Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Preserving wetlands is essential for South Baldwin County, as they play a crucial role in safeguarding our natural resources, supporting wildlife, and maintaining water quality—integral parts of our community’s identity. Wetlands act as natural barriers during storms, helping to filter out pollutants and minimize flooding in surrounding areas. Transforming Foley’s stormwater wetlands into a public reserve benefits the environment and opens the door to new possibilities for outdoor activities and educational programs.

These new projects will help protect wetlands areas in Foley.

The Foley City Council approved the first phase of the project to enhance the constructed stormwater wetlands in the Bon Secour River headwaters as a publicly accessible passive recreation area. The site will be designated the Andrew James Wetland Reserve.

Leslie Gahagan, Foley sustainability and natural resources director, said the first phase will include signage and work to protect the site and enhance the environment.

“We'll be looking at some fencing for security, as well as some wetland mats to do some water quality treatment on the pond that receives water from the agricultural areas from the west,” she said. “We also plan some bird houses and an osprey tower as well.”

The second phase, planned next year, will include roads and parking for the site before the reserve officially opens.

The project was designed and constructed as a floodwater mitigation structure, a natural water quality treatment system and a reserve for wildlife. It was fully funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

City crews have been working to clear and restore the area after it was clogged by debris following Hurricane Sally in 2020. The new reserve will be named for Andrew James, an engineer who helped design the project, who died in 2023.

The city is also working to develop a low-impact trail along Wolf Creek from the Antique Rose Trail to Poplar Street. The council voted Tuesday, April 8, to apply for an Alabama Coastal Area Management Program grant for the 2026 fiscal year to help pay the cost of the project design.