Gulf Islands

https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Islands_National_Seashore Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Gulf Islands National Seashore is a place of myriad riches - blue-green, sparkling waters, magnificent white beaches, and fertile coastal marshes. Its 13 areas include historic forts, shaded picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds. From Cat Island, Mississippi, it stretches eastward 160 miles tot he Okaloosa Area east of For Walton Beach, Florida. Fort Barrancas Visitor Center The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center tells the long history of European settlers attempts to secure the vital Pensacola Bay beginning in the late 1700s and through its deactivation in the mid-1900s. The Fort Barrancas Area is on Taylor Road approximately a half mile east from the Museum of Naval Aviation. The area includes the historic Water Battery, Fort Barrancas, trails, visitor center, picnic areas, and the Advanced Redoubt. Visitors may access the Fort Barrancas via the main gate entrance to the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Fort Pickens Discovery Center Explore indoor exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area inside the Discovery Center. Enter Fort Pickens Area drive Fort Pickens road till it ends. William M. Colmer Visitor Center Located in the Davis Bayou area of Gulf Islands National Seashore this is the main visitor center for the park resources in Mississippi. The entrance to the park's Davis Bayou area is located off of U.S. Highway 90, accessible via exits 50 or 57 on I-10. Davis Bayou Campground Gulf Islands National Seashore's Davis Bayou Campground offers tent and recreational vehicle camping experiences in a wooded area next to Davis Bayou in Mississippi Davis Bayou Campground Site 22.00 There is a standard year round rate for each of the campsites within the Davis Bayou Campground. Senior pass holders are eligible for a 50% discount on nightly fees. Davis Bayou Campground Group Camping (10-25 campers) 20.00 The group camping area at the Davis Bayou Campground can accommodate groups for a single nightly rate. Davis Bayou Campground Group Camping (26-40 campers) 30.00 The group camping area at the Davis Bayou Campground can accommodate groups for a single nightly rate. Davis Bayou RV Camping Several RVs stand in front of a grassy field. Davis Bayou RV Camping Davis Bayou Tent Camping A motorcyle stands at a grassy tent campsite. Davis Bayou Tent Camping Davis Bayou Campground Sunlight shines through the trees onto an RV and car at a campsite. Sunny campground at Davis Bayou Davis Bayou Campground Dog A dog and owner sit in front of a campfire at their RV site. A dog and owner at Davis Bayou campground Fort Pickens Campground The Fort Pickens Campground is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in all of the 420+ national parks and sites. Available all year round it provides access to white sandy beaches and trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail. The campground office is located in a historic white building located halfway down Fort Pickens Areas on Fort Pickens Road. Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Remember to bring supplies, the nearest store is at least 15 miles away from the campground outside of the park. Fort Pickens Campground (Hook-ups) 40.00 In addition to the entrance fee, there is a year-round nightly fee for each of the campsites with water and power hook-ups at the Fort Pickens Campground. Senior and Access pass holders are eligible for a 50% discount on nightly fees. Fort Pickens Campground Loop E A road bisects a grassy campground with RVs and cars. Fort Pickens Campground Loop E Fort Pickens Tent Camping The sun sets on a small tent set up in the grass near a small road. Tent camping can be an excellent experience at Fort Pickens. Florida Trail A trail bridge leads to a gravel trail leading into the distance between trees. Access trails directly from your campsite. Florida Trail at Campground Loops B-E A sign for the Florida National Scenic Trail stands in front of a campground loop. Florida Trail at Campground Loops B-E Fort Pickens Campground Restrooms The sun reflects off of a concrete structure with four shower entrances. Fort Pickens Campground has restrooms, showers, and coin operated laundry services. Fort Pickens Campground Loop E Restrooms A concrete restroom stands in a campground. Fort Pickens Campground Loop E Restrooms Loop A Overflow Parking A sign for overflow parking stands in the bushes with a gravel parking lot beside. Overflow Parking at Campground Loop A Fort Pickens Campground Loops D-E Several empty grass campsites with picnic tables and pavement stand in a row. Fort Pickens Campground Loops D-E Fort Pickens Campground