“In every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” - Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy

In the spirit of these inspiring words of wisdom, the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) is proud to announce the establishment of the DISL Seventh Generation Award.  This award will be given annually to the person/organization that embodies the tenets of sustainability, stewardship and pro-active practice in considering our natural resources for the seventh generation. 

This year, the first DISL Seventh Generation Award will be given to Lulu’s at Homeport Marina.  From its installation of an environmentally-friendly windmill to serving only grass-fed, Alabama-raised beef in its award-winning restaurant, LuLu’s at Homeport Marina is proof positive that saving the planet is thinking globally and acting locally. LuLu’s was one of the first public venues to incorporate the rain garden concept into their parking lots, dramatically improving the quality of stormwater runoff into the Intracoastal Waterway.

Dr. George F. Crozier, Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, said, “Considering the number of people that visit LuLu’s, we might actually get a ‘change in attitude’ before global warming forces a ‘change in latitude.’  This is an example of good business that benefits everyone.”

“LuLu’s effort to introduce environmentally-forward policies is a collaboration of ideas from the owners to the management to the staff. We have always ‘made it up as we go.’ With the volume of business that we have enjoyed in Gulf Shores, it was a natural progression for us to think of how we could operate from a more environmentally friendly point of view to help take care of the absolutely gorgeous natural beauty of Gulf Shores.

“Making positive changes at home is the first place to start in helping our planet. What we have done at LuLu’s has brought awareness and sparked conversations between all types of people and agencies. Plus, it is just a lot of fun,” remarked Lucy Buffett.

The DISL’s Seventh Generation Award will be awarded at the Sea Lab’s Discovery Day Open House on Saturday, April 18.  The Award presentation to owner Lucy Buffet and General Manager Johnny Fisher will be at 11:00am, immediately following a 10:30am demonstration of the USCG Aviation Unit’s Water Rescue by helicopter. 

Discovery Day is from 10am to 2pm, and many activities are free, including children’s admission to the Estuarium.  For more information, call 251-861-2141 or visit www.disl.org.