Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was established in 1986 and is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Weeks Bay NERR is comprised of 9,317 acres and contains upland and bottomland hardwood forests, salt and freshwater marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation and unique bog habitats.
Mission
The mission of the Weeks Bay NERR is to:
Provide leadership to promote informed management of estuarine and coastal habitats through scientific understanding and encourage good stewardship practices through partnerships, public education, and outreach programs.
Activities
- Long-term monitoring of Weeks Bay and the surrounding watershed through the Research program
- Science-based tools and training for coastal decision-makers through the Coastal Training program
- Coastal education and outreach programs for diverse audiences through the Education program
- Management of natural resources and restoration of ecosystems through the Stewardship program
- Opportunities to assist with Reserve activities through the Volunteer program
Staff
L.G Adams, Manager
Eric Brunden, Stewardship Coordinator
Mark Cooper, Maintenance Supervisor
Brian Gilchrist, Maintenance Staff
Sarah Johnston, GIS Specialist
Maureen Nation, Volunteer Coordinator
Ilka Porter, Resource Teacher
Dr. Scott Phipps, Research Coordinator
Will Schoenstein, Laborer
Michael Shelton, CTP and Watershed Coordinator
Angela Underwood, Education Coordinator