Loop A A row of empty campsites stands with a tree in the foreground. Fort Pickens Campground Loop A Fort Pickens Campground Loop A A road bisects a campground with trees lining the sides. Fort Pickens Campground Loop A Tent Camping at Fort Pickens Tents and picnic tables under the trees at Fort Pickens. Tent Camping at Fort Pickens Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping This area is available reservation throughout the year for organized youth groups comprised primarily of young people under the age of 18. This group camping area is located near Gulf Breeze, Florida and has direct access to Pensacola Bay for water recreation. The campsite features restrooms, outdoor showers, a picnic shelter, and campfire ring. The Naval Live Oaks Area has over 7.5 miles of trails for campers to explore. Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping (10-25 campers) 20.00 The group camping area at the Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Campsite can accommodate groups for a single nightly rate. Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Camping (26-40 campers) 30.00 The group camping area at the Naval Live Oaks Youth Group Campsite can accommodate groups for a single nightly rate. Campfire Ring Wooden benches surround the campfire ring a the Naval Live Oaks Youth Campground. Wooden benches surround the campfire ring a the Naval Live Oaks Youth Campground. What a View! A wooden bench sets below trees at the edge of the water The youth campground is right on the bay. Restrooms and Outdoor Showers A brick building with restrooms on either side. The youth campground has flush toilet restrooms and outdoor showers. Pavilion Picnic tables sit under a shaded pavilion. The youth campground features a large picnic pavilion, perfect for gathering the whole group beneath for meals or activities. Beach Scene Fluffy white clouds shadow overhead as blue-green waves crash against a white sand beach. Blue-green waves crash on the white sand beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Fort Pickens Museum A room full of exhibits and displays about natural and cultural resources. Visit the Fort Pickens Museum and learn more about the national seashore's awesome stories and resources. Kayaking at Gulf Islands National Seashore Two kayakers paddle toward the camera. Experience the park from the water and see what makes Gulf Islands National Seashore so special. Fort Massachusetts A brick fort stands on the edge of a white sand beach. Fort Massachusetts is one of the four forts built in 1800s preserved by Gulf Islands National Seashore. Sea Turtles A recently hatched turtle makes its way to the water from the beach. Gulf Islands National Seashore biologist study sea turtle to protect them and their habitats. The First Bombardment of Pensacola Bay On the morning of November 22, 1861, a Union cannon inside Fort Pickens broke the sound of crashing waves and cawing gulls. More cannon on Santa Rosa Island soon joined in the effort to destroy the Confederates across the bay. Confederate cannon inside forts McRee and Barrancas, and more than a dozen earthen sand batteries, soon returned fire. The fighting continued until after sunset when a thunderstorm swept through the area. Historic engraving showing a birds-eye view of the bombardment of Pensacola Bay in 1861. The Second Bombardment of Pensacola Bay Civil war engulfed the United States by January 1862. East and west of the Appalachian Mountains, Union and Confederate forces dotted the landscape, ready to march and fight. In northwest Florida, Union and Confederate soldiers welcomed the New Year engaged in a fierce bombardment that warned of hardships and sacrifices for both the North and the South. Four panel historic engraving showing several scenes from a bombardment in different locations. Florida Secession As President of Florida’s secession convention, John C. McGehee believed remaining in the Union meant allowing rule by those who were "sectional, irresponsible to us, and driven on by an infuriated fanatical madness that defies all opposition" and who would "destroy every vestige of right growing out of property in slaves." A newspaper clipping announcing Florida's secession from the Union in 1861. Mississippi Secession Mississippi seceded from the United States on January 9, 1861. In doing so, members of the state’s secession convention felt it their duty to tell the world why. "Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery--the greatest material interest of the world," members declared. Most members saw secession as necessary to protect and continue slavery, the source of white wealth, identity, and values. Black and white image of the old Mississippi state house. Shark Awareness Before heading into the ocean, review some safety information