"Lifeguard Station" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
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covered parks
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Florida & Mississippi
Gulf Islands Wilderness
Horn Island. Gulf Islands Wilderness
Wilderness is an indispensable part of the American story.
Native Americans depended on the bounty of wilderness for
survival while western explorers were inspired by its
untamed beauty. But after just 200 years, the essential
wildness of America virtually disappeared. As Americans
realized that the long-term health and welfare of their nation
was at risk, a vision for conservation emerged.
What is wilderness?
Wilderness is self-willed nature where one can retreat
from civilization, reconnect with the Earth, and find
healing, meaning and significance. Wilderness retains its
primeval character without man-made improvements and
modern inventions, where man himself is a visitor.
Are all wild lands wilderness?
No. Wilderness areas are federal lands designated by
Congress to be part of the National Wilderness
Preservation System. This designation provides the
highest level of permanent protection to “…secure for the
American people of present and future generations the
benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness.”
What makes Gulf Islands Wilderness special?
Horn and Petit Bois Islands of Gulf Islands National
Seashore are largely undeveloped, wild coastal landscapes
where modern human impacts are very subtle. In 1978,
Horn and Petit Bois Islands off the coast of Mississippi
were designated as Gulf Islands Wilderness, as a place of
solitude, self-reliance and refuge from modern-day
civilization. They are part of our wilderness legacy.
Forever wild!
“The idea of wilderness needs no defense. It
only needs more defenders.” – Edward Abbey
Over 109 million acres
have been included in
the National Wilderness
Preservation System
(NWPS). Within NWPS,
the National Park
Service protects over 40
million acres of
designated wilderness
across the country.
Wilderness is a rare and
special place. For more
information, visit
www.wilderness.net
Petit Bois Island
Be a defender of Wilderness!
Gulf Islands National Seashore is proud to have two
wilderness islands, Horn and Petit Bois. Many visitors
welcome wilderness, not only for self-reliant, challenging
recreational experiences, but as a haven, a refuge from our
fast-paced, developed society – a place to reconnect with
oneself and with nature. Gulf Islands Wilderness is a place to
not look at nature but to look from nature.
Help preserve Gulf Islands Wilderness by preparing for your
trip ahead of time. There are no facilities on these
wilderness barrier islands. It is important to familiarize
yourself with the plants and wildlife, changing weather
patterns, and lay of the land before your trip. This is your
wilderness. Practice wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace:
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Plan ahead and prepare
Travel & camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find as you found it
Comply with Park rules on campfires
Be considerate of other visitors
Respect wildlife
Gulf Islands National Seashore
3500 Park Road
Ocean Springs, MS
(228) 230-4100
www.nps.gov/guis