Month: August 2020

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America’s Amazon

Along the coast of Mobile and Baldwin counties runs the largest river delta and wetlands in Alabama and is the 2nd largest delta in the contiguous United States.  It is called the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.  Rivers in this delta include Mobile, Blakely, Apalachee, Tensaw and Spanish that run into the Mobile Bay. These wetlands create a dynamic estuary with various species of fresh and saltwater fish.   Along the shoreline are hardwood trees, cypress, swamps, bogs, and marshes.  This region is home to some of the most diverse wildlife and plants in the United States.  Naturalist, E.O. Wilson described this delta as an “American Amazon” because of its rich biodiversity.  I feel so blessed to live to so close to this abundant nature wonderland.

The Delta covers over 40 miles and on average is 10 miles wide.  200,000 acres of this land is the least disturbed natural environment in all of Alabama and is recognized a National Natural Landmark. The Delta also has thousands of acres of water consisting of lakes, rivers, creeks, and bayous.  According to Historic Blakey State Park there are over 500 species of plants in the delta along with over 800 species of insects and 300 species of birds.  There are also over 125 species of fish; 70 species of reptiles; 50 species of mammals; and approximately two dozen species of amphibians.  Because most of the Delta is in very shallow water, many people use small boats, airboats, canoes, and kayaks to traverse this vast area.

So, you want to visit the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, but don’t have a boat?  Well, you are in luck.  Wild Native Tours and Historic Blakey Park offers Delta and wildlife boat tours of the lower Mobile-Tensaw Delta and the Mobile Bay on the Eastern Shore and Mobile, Alabama.  The guides are entertaining and informative and will point out wildlife and other points of interest. You will also learn a little history about the area.  It is so exciting to see an eagle or osprey flying about or dolphins, pelicans and seagulls chasing shrimp boats. There are also hundreds of alligators, but don’t worry, you are safe in the boat.  Nature lovers will adore these eco-tours. There are plenty of fishing, boating, and camping opportunities along the delta. Meaher State Park on the Causeway in Spanish Fort offers a magnificent view of the Delta from their 300-foot pier with a 200-foot T board walk. Meaher State Park also offers opportunities for camping and fishing. Experience a glorious sunset on the Mobile Bay.  I guarantee you will have a fabulous time and enjoy Alabama’s jewel of the coast.

https://www.alapark.com/parks/meaher-state-park

https://www.blakeleypark.com/

https://wildnativetours.com/
Wild Native Tours

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Come to the Bayou

Nestled on the Mississippi Sound, along the Gulf of Mexico, is the city of Bayou La Batre located in South Mobile County, Alabama.  This historic French city, pronounced “By-luh-ba-tree”, is a fishing community known as the Seafood Capitol of Alabama because of the seafood-processing harbor along the water for fishing boats and shrimp boats. This seafood industry has a great economic impact on our State more than $400 million including other seafood brought in from other states to process.  Bayou La Batre is also known for their great history of shipbuilding of fishing vessels to passenger vessels.  Along Shell Belt Road is a favorite area of mine to photograph the different personalities of the shrimp boats docked along the old weathered piers and capture water birds, such as pelicans and herons, that live along the water.  Of course, Sunsets and sunrises always bring great mood and light to the scene.

Bayou La Batre was made famous in the 1994 movie, “Forrest Gump”.  Who can forget all the great shrimp dishes Forrest’s friend Bubba describes in the movie?  Did I forget to tell you how fabulous the seafood restaurants are in this charming city?  Shout out to the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Catalina Restaurant for the best mouthwatering seafood in the Bayou.  Believe me, these are the places to go for the freshest seafood.  Another fun fact is that Disney Studios had secretly built the Black Pearl in the Bayou La Batre shipyard that was featured in the “Pirates of the Caribbean”.   Also, Discovery Channel “Big Shrimpin” TV series was produced to showcase shrimpers and their boats all from Bayou La Batre.   

This community loves to host events to celebrate their seafood industry.  The most famous is the “Blessing of the Fleet”.  This event takes place on May 4th and 5th every year and is the unofficial kick-off to the shrimping season.  The Fleet Blessing ceremony takes place on the dock at St. Margaret Parish with the Archbishop of the Diocese of Mobile who begins the ceremony with a prayer.  All kinds of decorated boats form a procession behind the boat carrying the Archbishop, where they parade to the mouth of the bayou and back while the Archbishop blesses the boats for a bountiful harvest and protection and safety of the men and women at sea.  The newest event I plan to attend is their first annual Oyster Fest which is to take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021.  I cannot wait for more details to be released.  I do love me some good char-grilled oysters.

Finally, I am so excited for Bayou La Batre’s newest project to revitalize its waterfront and protect the shoreline habitats.   This project will protect 127 acres of land and install 1.5 miles of breakwater. The public will also have added access for recreation and fishing opportunities.  It is called the Lightning Point restoration project and will help rebuild the diminishing coastline. This project will include shoreline protection, habitat creation of 40 acres of march, tidal creeks and habitats that include and support fish, shellfish, and birds of all kind.  There will also be boat ramps, walking trails and a lookout point for the community to enjoy.  I am so excited for this new habit which will encourage diversity of the plants and animals.  Lightning Point project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.  So, come to the Bayou and enjoy this hidden diamond in the rough.