The Alabama Coastal Foundation will hold its fourth annual “Connect to Your Coast” event Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, 2222 N. College St. in Auburn. Attendees can enjoy a meal while learning about efforts to protect Alabama’s coastal environment.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s website at http://www.joinACF.org or at the Kreher Preserve the night of the event. Ticket price includes a meal from Moe’s Original BBQ. Ticket purchases are non-refundable and non-tax deductible. Event proceeds will be split between the Alabama Coastal Foundation and the Kreher Preserve.

“We are delighted to have the foundation hold its outreach event at the Kreher Preserve, which is a fitting place to learn about our state’s diverse environment,” said Jennifer Lolley, the nature center’s administrator.

“Alabama plays a vital role in the Gulf of Mexico which produces 40 percent of all seafood in the contiguous 48 states and supports a $20 billion tourist industry. In addition, we are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and an estuary system rich in biodiversity. I hope that people will attend this gathering to learn what they can do to protect our coastal environment,” said foundation Executive Director Mark Berte.

The Alabama Coastal Foundation’s mission is to improve and protect Alabama’s coastal environment through cooperation, education and participation. Founded in 1993, the foundation brings together diverse interests to facilitate responsible environmental decision-making. The organization pursues practical solutions to conservation challenges in a non-adversarial manner and is dedicated to partner with businesses, local government and other non-profits to achieve common ground solutions to our environmental problems.

The foundation uses an education-based approach to conservation: To find the solution, you must understand the problem. Its education programs include Gulf Coast Bay Buddy for first through third grades; the Coastal Kid’s Quiz, designed for fifth graders; Mobile Bay Estuary Corps, a program for middle school students interested in environmental science as a career path; and the Coastal Alabama Service Learning program for high school students. To learn more about the programs, become a member or volunteer your time, go to www.joinACF.org.

In an attempt to broaden outreach efforts, the foundation is using social networks to let people know about this event. People who use that technology are invited to engage in that work through the following mediums:

Facebook CTYC Auburn Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/148306088942787/;

Facebook Organization Page: https://www.facebook.com/alabamacoastalfoundation/;

Twitter Handle: @AlabamaCoastal.