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September Adventure Quencher: Seaside with a Scientist

14-80-MMS| September 17, 2014

BILOXI, Miss. – In honor of National Estuaries Day on Sept. 27, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a special event, Seaside with a Scientist.

 

The free event will be held from 8:30 a.m. until noon, and visitors will travel by boat through an estuary to several habitats and observe firsthand how the NERR’s scientists conduct their research in the field. Scientists will be stationed on the boat, in the water, in the marsh and on land to demonstrate sampling techniques.

 

Participants will learn how they can use the information scientists collect to help protect estuaries and other coastal habitats, participate in a nature discovery/photography walk through a pine savanna led by local nature photographer and avid birder Olivia Graves, as well as explore the NERR’s Green Resource Center.

 

“National Estuaries Day is a day set aside to encourage you to protect these valuable coastal habitats,” said Jennifer Buchanan, education coordinator for the Grand Bay NERR. “Whether you like to fish, bird, swim or just take an evening walk along the beach, be sure to be a good steward and leave our estuaries as clean or even cleaner than you found them.”

 

Those who want to attend are encouraged to pre-register because there are only 30 spaces available on the boats. Participants who did not ride a boat during last year’s event will be given priority.

 

Everyone on a boat is required to wear a lifejacket. Adult lifejackets are available, but parents should bring lifejackets for their small children. Participants also should wear closed-toe shoes, bring snacks and water and be prepared for hot weather. They are encouraged to bring a camera, binoculars and field guides for the nature walk.

 

To register, call the NERR at 228-475-7047 or email the education coordinator at jen.buchanan@dmr.ms.gov. The Grand Bay NERR is located at 6005 Bayou Heron Road in Moss Point. For directions, go to www.grandbaynerr.org.

 

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov.

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