to further minimize the chances of a shark encounter. Shark and fish in the blue ocean waters Gulf Islands Wildland Fire Collaboration Gulf Islands Wildland Fire Collaboration Battery Langdon During WWII as the threat of Japanese and German naval encroachment increased, Battery Langdon’s guns were enclosed in concrete casemates with walls 10 feet thick and 17 feet of overhead masonry to protect them from incoming projectiles Battery Langdon Battery Pensacola Battery Pensacola's position in Fort Pickens shows a contrast between the old brick and the more modern concrete batteries-- in Battery Pensacola the bricks are black. Battery Pensacola Battery Cooper This battery is camouflaged by and earthen bunker making it invisible looking at it from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Battery Cooper Battery Payne With Battery Trueman to the north, the guns from both of these batteries covered as 360 degree field of fire. Battery Payne Replacement of Waysides at Davis Bayou & Ship Island In 2017, this project provided for the replacement 52 wayside exhibits in the Mississippi areas of the park including, 22 on Ship Island and 30 at the Davis Bayou Area. Two sun-damaged wayside panels lean against frames holding the new panels. Replacement of Lifesaving Station Windows This 2013 project replace the 36 windows at the historic Lifesaving Station with new historically accurate windows to protect the historic structure. Red roofed building with a small parking lot. Fort Pickens Restroom Facility This 2018 project replaced the outdated restroom facility at historic Fort Pickens with a new accessible restroom at the Fort Pickens Mine Storeroom area. Concrete restroom structure under construction. Pensacola Bay Cruises Tour Boat Videos To enhance the rider experience aboard the tour boats, this 2017 project developed three interpretive videos. A tour boat docked at a concrete pier with a black railing. Permanent Message Reader Boards This 2018 project provided funding for remotely operated permanent variable message boards at the park. A electronic message board stands next to a roadway. Johnson Beach Lifeguard Tower This 2017 project funded the replacement of the Perdido Key, Johnson Beach Lifeguard tower. A lifeguard tower stands on a beach. Davis Bayou Campground Restrooms This 2012 project replaced the outdated and in extremely poor condition restroom facility at the Davis Bayou Campground with a fully accessible facility including restrooms and showers. Exceeding Expectations During the fight for freedom, African American soldiers were forced to deal with discrimination on a regular basis. For no other reason than possessing a different skin color, these men were perceived to be inferior troops. Yet over several fierce fights, men such as the Louisiana Native Guard proved their worth. Photo of African American soldier Emancipation and the Quest for Freedom Although the abolition of slavery emerged as a dominant objective of the Union war effort, most Northerners embraced abolition as a practical measure rather than a moral cause. The war resolved legally and constitutionally the single most important moral question that afflicted the nascent republic, an issue that prevented the country from coalescing around a shared vision of freedom, equality, morality, and nationhood. Slave family seated in front of their house Unmanned Aircraft Assists with Research at Gulf Islands National Seashore In September 2014, an unmanned aircraft was used to photograph an area of Gulf Islands National Seashore known as The Camille Cut. A man holds a small fixed wing aircraft above his head. Campground Loops A, C, & B-D Restrooms These projects, funded in 2013, 2015, & 2017, replaced the old inefficient, outdated, and inaccessible restroom facilities at the Fort Pickens Campground. A concrete restroom building with trees and scrub brush surrounding. Ruddy Turnstone The ruddy turnstone is often seen alongside the larger Willet and the smaller Sandpiper along the shores of Gulf Islands. Ruddy Turnstone 25th United States Colored Troops: The Sable Sons of Uncle Abe During the Civil War, men of African descent fought to preserve the nation they helped create and extend freedom to enslaved people. Black infantrymen in the 25th United States Colored Troops (USCT) carried freedom's banner into northwest Florida. From Pensacola Bay, the 25th helped save the Union, end slavery, and prepare for a new future. Historic poster reading "Men of Color, To Arms! To Arms! Now or Never" Racoon With black masks that make them looks like bandits, raccoons are always an interesting species to watch. A raccoon peering around a tree Golden Silk Orb Weaver These spiders are also sometimes referred to as banana spiders. Golden silk orb weaver on a web Killdeer If not