National Audubon Society

Moss Point, MS

Many hours have been spent transforming the native meadow into a new demonstration garden to illustrate the use of native plants in the landscape.

The initial design was created by landscape architect graduate and volunteer, Brooks Jackson. Working with Katie, the two created a design with walking paths around the Chimney Swift Tower and the Art in the Open Sculpture. They have worked tirelessly to prepare the area and have begun planting a variety of native plants. When complete, guests can walk through the garden and learn about the types of native plants used and what types of birds or insects they attract.

When PRAC was awarded the Vibrant Communities Grant from Chemours, the purpose was to educate others on the use of native plants and shrubs in the landscape at home and at the workplace. This grant allowed for a new, large hoop house to be constructed on site to grow and house plants for the spring and fall sales along with providing information on their use.

The spring plant sale was a huge success, and plans are already underway for our fall sale that will coincide with the Hummingbird Festival in September. Stay tuned for more information.

Made Possible by Chemours Vibrant Communities Grant

PRAC Will Be Taking to the Water

PRAC has been awarded the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area Heritage Community Grant for the 2020-2021 year.

The project’s focus will be to re-install six mileage signs and ten point of interest signs to the Pascagoula River that were lost as a result of Hurricane Nate in October 2017. In addition, this project will add two new interpretation signs to Rhodes Bayou and Beardslee Lake that showcase Moss Point’s Sawmill history along with wetland plant identification and cultural uses.

Stay tuned throughout the year for updates on newly posted signs and kayaking adventures.

Summer Institute Offers FREE CEUs for Teachers

This summer the Mississippi Geographic Alliance is partnering with the Pascagoula River Audubon Center for virtual Geo Inquiry Institutes.

The Geo-Inquiry Process relies on using a geographic perspective, offering a unique lens to analyze space, place, and the interconnections between both the human and natural world. Participants will engage in virtual instruction, “hands-on” individual and group activities and will be given tools and resources for incorporating the Geo Inquiry process across all disciplines and focuses.

Participants will engage in virtual instruction via Canvas and a 15-hour virtual conference. They will learn how to use the inquiry process to guide students in gathering and analyzing information through a geographic lens after which they create a compelling story and design ways that they can change their world.

The virtual institute will take place July 20-24, 2020. Teachers must apply by June 30, 2020, and space is limited. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/yd5zba7x

Your Opinion Matters

In our June newsletter, we asked your opinion on many aspects of the daily and weekly operations at YOUR Pascagoula River Audubon Center. The responses received were excellent and are assisting us in creating our grand re-opening plan.

We would like to give our patrons one more opportunity to share your opinion on what you want to see at your local center. PRAC prides itself on being part of not only the Moss Point community, but also the Gulf Coast region.

Thank you to those of you who responded earlier, and thanks in advance for any other information that is shared. Click here to take a quick survey: https://forms.gle/FBCHTpPhtYh4VLmw5

Chimney Swifts Have Taken Up Residence at PRAC

Our live-feed camera has caught great video of the Chimney Swifts enjoying life. The Chimney Swift tower is a centerpiece in our new Demonstration Garden and can be viewed from the TV monitor in the River Room.

From our camera, we can see a minimum of four birds dwelling inside the chimney. The one in the photo above stopped to smile for the camera before taking flight. We hope to have a link to the critter cameras available on our web site soon.

Chimney Swifts are best identified as a long, dark “cigar with wings” that migrate in the spring and late summer. These birds eat airborne insects like flies, ants, fleas and other insects.

Re-opening Plans In the Works

While much of the area has returned to business as usual under new social distancing guidelines, PRAC is also working out its plan to reopen to the public. Working alongside colleagues across the National Audubon Society Network, we are reviewing COVID numbers as we plan for Phase 1 of reopening.

We hope to open with a new schedule and guidelines soon, but the actual opening date has not yet been set. A reopening newsletter will be sent as soon as plans are finalized.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to welcome you back to our nest soon.

Click here to join our Flock of Supporters!

CONNECT WITH US

Pascagoula River Audubon Center
5107 Arthur St., Moss Point, MS 39563
(228) 475-0825 | pascagoula.audubon.org

© 2024 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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