With nine different ecosystems and as one of the state’s original state parks, Gulf State Park has quickly become a mecca of sustainability—implementing practices that are environmentally conscious and setting the standard for sustainability across the globe.
Off the coast of Alabama, the Gulf of Mexico is a stunning oasis teeming with life. Its waters provide significant impact to the local and state economy, delivering world-class seafood, numerous jobs and a whole lot of beauty. Running along the Gulf is the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park—a place where individuals and families of all walks of life can relax beachside, hike, bike, boat and explore. There’s more to this park than just sugar-white sand beaches and sparkling emerald waters, though. It’s setting global standards for sustainability—implementing practices, initiatives and structures that enhance the environment and engage tourists in crafting a more sustainable state.
Chandra Wright, the Director of Environmental and Educational Outreach for The Lodge and Learning Campus at Gulf State Park has been serving the park for several years, spearheading sustainability efforts and helping make the park a special place for locals and tourists alike.
After landing into tourism almost by chance, Wright found a home. “The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill served as my personal wake-up call to find work that was more focused on environmental stewardship,” Wright shared. “That tragedy made it clear that if we don’t take good care of our natural resources, we don’t have a very bright future.”
Through initiatives at the Gulf State Park, Wright is instituting change, not only for Alabama, but for the world.
“Alabama’s most environmentally friendly building”
At the heart of Gulf State Park’s sustainability efforts are its three primary facilities: The Lodge, the Learning Campus and the Interpretive Center. All three buildings were constructed as part of the Gulf State Park Enhancement Project and built to some of the world’s most rigorous building standards.
These facilities are all FORTIFIED Commercial and LEED certified, designations that, according to Wright, “protect building investments from tropical storms and hurricanes” and that prioritize “energy and water conservation,” respectively. The Lodge was the first hotel in the world to receive SITES Platinum certification, which prioritizes a healthy natural environment using native species.
The Interpretive Center also carries a lot of regard in the community. Due to its achievement of Petal Certification under the Living Building Challenge, many consider it as Alabama’s most environmentally friendly building.
“The Living Building Challenge is based on the idea that buildings should be better for the environment and the people that occupy them,” Wright says. It consists of seven challenges and 20 requirements—or imperatives. And for Wright and the Interpretive Center, they have “achieved 19 of the 20 and [are] still working on the one remaining.”
While these building standards might be rigorous, the park’s efforts don’t end there. The park is built in a dune region, meaning numerous native species and wildlife call it home. For this reason, 75% of the Lodge’s property’s landscape uses “native species that can thrive without irrigation, chemical pesticides or fertilizers,” according to the Lodge’s website.
These efforts result in restoring and protecting species’ habitats. Beach lights are warmer so as to be less confusing to wildlife and windows have safety measures to prevent bird collisions.
The Gulf approach to sustainable tourism
Gulf State Park is making strides in sustainability, providing a place where people can visit, unwind and create lasting memories with family and friends. With immersive educational programs, nationally recognized trails, pristine beaches and a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities, visitors have numerous opportunities to explore.
But at the park, sustainability goes beyond the structures. In fact, it is applied to every aspect of the destination. Wright calls this “sustainable tourism.”
Sustainable tourism combines the concepts of mainstream tourism, nature tourism and ecotourism. Wright shares that sustainable tourism asks, “How do we make our hotels, restaurants, attractions and transportation options more environmentally friendly?” It also means “investing in the local community…to celebrate and protect our cultural and natural heritage.”
Looking ahead to a cleaner Gulf
The sustainability initiatives along Alabama’s coast are drawing attention from around the world. Conferences from architectural and building industries regularly take place at the Lodge, where participants from Alabama, other southeastern states and beyond learn how to incorporate sustainable construction in a coastal environment and how to continue those operations after construction (Wright).
Wright has witnessed more Hilton family properties globally using bulk amenities, something she says is “proof that we can do better in reducing our reliance on single-use plastics.”
While there are many impactful sustainability initiatives already happening at Gulf State Park, Wright says they are still working to improve every single day. These efforts include better recycling systems, further community partnerships and hopes for a nearby composting facility. She also emphasizes the need for manufacturers to create more environmentally friendly products with less single-use plastics or chemicals.
Through her work, she’s also growing her own knowledge of sustainability, sharing, “I’m learning more about sustainability all the time and looking for ways we can continue to improve our efforts to be a leader in sustainable tourism.”
And thanks to Wright’s efforts and more, Gulf State Park is more than just a hidden gem along Alabama’s coast—it’s a testament to how we can both protect and preserve the natural world while still enjoying it. The park’s efforts are inspiring the next generation of sustainable tourism so that we can live in that bright future.
In the words of Wright: “Alabamians should be extremely proud of Gulf State Park and the sustainability practices in place.” And proud we are.
Things to do at Gulf State Park
From walking or biking on the nation’s best recreational trail to venturing down the largest pier in the Gulf of Mexico, there is no shortage of activities to do, places to explore and sights to see down at our state’s beautiful coast. And you can do it all in an eco-friendly way. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it right along Alabama’s beautiful coast at Gulf State Park.
