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📆 10/4/2023 8:57 PM

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📆 10/4/2023 8:57 PM
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USA Foundation gifts 63 acres of Dauphin Island land to marine and environmental science studentsUSA Foundation gifts 63 acres of Dauphin Island land to marine and environmental science students The University of South Alabama School of Marine and Environmental Sciences is laying down roots about 45 minutes away in Dauphin Island.

The USA Foundation gifted the school over 50 acres of land along Aloe Bay, which will act as living laboratories. This land will give students a hands on approach and safe access to the water. 63 acres along Aloe Bay in Dauphin Island is the new home to a living laboratory for students at the University of South Alabama. "Other universities do marine and environmental sciences part time, us at South Alabama it is a full time endeavor," says Dr. Sean Powers. The University of South Alabama Foundation gifted the Stokes School of Environmental and Marine Sciences a unique space that allows students to study right in their own backyard. "It gives us an edge that no other university has. I mean the property on dauphin island and the island itself is just such an amazing place, it's so productive, its relatively less traffic so they can really experience nature a lot closer than they should," says Dr. Powers."Not only is it relatively pristine, but it's safe. It's not more than knee deep, so we have students from all over the country who may not be the best swimmers in the whole wide world," says Powers. He says it's all about giving students a hand on experience. Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier says the land transfer will mean a lot for the community. "We heard a lot about the environmental education, research, stewardship, we also have a project in mind of building a living shoreline in that area that will not only enhance the environment, but it will also give it a level of protection for future generations," says Collier."That might incorporate small eateries, shops, and lodging capacity. Things like that will help sustain economic development as well while we're preserving and improving the environment as well," says Mayor Collier. USA President Jo Bonner says this time last year, the school had an enrollment of 40 students. This year over 200 students from across the country have enrolled. "We all remember as kids what it was like going outside to study, well they get to study outside in one of the most beautiful and pristine areas of Dauphin Island," says Bonner. Dr. Powers says another thing that makes this land so unique is that it's untouched, which gives students even more access.

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