Chandra Wright is the Director of Environmental & Educational Initiatives at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel. She works on sustainability initiatives at the Lodge and our other facilities in the park and curates and creates educational opportunities for guests of all ages.

TOPICS WE DISCUSSED 

1.  How does the Gulf State Park interpretive center exemplify environmentally friendly building practices?
2.  What are some of the specific features of the interpretive center that contribute to its sustainable operation?
3.  How does the Gulf State Park learning campus accommodate overnight groups and educational programs?
4.  What are some of the administrative tasks and paperwork involved in Chandra's job at Gulf State Park?
5.  How does Gulf State Park aim to be a benchmark for environmental and economic sustainability in outdoor recreation and hospitality?
6.  How do the history and heritage of Gulf State Park contribute to its unique character and offerings for visitors?
7.   What role does Chandra play in ensuring the park's sustainability and environmentally friendly practices?

MEDIA

https://www.livingstondaily.com/story/travel/destinations/2023/04/04/family-beach-resorts/11592225002/

https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2023/04/23/what-is-ecotourism-and-how-can-it-help-the-environment/

https://laptrinhx.com/news/an-inside-look-at-gulf-state-park-including-the-best-recreational-trail-in-the-country-8W2mg3q/

AHA MOMENT

We're in the hospitality business, so we want people to leave happier than when they arrived. But beyond that, we want them to make lifetime memories that bring them back time after time. With our beautiful sugar-white sand beaches and the 28 miles of trails to explore the park, it is easy for our guests to connect or reconnect with nature and each other. I see it all the time, and it's rewarding when they understand and appreciate what we're doing to ensure that the park and our facilities are as environmentally friendly as possible so that they will be around for people to enjoy for a long, long time.

INSIGHT2GO

"People protect what they love." Jacques Cousteau (& his son, Jean-Michel Cousteau) - I transitioned from being a practicing attorney to a career in sustainability and environmental stewardship through hospitality and tourism as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill greatly impacted my community and the Gulf of Mexico I love so much. I don't consider what I do for a living as "work" - it's truly a joy to introduce people to this special place and help them begin to love it, too.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Chandra and her work at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, visit their website at https://www.lodgeatgulfstatepark.com or on the following social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lodgeatgsp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lodgegsp/

NEXT STEPS

To begin planning your beach vacation, getaway, or outing, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism can help. Visit their website at https://www.gulfshores.com/.

If you enjoy podcasts devoted to the outdoor adventure space, find us online at https://outdoorad

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