Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley officials are continuing work on a new wetland preserve designed to improve water quality and provide public access to a restored natural area. The project focuses on stream restoration near the headwaters of the Bon Secour River. City leaders say the site is already showing environmental benefits. Plans call for opening the area to the public once construction is complete.

The Foley City Council recently approved construction of a road to provide access to the Andrew James Wetland Preserve. The project began in 2020, after Hurricane Sally, when crews removed debris from the area. The city later decided to designate the site as a permanent wetlands reserve.

The preserve is scheduled for completion in the 2027 fiscal year. It is fully funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The site is designed to serve as a floodwater mitigation system, a natural water treatment area, and a wildlife habitat.

Leslie Gahagan, Foley's sustainability and natural resources director, said the project is already improving conditions. Rains cause the Bon Secour River to overflow into the site's wetlands, where nonpoint source pollutants are filtered out. Over time, the improved water quality has supported the growth of plants and wildlife.

The site now includes waterfowl nesting areas, native wildflowers, and a fish-filled pond. Gahagan said the preserve will allow visitors to see how the environment has recovered. “This is a great opportunity to see stream restoration and its aftereffects,” she said.

She added, “This is probably one of the key places people come to see in the county.” The city plans to designate the area as a passive recreation space where visitors can observe nature and learn about restoration efforts.

The approved road project will also include a small parking area. The lot is expected to accommodate up to two buses at a time. Officials say this will support educational visits and group tours.

The preserve is named after Andrew James, an engineer who helped design the project. James died in 2023. City officials said the name honors his contributions to the restoration effort and long-term environmental planning.