Foley is set to embark on expanding Alabama's largest municipal nature preserve, thanks to a $5 million federal grant approved by the Foley City Council under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).

Leslie Gahagan, Foley's environmental director, revealed that the grant will supplement previous funding and facilitate the acquisition of additional land for the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

“This will be our third GOMESA grant, but this is the second grant to put together to purchase the land,” Gahagan said.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich elaborated that although the grant announcement dates back to August, the availability of funds has now become available, signaling the green light for the project's advancement.

Currently spanning approximately 660 acres, the Graham Creek Nature Preserve's expansion size remains undetermined. However, officials emphasize that the primary focus will be on conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, management and potential future public access for passive recreation.

Situated near Wolf Creek Drive in southeast Foley, the Graham Creek Nature Preserve already boasts an array of amenities, including 10 miles of hiking trails, two handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch and four disc golf courses

 The GOMESA program, instrumental in funding Foley's preservation efforts, distributes revenues from offshore oil and gas leases among participating states, namely Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

The expansion project highlights Foley's commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.