Hillary Bryan (Park Naturalist, Gulf State Park)
The GTC Environmental Education Grant was established to support educators and organizations committed to developing educational projects about the gopher tortoise and the fascinating world in which it lives. The grant also honors Donna J. Heinrich, an environmental educator, whose life was dedicated to conserving wildlife and their associated habitats.
The Gulf State Park, known for its beaches and hiking trails, is becoming a hands-on learning site for gopher tortoise research through support from the Donna J. Heinrich Environmental Education Grant. The project aims to assess and monitor gopher tortoise populations within the park, develop an inventory of coastal upland species, engage local students in field-based research, and create educational programs for the local community and park visitors.
The Park was able to purchase 2 educational trail signs, a burrow scope, 5 game cameras, and materials for AHDriFT buckets. Two engaging programs are now being offered: one focusing on gopher tortoise biology and ongoing research at the park, and a second that guides guests through gopher tortoise habitat with a live burrow- scoping demonstration. Launched in November, these programs have already reached nearly 750 local students and 64 park guests in just one month!
Building on the momentum of the grant, we are expanding our efforts to raise awareness and protect gopher tortoises. In celebration of Gopher Tortoise Day, Gulf State Park hosted a 5k and one-mile fun run, with proceeds supporting gopher tortoise conservation efforts at the park and in other Alabama State Parks within the species range!
For more updates on educational programs at Gulf State Park, visit our Facebook page and website, or contact Hillary Bryan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
