Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2016

GIVING BACK back to nature
Protecting the Pascagoula River’s unique ecosystem
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Pascagoua River Audubon Center
In 1974, over 35,000 acres of land along the Pascagoula River was purchased with the guidance
of The Nature Conservancy.
The land was to be preserved for the public and has since served to protect the river’s unique ecosystem. Now, more than 40 years later, the preservation has grown to include 70,000 acres of wildlife along the largest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States, some of which can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center has made its home along the river, and acts as an educational avenue for visitors to get to know the river and the vast array of organisms that inhabit it. The center
gives its visitors the opportunity
to experience a rich and diverse environment and serves as a demonstration site for conservation and nature-based programming.
“We are really focused on connecting and educating as many people as possible to the biodiversity that’s right outside our door,” said Erin Parker, programs manager at the Audubon center.
From classes and guided walks to kayaking and bayou boat tours, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers a wide variety of programs for visitors of all ages. Their exhibits and activities promote awareness and illustrate the center’s mission
to connect people of all ages to the unique ecology of the region
through hands-on exploration of the watershed.
“Student groups are really our bread and butter,” Parker said. “When schools come to visit, we teach students about water science and how to protect the river and reduce pollution.”
BACOT/MCCARTY FOUNDATION
A Portion Of This Sponsorship Goes To Support Our Local Charities Along The Coast
WWW.BACOTMCCARTY.ORG
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net December 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 101
Pascagoula River Audubon Center
5107 Arthur Street, Moss Point 228.475.0825
Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed Sun. and Mon. Admission: Adults $8, Children 12 and under $5