seen the killdeer can be heard with a high pitched call: ="kill-deer," for which the bird is named for. Killdeer out in the open Willet Larger than your average shorebird Willet on the shore Mine Storeroom Adaptive Reuse Several minor projects in 2017 and 2018 related to the restoration of the building were funded through the fee program. New concrete pathways are poured in the foreground of two brick buildings. Environmental Assessment to Reconfigure Visitor Parking and Beach Access at Perdido Key Area Thanks to funding provided through entrance fees in 2015, the park was able to complete this critical step allowing for a scope of work to be developed so the park can obtain additional funding to implement the planned redesign. Engineering Report on Fort Pickens Area Water Systems This 2016 project provided the park with an engineering report to guide the replacement of this outdated and inefficient systems. Historic Structure Reports These projects, funded by your fee dollars, created Historic Structure Reports which lay the foundation for the National Park Service to preserve the historic structures in its care. Davis Bayou Picnic Area Restrooms This 2015 project replaced the restroom facility in the Davis Bayou Picnic Area. The Fort Pickens Parley A high-stakes meeting took place outside Fort Pickens three months before the start of the Civil War. Four men—William H. Chase, Ebenezer Farrand, Jeremiah H. Gilman, and Adam J. Slemmer—met to negotiate for the fort. The meeting's outcome would decide who controlled the most powerful fort on Pensacola Bay and one of the most important ports in the United States. A historic engraving of men meeting on a dock. Beach Morning-glory Beach morning-glory's beautiful white blooms can be seen growing in the white sands at Gulf Islands. Beach Morning-glory Common Nighthawk Common nighthawks can be identified while they are flying by their white patches out past the bend of each wing. A common nighthawk flying Eastern Ribbon Snake Often mistaken for a garter snake, the eastern ribbon snake is much more slender. Eastern Ribbon Snake Battery Worth Completed in 1899, Battery Worth is located northeast of Battery Cooper on Santa Rosa Island. Battery Worth Carolina Anole This green anole is the only native species of anole in the United States. Carolina Anole Preserving Places of Captivity: Civil War Military Prisons in the National Parks During the Civil War, over 400,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were held prisoner at more than 150 diff erent prison sites. Approximately 56,000 of these died in captivity. Although Andersonville is the most famous Civil War prison, it is only one of many Civil War military prisons that are preserved by the National Park Service. False Rosemary With beautiful purple flowers, false rosemary is a member of the mint family. False Rosemary Preservation of Batteries Cullum-Sevier Closed to all public access for many years due to the unsafe conditions, Batteries Cullum-Sevier preservation has begun. Some portions of the 1920s additions have collapsed and water intrusion has caused the steel reinforcements to corrode, which has significantly weakened the concrete structure. There is a long road ahead which will require funding, but the park service is committed to preserving and providing access to this historic site in the coming years. Concrete crumbles from an elevated position. Second Louisiana Native Guard Organized in October of 1862, the 2nd Louisiana Native Guards was mustered into service and initially all but one of the company officers were considered men of color. Colonel Nathan Daniels was in command and the enlisted men signed up for three years of infantry service. Recruits varied in age from 17 to 56 and in experience including skilled tradesmen like cigar makers, masons, coopers, printers, slaters, and engineers. Black and white image of African American soldiers formed on a beach. Andrew Jackson in Pensacola, Florida Andrew Jackson may not have been present in Pensacola often, but his presence is an important part of this city’s legacy. Jackson was assigned to Pensacola three times, once in 1812, then in 1818, and lastly in 1821 and each time his actions were in favor of American freedoms, authority, and sovereignty. Though not every decision Jackson made while in Pensacola was well received, each experience impacted his future and the future of this country. A pencil sketch of soldiers marching into a city, an officer is on horseback in the center. 