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West Ship Island Program
The purpose
of the curriculum-based I.S.L.A.N.D. teacher package
is to help children learn about the geography and ecology of barrier islands
and to introduce them to the resources of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
The program
has three components:
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Lessons
and materials for teachers to use before visiting the island.
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A six-part
activity package for use on the island.
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For
review, exercises for students to complete after returning to the
mainland.
Groups and
individuals planning visits to West Ship Island will need to know the
following general information.
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West
Ship Island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi
District and is managed by the National Park Service.
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All
plants and animals on West Ship Island are protected by law. This
means that visitors to the island are encouraged to observe, study,
and appreciate the natural and cultural resources of the park. Picking,
collecting, or otherwise disturbing live plants and animals are prohibited.
Noncommercial fishing is the exception. In accordance with state and
federal regulations, noncommercial fishing is permitted outside the
designated swimming area.
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Shells
that are unoccupied by marine animals may be collected for noncommercial
purposes. Hermit crabs are abundant along the seashore, so be sure
that any shell you collect is uninhabited.
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Access
to West Ship Island is by boat only. From Gulfport, a ferry carries
visitors to the island from the first Saturday in March through the
last Sunday in October. The ferry is run by a private company under
contract to the National Park Service. For details on schedules and
fees, contact Gulf Islands National Seashore at (228) 875-0074 or
call the ferry ticket office at (228) 864-1014. Group rates are available.
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By ferry,
a one-way trip to or from the island takes about fifty to seventy
minutes. Dolphins and seabirds are often seen during the trip.
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Facilities
on West Ship Island include a fishing pier, snack bar, restrooms,
drinking fountains, shaded picnic pavilions, cold water showers, and
a boardwalk from the southside to the northside of the island. Fort
Massachusetts, a historic structure that saw brief action during the
Civil War, rises above the sand near the ferry dock. Tours can be
arranged, staff permitting, by calling (228) 875-0074.
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West
Ship Island, an appealing place to visit in mild weather, is inhospitable
when atmospheric conditions are severe. You may want to plan your
trip for spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate. It is also
a good idea to schedule a rain date.
PDF copy of the I.S.L.A.N.D Guide available through
this link.
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