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Date: June 3, 2009
Contact: Gail Bishop, 850-934-2618
Contact: Susan Blair, 228-875-9057

“Gulf Islands National Seashore offers special events and popular tours,” states Superintendent Jerry Eubanks. “Our schedule this month includes a fishing education event and programs on sea turtles, black bears, coastal habits and stargazing.” On Saturday, June 6th, the park will host Pathway to Fishing from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This program is a walk-through presentation that teaches fishing basics, aquatic ecology, conservation and angler ethics. It will also provide information on local fishing opportunities and fishing regulations. The program is free of charge. Join us Sunday, June 7th for Black Bears in Mississippi. Explore why the bear population in Mississippi is on the rise. What caused the decline and why do we see more today than we have in 100 years? Please join us at 2:00 pm at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center to find out! Gulf Islands National Seashore welcomes Brad Young, Mississippi's authority on the black bear population in the state, for a very special bear program. On Sunday, June 14th, learn about Sea Turtles. Seven species of sea turtles roam the earth but which ones might you see in our own coastal waters? What do they eat? Why are they declining? Join a ranger to find out more about these compelling creatures. This program is suitable for all ages, and meets at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. Join us for a Stargazing in the Park on Saturday, June 20th with members of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society. Members will offer constellation tours, star lore and American Indian stories during the evening. Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Hercules, Leo, and the summer triangle should all be visible. These constellations along with the deep space objects will make this a great night to be looking up with the large telescopes provided. Meet at the Davis Bayou campground from 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Come learn about the exciting field of Video Astronomy on Sunday, June 21st. Have you ever wondered how astronomers capture those brilliant images of planets, stars, and deep space objects? Please join us at 2:00 p.m. at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center to find out! Gulf Islands National Seashore welcomes astronomer Jack Huerkamp for this special program. On Sunday, June 28th, explore an Introduction to Biodiversity of Coastal Habitats by Jennifer Buchanan, the Education Coordinator from the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. This indoor slideshow will demonstrate the biodiversity of plant and bird life of our coastal communities. 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 will be offered daily at 10:30 a.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