2014 Sea Turtle Annual Report Cape Hatteras 2014 annual report on sea turtle monitoring at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Green sea turtle returning to sea after laying her eggs. Andrew Jackson Trail The first major federal highway in Florida. White sand path cutting through green trees and plants. A bright sun in a blue sky. Third System of Coastal Forts How should a country protect its borders? The United States had to consider this question when the War of 1812 ended in 1815. One year later, the federal government believed it had an answer. The nation created a broad national defense strategy that included a new generation of waterfront defenses called the Third System of Coastal Fortifications. The Battle of Santa Rosa Island The air on Pensacola Bay was tense in October 1861. In September, Union sailors and marines destroyed the Judah, a Confederate ship under modification at the Pensacola Navy Yard. Now, Union and Confederate forces waited for the next battle to explode in a growing civil war. A map of the Battle of Santa Rosa Island. Yaupon Holly This shrub’s bright berries and dense branches provide food and shelter for birds and mammals. Learn more on our quick facts page. Red berries on green-leafed shrub branches against a blue sky. Stingray Stingrays have eyes on top of their bodies and mouths on the underside. To catch prey, stingrays rely on smell and electroreceptors. Learn more on our quick facts page. Dark grey stingray buried in the sand underwater. Beach Segregation We all love spending a warm day on a beautiful beach. However, there was a time when public beaches were not open to all to enjoy. Public beaches, like many other public facilities such as schools, swimming pools, theaters, and restaurants, were segregated. This segregation came in the form of local and state laws, as well as, “understood” social norms. Collectively these laws and social norms were known as Jim Crow. Green vegetation grows on a white sand beach, blue-green water extends into the distance. Fort Pickens Ordnance Shop The foundation of these buildings can still be seen standing in the center of the Fort Pickens Historic District just to the northwest of historic fort access road. Aerial black and white photo of several buildings scattered across a sandy landscape. Battery 233 Constructed during World War II, this battery on Perdido Key was never armed or named, but dominates the landscape today. A black line sketch of a defensive battery floor plan with many features identified. US Life-Saving Service The United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS), the predecessor to the United States Coast Guard, formed in 1878. The story of the USLSS dates to almost 100 years before the service became an official agency, to the noble efforts of the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a group of affluent individuals seeking to prevent needless deaths from shipwrecks. A black and white photo of seven men wearing uniforms and standing in front of a boat house. Black Racer Young black racers do not resemble adults and are generally tan or grey with brown or red patches running down the center of the back. A black and white snake sticks out a black tongue. Coyotes As members of the dog family, coyotes can be identified by their narrow snout, small nose pad, and large ears relative to their head size. A light and dark brown coyote in a grassy field. Gulf Fritillary Gulf Fritillary's can often be seen fluttering around passionflower vines. Gulf Fritillary Battery Trueman Battery Trueman and Battery Payne worked together to protect the Pensacola Harbor 3-inch rapid-fire gun atop Battery Trueman Battery Van Swearingen The threat of war with Spain prompted the immediate construction of this battery in 1898. Van Swearingen Seacoast Ordnance Cannon manufactured for use in Third System forts are called seacoast ordnance. These were some of the largest and heaviest cannon available at the time. Cannon at forts Pickens, McRee, Barrancas, Massachusetts, and Advanced Redoubt fell into three categories: guns, howitzers, and mortars. Each had a specific purpose. A cannon is mounted over a brick wall, an American flag is flying to the left. Nutria This invasive species can be found on the national seashore's barrier islands in Mississippi. A brown rodent surrounded by green vegetation. Documentation of the historic Battery 234 Tower This project allowed the park the park fully documented the tower through the Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP), specifically the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) prior to the removal of the observation booth. As part of the documentation, the tower was scanned with photogrammetry in order to get a detailed 3D picture of the state and condition of the tower before it is dismantled. A heat map where color represents height; the image shows a observation tower. Battery Worth Picnic Pavilion Accessibility Improvements Project replaced approximately 1,085 square feet of deteriorated, crumbling and raised edge concrete with new, level