Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi offers January 2010 programs

Ranger-led programs are offered each week in Ocean Springs in the Mississippi District of the park, which is open year-round. With over 400 acres, visitors have a variety of activities to choose from in the Davis Bayou area, including camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. All programs are free and open to the public.



On Sunday, January 3, learn about sea turtles. Which species might you see in our own coastal waters? What do they eat? Join a ranger to find out more about these creatures in a program suitable for all ages. Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center auditorium at 2 p.m.



On Sunday, January 10 at 2 p.m., watch the film Aliens of the Sea. The leafy sea dragon, pipe fish, and other wonders of the deep appear on our new, large screen. The 50-minute film will be shown in the William M. Colmer Visitor Center auditorium.



On Saturday, January 16, join a volunteer naturalist, Dr. Libby Graves, and a park ranger for Winter Bird Walk at 8 a.m. What birds live in Davis Bayou in the winter? Which are only passing through? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. A few pairs of binoculars will be available to borrow.



On Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m., discover the plants and animals that thrive in our southern marshes. Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center for Boat Davis Bayou and enjoy the salt marsh with a ranger on a flat-bottomed boat. You must sign up prior to this 45-minute tour.



On Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m., explore the park by moonlight. Learn about nocturnal animals, phases of the moon, moon lore, and making the most of human senses in reduced light. Meet at the campground amphitheater for this one-hour event, the Full Moon Fever walk.


Dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. For more information about the above material, please contact Susan Blair at 228 230-4106.