South Alabama Land Trust has permanently protected 11 additional parcels of land on Dauphin Island through a conservation agreement with Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, expanding long-standing efforts to preserve natural habitats on the island.

The agreement, finalized in December, covers about 4.5 acres of forests, mixed hardwood and shrub habitat and wetlands. It marks the sixth conservation partnership between the two organizations since 2011 and brings the total number of protected parcels on the island to 83, or nearly 27 acres.

The preserved land provides critical habitat for birds and other wildlife, including species that migrate annually between North and South America.

“Our conservation agreements with DIBS ensure these habitats are protected forever,” said Bob Holk, chair of SALT’s board of directors. “Open space on the island also preserves its coastal heritage, which benefits both residents and visitors.”

Ralph Havard, president of DIBS, said the partnership has been key to safeguarding the island’s natural resources.

“DIBS is fortunate to have SALT as its conservation partner,” Havard said. “Both organizations understand the urgency of protecting land and habitats before they are lost forever.”

Funding for the conservation work was provided by a grant from the Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation, which supported property assessments, environmental research, boundary verification and the legal steps needed to secure permanent protection.

Founded in 1990, SALT is a nationally accredited land trust that has protected more than 12,000 acres across Baldwin County and Mobile County in Alabama, conserving wildlife habitat, coastal lands, waterways and scenic natural areas.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.