ADA concrete walkways to include four ADA compliant grill pads and two outdoor shower pads. The new sidewalks, grill pads, and showers permit visitors a solid, accessible path. An open-air brick pavilion stands in the distance with showers in the foreground. Cottonmouth The only aquatic viper in the world, also referred to as a water moccasin. Learn more on our quickfacts page. Brown scaled snake with a large, open, white mouth exposing fangs. Battery Center The first concrete battery constructed on the eastern end of Perdido Key, this four-cannon battery helped protect Pensacola Bay into the early 1900s. Black and white image of a barrier island with two low concrete structures surrounded by a seawall. Live Oak Tree Known as “live oaks” for their ever-green properties, the Q. virginiana is native to the southern region of the United States. The live oak is known for its impressive size, heartiness, and density. Mississippi Quarantine Stations Port cities during the late 1800s and early 1900s were alive with activity. Global trade made these towns sickly places as travelers arrived after long trips at sea. To combat this, many sea-faring ports created quarantine rules for protection from disease. Off the coast of Mississippi, barrier islands were used to house quarantine stations. Passengers disembark from a small vessel at the US Quarantine Station. Chemical Warfare Station on Horn Island The Chemical Warfare Service Quarantine Station on Horn Island was a project by the US Army to test toxic weapons during WWII. Poisonous warfare has a long history, dating back to at least 600 BCE. In its modern use, weapons using deadly chemicals have destroyed thousands of lives. Newspaper clipping describing the destruction of mustard gas bombs on Horn Island. Japanese Americans on Cat Island In late 1942, the US Army selected Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) from the 100th Infantry Battalion to take part in a top-secret training mission. Whisked away under secrecy, the soldiers traveled to Ship Island, Mississippi. Ray Nosaka, one of the selected Nisei, noted that the group did whatever they wanted for the first two weeks until “Major Lovell came and told us that we are going to train dogs and it’s located on Cat Island.” 25th United States Colored Troops: 1864 Muster Roll During the Civil War, several regiments of the USCT served within the park boundaries. We have few details of the men who served at the forts in our museum collection. But one object in the collection, a muster roll from 1864, has valuable information: names! Opal Beach Security Doors Replacement The Opal Beach restrooms are year-round facilities used by park visitors. The original security overhead doors no longer worked, preventing the park from securing the restrooms. This project completely replaced the six damaged overhead doors and their hardware. A concrete building with a pull-down, grill gate, across the doorway opening. Civil War Along the Gulf Coast The United States' Gulf Coast is steeped in Civil War history and memory. Scattered among the beaches and bays, bayous and rivers, forests and farms, are some of the most important sites related to a conflict that defined a nation. A historic engraving of the Battle of Mobile Bay, ships engaged with a coastal fort. Fort Pickens Group Camping Restroom Replacement This project replaced the existing comfort station at the Fort Pickens Group Camping area which was failing and did not meet current accessibility requirements or visitor needs. The new comfort station installed as part of this project four stalls of which all are ADA. A crane lifts a pre-constructed building into place in a sandy area. Davis Bayou Boat Ramp Replacement This project completely rebuilt the public boat launch at the Davis Bayou Area of the national seashore. Narrow piers extend into water, marsh and woodland areas are seen in the background. Lionfish Lionfish have no known predators in non-native waters, making them highly invasive. A scuba diver in blue ocean water looks at a red and white striped fish. Batteries Cullum and Sevier Battery Sevier was formed by the separation of Battery Cullum into two batteries Batteries Cullum and Servier American Kestrel North America’s smallest falcon species. Learn more on our quick facts page. Black, white, and brown feathered Kestrel perched in a tree. Coachwhip Non-venomous snake slithering during the day. Learn more on our quick facts page. Black/brown scaled coachwhip in a tree. North American Bald Eagle A symbol of freedom and strength, the majestic bald eagle was officially adopted as the emblem of the United States in 1787. Learn more on our quickfacts page. A brown and white feathered bald eagle perched in a tree. Sanderling A speedy little member of the sandpiper family. Learn