Date: May 27, 2009
Contact: Gail Bishop, 850-934-2618
Contact: Steamer Lawhead, 850-934-2629
Gulf Islands National Seashore Superintendent Jerry Eubanks announced today that the National Seashore will offer an expanded ranger-led interpretive programs for the summer season from June 7 through August 14.
Fort Pickens Area
The Fort Pickens Area is open daily 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fort Pickens Visitor Center is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ranger guided tours daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (30-45 minutes)
Spot, Plot and Fire Meet at Battery 234 Observation Tower, Sundays, June 7 through August 9, 3:30 p.m.
Snorkeling Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area. Look for the dive flag. Equipment is provided, first come, first served, or bring your own mask and snorkel. Wear water shoes. Children under 17 years of age must be accompanied by and adult.
Fridays, June 12 through August 14, 10:00 a.m. (1.5 hours) From the Pits to the Tower: The strange history of Battery Worth Discover keys to understanding the evolution of Coast Defense in the 50-year history of a mortar battery. Meet at Battery Worth.
Fridays, June 12 - July 31, 3:30 p.m. (1 hour) Stargazing with the Escambia Amateur Astronomers' Association Weather permitting, meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area, Fridays, June 19, July 17, & August 14, sunset to 10:00 p.m.
Cross Island Walk Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area at 8:30 a.m. Thursdays, June 11 through July 30 and Saturdays, June 13 through August 8 (except June 20 and July 18). (1.5 hour walk)
Night Walk Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area, Saturdays, June 13 and August 1 at 8:00 p.m. Bring a small flashlight; wear bug spray, closed-toed shoes, and long pants. (1 hour)
Candlelight Walking Tour of Historic Fort Pickens Saturdays, June 20, July 18, August 8 at 8:00 p.m. (1 hour)
Campfire Program at Historic Fort Pickens Enjoy stories about the National Park Service and the National Seashore. Wear bug spray. Saturdays, June 27, July 25, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. (1 hour)
Full Moon Walk Meet at Langdon Beach, Monday, July 6 at 8:00 p.m. (1 hour)
Fort Barrancas Area Located on board Pensacola Naval Air Station, Ranger guided tours, Sunday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (30 – 45 minutes)
Advanced Redoubt Located on board Pensacola Naval Air Station, Ranger guided tours, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. (30 – 45 minutes)
Perdido Key Area
Seining Sealife Meet at the Ranger Station at Johnsons Beach. Try your hand at netting some of the local marine life at Gulf Islands' version of catch, observe and release. Wear water shoes, dress to get wet, bring drinking water and sunscreen. Tuesdays, June 9 - July 28, 2:00 p.m. (1.5 hours)
Naval Live Oaks Area
Located in Gulf Breeze. Orientation program and videos available on request. See the new interactive museum exhibits at the visitor center. Call 934-2600 for more information.
Snorkeling at Naval Live Oaks Southside picnic area. Look for the dive flag. Equipment provided, (first come, first served) or bring your own mask and snorkel. Wear water shoes. Mondays, June 8 - July 27, 2:30 p.m. (1.5 hours)
Fire and Florida's Flatwoods Explore an ecosystem that shaped Florida's history and find out how these areas are managed. Meet at North Side Pavilion for a short presentation and easy walk in the woods. Wednesdays, June 10 through July 29 (except June 17), 8:00 a.m. (1.5 hour easy walk)
Junior Ranger Day Camps Children ages 6 - 8 and ages 9 - 11 Call (850) 916-3001 for reservations and information. Locations vary in the National Seashore. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Children ages 6 - 8, June 9 through July 28 Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Children ages 9 - 11, June 10 through July 29 There will not be a program on June 30 and July 1.
Sea Star Day Camps Children ages 3-5 Call (850) 934-2631 for reservations and information. Meet at Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center. Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 30,
Civil War in Pensacola Naval Live Oaks Auditorium presentation, Fridays, June 12 through August 14 (except July 24) at 11:00 a.m. (30 minutes)
Presidential History of Gulf Islands National Seashore Naval Live Oaks Auditorium presentation, Fridays, June 12 through August 14 (except July 24) at 2:00 p.m. (30 minutes) Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
There is an $8 entrance fee at Rosamond Johnson Beach, Opal Beach, and Fort Pickens Area. Be prepared for intense heat, bring and drink plenty of water, use sunscreen with SPF rating of 30 or higher, and wear sunglasses and a hat. Superintendent Eubanks encourages everyone to enjoy the National Seashore and join us for our ranger-led programs. For a complete program schedule, call the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850-934-2600. For more information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.
