The City of Foley announced the Graham Creek Nature Preserve will receive a $5 million federal grant for expansion.
The preserve, which is the largest municipal preserve in the state, is already around 660 acres. It is unclear how many acres the expansion will add.
Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the grant is a part of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA).
"We appreciate the awarding of the additional GOMESA Grant money for the expansion of the Graham Creek Nature Preserve," Hellmich said. "It will double the Parks size and preserve a critical area on the banks of Wolf Bay."
"Foley is committed to continuing our partnership with Governor Ivey's team to preserve lands for our future generations," he continued.
Foley environmental director Leslie Gahagan said the City will buy land for the expansion.
“This will be our third GoMESA grant, but this is the second grant to put together to purchase the land,” Gahagan said.
The expansion will mean more conservation, habitat restoration and management and will have some public access areas. The Graham Creek Nature Preserve already has 10 miles of hiking trails, disc golf courses, boardwalks and a kayak launch.
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