more on our quick facts page. Small, white and grey sanderling running from the waves on a beach. Field Moment: Gulf Island National Seashore; 19 October 2014, 1:12 a.m.; Turtle T.H.i.S. Youth volunteers help conserve sea turtles at Gulf Islands National Seashore Youth volunteers measure nighttime ambient light conditions at Gulf Islands National Seashore NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. [Site Under Development] sandy beach Series: National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geoheritage-conservation.htm">geoheritage</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geodiversity.htm">geodiversity</a> resources and values all across the National Park System to support science-based management and education. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1088/index.htm">NPS Geologic Resources Division</a> and many parks work with National and International <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/park-geology.htm">geoconservation</a> communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available. park scene mountains Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Women in Fire Science: Alicia Schlarb Alicia Schlarb is the lead fire effects monitor for a portion of the National Park Service's Southeast Region. She and her crew provide prescribed burning, monitoring, and wildland fire responses to national parks located within Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida. She loves fire and that she can change perceptions about wildland fire through science. Alicia Schlarb. Regina P. Jones Underwood Brake Regina Jones-Brake's career with the National Park Service (NPS) began in 1976 with the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Over the next 33 years, her love of American history compelled her to share untold stories as she advanced from park ranger to management assistant. Regina Jones-Underwood pictured outdoors in her NPS uniform. Paleontology in the Parks Fellowships: A New Collaborative Program between the Paleontological Society and the National Park Service Dr. Christy Visaggi and her students Michael Clinton and Megan Rich are conducting pilot projects at Gulf Islands National Seashore and Vicksburg National Military Park for the joint National Park Service–Paleontological Society Paleontology in the Parks Fellowship Program. photo of 2 people sitting in an off road vehicle on a beach Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 1, Spring 2022 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> photo of 2 people kneeling in shallow water at the base of a steep slope Battle of the Bark Trees shade us from the sun, provide homes for wildlife, stabilize Earth’s surface, and produce food for humans and animals alike. Some are massive, and others are miniscule by comparison, but what makes one better than the other—we’ll let you decide! Check out our iconic trees below and find your favorite! Five thick barked red-brown trees are backlit by the sunlight. Coastal Geohazards—Storm Surges Storm surge may severely impact coastal geomorphology and inundate park resources. Brought by coastal storms, storm surge can be dangerous and have lasting effects. Coastal areas that remain at low elevation are prone to the effects of storm surge. The magnitude of a storm surge is increased when coupled with sea level rise. damaged road with sand overwash Series: Coastal Geohazards Natural processes such as tsunamis, coastal landslides, and storms are driving forces of change along the coast. These processes and other coastal hazards can threaten parks’ cultural and natural resources, infrastructure, and public recreational opportunities. storm surge waves breaking over pathway Helping Islands Stay on a “Budget” National island parks in the Gulf of Mexico are hemorrhaging sand at an increasing rate. Here's how we slow the bleeding. Man in NPS uniform climbs onto a damaged seaside road from the ocean side 50 Nifty Finds #11: Carving a Place in NPS History Few employees have left as visible a mark on National Park Service (NPS) exhibits as John A. Segeren. His work has been enjoyed by generations of park visitors who never knew his name but appreciated his intricate wood carvings and playful animal figures displayed in parks throughout the system. A master woodcarver described by former President Lyndon B. Johnson as "a legacy to this country," Segeren carved out his own place in NPS history. Round wooden plaque with bison, globe, and waterfall Outside Science (inside parks): Teens & Turtles When sea turtles hatch in areas with lots of light pollution, they can get disoriented and not make it into the ocean. This episode tracks the young volunteers in the Pensacola, FL area working to help turtle hatchlings make it to the sea. Sea turtles