For the first time since March 14, the gates at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center will be open to welcome guests, but the hours of operation have been modified to accommodate staff changes and time for sanitizing. One other change...admission fees have been waived.
Beginning August 19, 2020, the Center will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to enjoy the 10-acre site. So that everyone can enjoy this experience, staff will not collect admission fees, but donations are always welcome as the Center would not survive without the financial support of its members and guests. These hours of operation will continue until Labor Day as the staff continues to monitor Covid-19 cases and follows city and state regulations. In accordance with CDC regulations, the facility will be implementing all necessary practices to ensure the safety of guests and employees.
Plan your visit:
Bird watching—Guests are invited to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch of the interpretative center where several bird feeders can be monitored. Along with birds, an occasional raccoon may come for a snack.
Fall migration—The hummingbird feeders are beginning to welcome the tiny guests as fall migration nears. Benches and the bird hide are available for up-close viewing of these tiny birds. You may also see these birds, and even some Monarchs, fluttering around the native plant demonstration garden or butterfly garden searching for nectar.
Kayaking—Another great way to enjoy the beauty of PRAC and to ensure adequate social distancing is to rent a kayak. There are 10 single kayaks and 2 tandem kayaks on site and available for rent. Single kayaks rent for $15 for up to 3 hours and the tandem rental fee is $25. Kayak explores are encouraged to wear water shoes, bring along water for hydration, and a kayaking life vest if available. Call ahead to reserve your kayak!
Interpretative Center—The interpretative center features turtles, snakes, lizards, crabs, and a variety of bayou fish along with the Hidden Heron Gift Shop. There are hand-sanitizing stations at both doors and in restrooms, and the number of guests in the Center will be closely monitored. Guests are asked to practice social distancing and not to touch exhibits. The critter camera monitor is focused on a nest filled with Chimney Swift eggs that should hatch very soon.
Art Gallery—The driftwood art of local artist Pete Floyd of Pascagoula Perches is hanging in the Moss Point Fine Art Gallery. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the creative work, but inside the gallery there should never be more than 10 guests.
Inside any of the buildings on site, guests are asked to wear masks, practice safe social distancing, and refrain from touching exhibits and aquariums.
Come on in and bring a friend…We’re Open!
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