FOLEY – Foley’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve is set for a major expansion following the award of a $4-million federal environmental grant.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded the funding to help the city purchase additional property for the preserve, which is already the largest municipal nature preserve in Alabama.  The funding source was the Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Leslie Gahagan, Foley’s sustainability and natural resources director, said the grant is the result of more than a year of collaboration between the city and NOAA.

“They award very few of these grants nationwide each year,” Gahagan said. “This year, we received $4 million to acquire coastal lands for conservation, and we’re excited to see it support the future of Graham Creek.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said Foley’s project is the first in Alabama to receive this type of NOAA funding.

“Everything came together for this,” Hellmich said. “It’s incredible that Alabama received this grant, and even more special that it’s coming to Foley. Leslie worked very hard, and this is a major achievement for our city.”

Hellmich also recognized the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Director Chris Blankenship, and State Lands Director Patti McCurdy for their support.

“Their contributions were instrumental in helping us secure this funding,” Hellmich said. “We’re very proud of this success.”

The mayor added that Foley will continue pursuing funding opportunities to grow Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

“There are a lot of good things happening in that area,” Hellmich said. “We’ve built strong partnerships with the Forest Service, the conservation department, and even the governor’s office. Everyone recognizes the value of this preserve. It’s like having a state park that the state doesn’t have to operate, and they’re very supportive of what we’re doing.”

Graham Creek Nature Preserve currently spans about 650 acres near Wolf Creek Drive in southeast Foley. The preserve features 10 miles of hiking trails, two ADA-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, and four disc golf courses.