As Earth Day approaches, I've been looking back at the stories I've covered across Baldwin County — stories that reflect both the challenges facing our environment and the people working to protect it. From grassroots activism to scientific discovery, each offers a different lens on how this region is changing and striving to better the world around it.

Here are five of my favorite stories making waves across coastal Alabama.

After Sallie: Grandmothers carry on the fight against coal ash contamination from Alabama Power's Plant Barry

This story follows three Baldwin County women continuing a grassroots effort started by their late friend Sallie Smith to push for the removal of 21 million tons of coal ash stored near Mobile Bay. What began as a personal mission grew into a broader advocacy campaign aimed at protecting the bay from potential contamination.

Diane Thomas, one of the group's leaders, said the effort is gaining traction.

"Public opinion is beginning to shift," she said.

Kristin Koppen said concerns about future generations drove her involvement.

"Well, our grandchildren won't be able to swim in the bay," she said. "Our great-grandchildren won't. That made it important to us."

The story highlights a community-driven environmental movement rooted in personal connection to Mobile Bay and concern for long-term water quality.

Flippers and facts: Dolphin Awareness Month highlights role in coastal health

This story looks into how researchers along the Gulf Coast used Dolphin Awareness Month to show how bottlenose dolphins reflect the health of Mobile Bay and surrounding waters. Scientists said dolphin populations act as indicators of broader ecosystem conditions.

Ruth Carmichael, senior marine scientist at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, explained the connection between species and environment.

"If you can remember that we really do have one ocean, and it's linked to one health, and that's dolphin health and our health, those are so intimately linked," she said.

The story focuses on how wildlife research is used to better understand and protect coastal water quality.

Local leaders, environmental groups voice opposition to proposed Stockton solar farm

This is a story about opposition to a proposed 4,500-acre solar development near Stockton. Elected officials and environmental groups raised concerns about wetlands, transparency and potential impacts to Mobile Bay, the Mobile Tensaw-Delta and surrounding ecosystems.

Spanish Fort Mayor Brad Bass emphasized caution in development decisions.

"Potential downstream environmental impacts to Mobile Bay and the Gulf, drainage changes and long-term unknowns simply cannot be overlooked," he said.

The story reflects ongoing debate over balancing renewable energy expansion with environmental protection.

$22 million in GOMESA funds awarded to Baldwin County

State officials announced more than $45 million in funding for coastal projects, including habitat restoration, stormwater improvements, recreational access and environmental education. The funding is part of broader coastal investment supported by offshore energy revenue, including nearly $22.9 million for Baldwin County for environmental improvements and public access.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the investments will have lasting effects across the region.

"These investments represent generational improvements in our coastal counties," he said.

The funding supports infrastructure and conservation efforts intended to improve environmental resilience across coastal Alabama.

Gone fishing, found a fossil: Mobile family finds 32M-year-old sea turtle preserved in South Alabama river

This story follows a family fishing trip that led to the discovery of a 32-million-year-old fossilized leatherback sea turtle, later identified as a new genus and species. The find brought together researchers, students and cultural experts to study one of the most complete fossil turtle shells ever discovered in Alabama.

Paleontologist Andrew Gentry said the find was remarkable.

"When I saw the fossil for the first time, it was hard to believe what I was seeing," he said. "It was absolutely breathtaking."

The fossil's naming also incorporated Muscogee language and honored both Indigenous heritage and the family that found it.

Student researcher Kimberly Gregson said the discovery also holds cultural significance.

"Being a tribal member has always been a huge part of my life, and it's a really big deal that this fossil was found on my people's ancestral homeland," she said.

Together, these stories reflect a range of environmental efforts in coastal Alabama, from advocacy and education to funding and scientific discovery, all contributing to the region's long-term environmental health.

Happy Earth Day!

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.