Foley is preparing for a major milestone with the planned expansion of the Graham Creek Nature Preserve. City officials confirmed that the project will move forward after receiving significant financial support through a $4 million federal grant. The funds, awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will be used to acquire additional property for the preserve, already the largest municipal nature preserve in Alabama. Local leaders described the award as both rare and historic, marking the first NOAA grant of its kind for the state.

The announcement was made after more than a year of collaboration between the city and NOAA. Officials received confirmation earlier this year that Foley had been selected for funding through the Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Leslie Gahagan, the city’s sustainability and natural resources director, said only a few grants are given nationally each year. She emphasized that the funds will go directly toward preserving coastal lands and protecting sensitive natural areas.

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Mayor Ralph Hellmich called the grant a remarkable achievement, noting that it represents a statewide first. He credited the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, led by Director Chris Blankenship, along with State Lands Director Patti McCurdy, for their crucial support. Their contributions helped secure the competitive award and ensure Foley’s project stood out on a national level.

Hellmich added that the city is not stopping with this expansion. Foley is continuing to pursue additional funding opportunities in hopes of further enlarging the preserve. He explained that the project has attracted widespread support from state officials, the Forest Service, and even the governor’s office. The collaborative nature of the effort has helped position the Graham Creek site as an example of conservation that benefits the community without requiring state operational costs.

Currently, Graham Creek Nature Preserve covers about 650 acres near Wolf Creek Drive in southeast Foley. The preserve features more than 10 miles of hiking trails, two handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, and four disc golf courses. With the new funding, city leaders hope to build on this foundation and protect even more land for residents and visitors to enjoy.

For more information visit the Graham Creek Nature Preserve website.