GULF SHORES — Leah Shultz, environmental educator at the Learning Campus at Gulf State Park, spoke at the Little Lagoon Preservation Society (LLPS) meeting on Nov. 7 and discussed the different programs the state park offers to the public.

Shultz described the Learning Campus as "the educational basecamp that increases access for visiting school groups, post-secondary students, researchers, scout troops and nature enthusiasts from around Alabama and beyond."

Some of the programs Shultz emphasized included collegiate research groups, eco-art classes, homeschool days, AL STEM council, summer camps, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate certifications for students and professional development for teachers.

A calendar with details of all the programs offered by the Learning Campus can be found on their website at www.learningcampusgsp.com/calendar. Shultz said in her presentation that she works in "teaching environmental education to ages 5 to 105" and is an alumnus from the University of Alabama.

School groups, families or private groups can book facilities at the Learning Campus for meeting spaces and lodging. With different classroom spaces, multiple groups can use the facility at the same time.

The items on the calendar, such as the guided hikes, crafts and informational events, are open to the public and are regularly scheduled throughout the month. Shultz said the Learning Campus can also accommodate a variety of private events.

According to the Learning Campus website, "programs may be tailored to meet a variety of age groups and educational interests."

It is recommended to contact the Learning Campus at (251) 923-3101 for more information on booking educational programs.

OYSTER GARDENING UPDATE

Also covered at the LLPS meeting on Nov. 7 was the progress made with the society's oyster gardening program. LLPS President Dennis Hatfield gave a shoutout to Tom and Laurie Eberly for running the program and to the 51 Gulf Shores High School students who helped with the project.

"Since 2017, our program has grown 366,636 oysters with a restoration value of $423,784," Hatfield said.

He attributed this growth to the project managers and volunteers and also "favorable environmental conditions in 2024."