Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Coastal Adventure

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Explore the Beach!

Imagine stepping onto the soft, warm sand, the salty breeze tickling your face, and the sound of waves filling the air.

Gulf Shores, Alabama, is more than just a fun place to visit—it’s an active part of nature!

Look closely, and you’ll see sea oats swaying in the wind, playful dolphins leaping from the waves, and tiny footprints left behind by scurrying crabs. Every part of this beach, from the plants to the animals, has an important role to play.

Who Lives in Gulf Shores?

The beach is full of amazing creatures, each with a special job in this ecosystem.

Ghost crabs scuttle across the sand, digging tiny tunnels for shelter.

Sea turtles glide through the water, returning each year to lay eggs in the soft sand.

Sandpipers dart along the shoreline, searching for food.

Herons stand tall and still, waiting for the perfect moment to catch a fish.

Dolphins leap and splash through the waves, playing and hunting for fish.

The dunes, which are the sandy hills along the shore, are more than just pretty scenery. They’re full of plants like sea oats that help keep the beach from washing away.

Without them, strong winds and waves could change the coastline completely!

How Does the Beach Work?

Gulf Shores is like a giant team, with every part working together to keep the beach strong and healthy.

Dunes act as barriers, protecting the land from powerful waves.

Sea oats hold the sand in place, keeping the dunes from blowing away.

The ocean provides food and water, cooling the air on hot days.

Animals help balance nature—birds eat crabs, crabs clean up dead plants, and tiny sand fleas help break down nutrients in the sand.

Every living thing has a role, from the smallest sand flea to the largest dolphin. Without this teamwork, the beach wouldn’t be the same!

Why Is Gulf Shores Special?

Gulf Shores, Alabama, isn’t just a great vacation spot—it’s a natural wonder!

It protects the land from storms and flooding.

It provides a home for countless animals.

It even helps clean the air and water!

Keeping Gulf Shores healthy isn’t just important for sea creatures—it matters for people, too.

How Can You Help?

Protecting the beach is easy!

Pick up trash to keep the sand and water clean.

Stay off the dunes to protect the plants that hold the beach in place.

Respect the animals—watch from a distance and never disturb their homes.

Even small actions make a big difference!

What Did You Learn?

Review what you learned with this quick quiz.

Now that you’ve explored this amazing ecosystem, it’s time to test your knowledge in Got It? section!