the water’s edge.”

SALT supports and partners with other conservation groups, including Dog River Clearwater Revival and Mobile Baykeeper, to keep track of bacteria in the water by sponsoring four local testing sites. They host educational workshops and conduct field trips to help keep the public informed. To raise funds for for SALT’s mission, the upcoming Bald Eagle Bash is held each year at the Tonsmeire Resource Center.

Alabama Coastal Bird Fest is SALT’s big Fall event, held the first full weekend in October. This year, Bird Fest takes place October 4 through 7. It’s an all-volunteer event with experts from other conservation groups, such as Alabama Audubon and Alabama Ornithological Society, leading kayak and pontoon boat tours through local estuaries. Another option is a boat tour aboard the research vessel, Alabama Discovery, from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to experience Mobile Bay and Gulf of Mexico waters‘ sea life.

SALT is a Friends’ Group to Weeks Bay Reserve, one of the thirty National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR). Another NERR is in Grand Bay just across the Mobile County line in Moss Point, MS. The NERR System protects acres of coastal and estuarine habitats for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship.

SALT’s main focus is identifying, conserving, and protecting sensitive natural habitats. They are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance. Once a priority parcel is identified, they reach out to landowners for donations, or purchase land at reasonable sale prices. They prefer adding to contiguous parcels that are already part of State Lands, other sensitive wetland areas, or anything that will directly impact a nearby waterway.  

“Most wetlands are already protected,” says Katherine. “We try to strike a balance between what degree a parcel can be developed vs what is already protected.” SALT works closely with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We can purchase land and hold it until it has a clear path to be purchased and managed by the State.”

Fish River Nature Preserve is one of SALT's properties. They monitor the land and hope to reach the point where it's accessible to the public soon. Since the habitat there is a Long Leaf Pine fire-dependent ecosystem, SALT will conduct prescribed burns on the property under its management.

SALT is constantly seeking partnerships and creative ways to protect environmentally sensitive land. “Our mission,” says Katherine, “is to protect the water and land we depend on.” They currently have about 11,000 acres they monitor. “We are not anti-development, but we are always exploring how development can be done better. Education is important, but getting involved in the beginning to discuss how things can be done to protect the environment is a major focus for us.”

The Native Habitat Program for homeowners is a way to bring back what works for the native bees, insects, and butterflies that depend on natural plants and trees from this area. “Insects haven’t adapted to non-native, exotic plants that are being introduced to our area. Non-native plants do not allow for nature to create a “food web” familiar to local pollinators. SALT’s program puts returning your property to native species in your hands.

“There is so much individuals can do to sustain and improve this area.” The Osprey Initiative, which started in Mobile, is now nationwide. SALT partners with them to support their annual Floating Cleanup. Recognizing the problem, three years ago Don Bates invented the “Litter Gitter” that is now deployed in waterways to intercept floating litter from storm water runoff all over the United States.

Joining SALT is an investment in our beautiful coastal area and the survival of wildlife. The organization is funded through grants, donations, memberships, and events. The 13^th annual Bald Eagle Bash will be held Saturday, April 29 at the Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center at the Fish River Bridge and Boat Launch on Scenic Highway 98. Tagged The Party for Preservation it’s an outdoor party with great food, drink, and live music.

This year’s Bald Eagle Bash will offer shrimp dishes prepared by over a dozen local restaurants. The shrimp is provided by Bon Secour Fisheries. Beer is donated by Fairhope Brewing Company and Braided River Brewing Company in Mobile. Two bands will provide the entertainment this year: Dial Street Band from Mobile and Ladycouch from Nashville. Tickets are $50 early bird for SALT members only March 9-12 then $55 for SALT members and $65 for non-members.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Katherine and learning more about South Alabama Land Trust, its programs, and its impact. I encourage you to join and get involved. It’s primarily a volunteer-driven organization that's making a difference in how we enjoy the waters, beaches, and recreational activities we all love.

Thanks for all you do for the Scenic 98 Coastal area!