Post-oil spill restoration begins

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - An effort to restore Alabama's coastline kicked off this weekend.

Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobile Baykeeper, The Nature Conservancy and The Ocean Foundation have formed a coalition to build 100 miles of oyster reefs and plant and promote 1,000 acres of marsh.

It's called 100-1000: Restore Coastal Alabama. The official start began Saturday morning at Helen Wood Park on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile.

The National Wildlife Federation gave a $50,000 donation to the restoration fund. The Alabama Wildlife Federation also gave to the fund by donating $10,000.

Volunteers worked to clean-up the area by canoe and kayak. They hauled in a number of bags filled with garbage. Picking up debris is crucial preparation for the restoration of coastal Alabama according to the organizers.

A volunteer appreciation picnic was held following the clean-up.