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Date: July 14, 2009
Contact: Gail Bishop, 850-934-2618
Contact: Susan Blair, 228-875-9057

“Gulf Islands National Seashore offers programs for all ages during the month of August,” states Superintendent Jerry Eubanks. “Our schedule this month includes animal themed programs and one about National Parks. All programs are Sundays at 2:00 p.m.” On Sunday, August 2nd, at 2:00 p.m., join guest speaker Jennifer Frey and her harmless grey banded king snake for Southern Snakes. This informative program will include information on how to protect yourself from venomous snakes and many fascinating facts about Mississippi snakes. On Sunday, August 9th, at 2:00 p.m., join a ranger to learn more about the Animals of Gulf Islands. This one-hour program will touch on adaptations that help animals find food; hide from predators; and adjust to changing weather. This children’s program will meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. On Sunday, August 16th, at 2:00 p.m., join a ranger to talk about Horseshoe crabs! Horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders than true crabs. Learn about the habitat, life-cycle, and biomedical potential of these fascinating creatures. On Sunday August 23rd, at 2:00 p.m., the National Park Service celebrates its 93rd birthday! Come learn about the beginnings of “America’s best idea” as we commemorate the National Park Service’s Founders Day. This slide show presentation meets at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. The park staff will also show a preview of the new PBS series on the National Park Service by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan. On Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., explore the marshes of Davis Bayou with a ranger during the Marsh Discovery Walk. Learn about marsh productivity and food webs, as well as animal and plant adaptations in this challenging environment. Meet at the visitor center to enjoy an easy, one-hour stroll through the park. Passenger ferry services depart from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor at the intersection of U.S. Highways 90 and 49. Contact Ship Island Excursions at (228) 864-1014 for more information about ferry service to West Ship Island. Guided 30 – 40 minute Fort Massachusetts Tours on West Ship Island are available. Tours are daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Tour times are approximate and may vary with the arrival of the ferry. Learn why Fort Massachusetts was built on Ship Island and what it was protecting. Meet just inside the fort’s entrance. The Gulf Islands Visitor Center is located off U.S. Highway 90 East in Ocean Springs. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information about Gulf Islands National Seashore and programs offered, call 228-875-9057 ext. 4100 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/guis. NPS