A land trust is a charitable organization that acquires land or conservation easements, or that stewards land or easements, to achieve one or more conservation purposes.
Our conservation priorities are simple: we protect land that affects the water quality in our rivers, bays, and faucets; we protect the habitats of our native flora and wildlife, as well as that of migratory birds; we protect land to reduce flooding and storm surge.
South Alabama Land Trust (formerly Weeks Bay Foundation) was formed in 1990 as the “friends” group for the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In fact, it was previously named the Weeks Bay Reserve Foundation. As the Foundation grew, so did its mission to protect wetlands, water, and wildlife in coastal Alabama. The Foundation began acquiring land and conservation easements outside the Weeks Bay Watershed, and in 2009 became a nationally-accredited land trust. Today, South Alabama Land Trust continues to partner with the Weeks Bay Reserve by supporting its environmental education programs, research, and grants program.
No. South Alabama Land Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We rely on the support of our members, philanthropic individuals, corporate/business partners, foundations, and other grant-funding entities.
Land trust accreditation is a mark of distinction, showing that a land trust meets high standards for land conservation. Accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance demonstrates that South Alabama Land Trust has successfully implemented Land Trust Standards and Practices. The accreditation seal offers the assurance that a land trust can keep the promise of perpetuity and that it is worthy of the public trust.
Become a member. Volunteer. Join us for Bald Eagle Bash or participate in Alabama Coastal BirdFest. Sign up for a guided paddle trip. Request a tour of one of our properties. Tell your friends and neighbors about South Alabama Land Trust. Enjoy our natural resources!