GULF ISLAND

NATIONAL SEASHORE

MISSISSIPPI

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 7 islands.  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.  The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Linda and I really liked the Gulf Island National Seashore, the Davis Bayou.  We managed to hike all the trails that they offered.  We bumped into a man that had found a baby squirrel.  He said that he thought it was sick so he took it to a vet.  It turned out the little thing was fine and he was told to turn it loose.  We found a large alligator that hangs out in the bayou, they say he hangs out there everyday.  We talked to a ranger and was told that the Civilian Conservation Corp built most of the park.  It has been destroyed by several hurricanes but always manages to be rebuilt.

 

We did manage a day trip over to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane Refuge.  The ranger there took a bunch of us on a tour of the refuge, in search of the Sandhill Cranes.  We did manage to see a few cranes and also an eagle.  The Mississippi Sandhill Cranes don't migrate and were just about extinct.  They have been brought back from the edge and are now about 110 strong.  In order to get to where we went you have to sign up to take a tour, when they are offered.  Linda and I were just lucky to get to go, we took the last 2 seats available, the cranes are starting to nest and there won't be anymore tours for awhile.