National Audubon Society

Moss Point, MS

2020 From A to Zeta!

Ringing in 2020, there were big plans on the horizon for the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. We had finished strong the first half of FY2020 and were looking forward to a banner year, and then everything changed!

COVID-19 tried to halt progress, but it just slowed things a bit. The second annual spring Native Plant Sale was a HUGE success not only for PRAC but also for our local feathered friends. These plant sales have provided thousands of native species in local landscapes that will serve birds, bees and insects for years to come.

As summer came along, so did the tropical systems and COVID continued to hang on. But just like the communities we serve, PRAC was resilient and was able to create a sustainable plan for opening its gate to the public. Kayaking has been a huge hit during the last few months and event rentals are filling our calendars.

Hummingbird migration was especially active this year and many guests were able to experience this awe of nature. We welcomed Artist Pete Floyd to the Moss Point Fine Art Gallery and participated in another successful Cruisin’ the River City. The fall plant sale was also a big success as was the first pop-up plant sale in Ocean Springs.

Just when things looked good on the virus and tropical storm scene, in comes Zeta bringing with it 100-plus mile per hour winds and a surge of water not to mention new restrictions for COVID control.

While the Center lost a few trees and the Perch was flooded, it faired remarkably well and will require some heavy-duty cleanup and tree removal. We hope to reopen to the public on November 12.

Thanks to the FLOCK who continues to follow and support the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Special thanks goes to Bruce Norton for helping with critter and plant care and the Jackson County Master Gardeners for help with plant sales.

2020--The Year of Uncertainty

It's Bidding Time!

The annual Jolly McCarty Memorial Golf Tournament and Gala, like so many other events, has been a casualty of COVID-19, but the show must go on! Executive Director Todd Trenchard is committed to the communities and non-profits that the Bacot-McCarty Foundation serves, so the event is just taking on a different look.

After rescheduling and changing venues multiple times, the final change was caused by Hurricane Zeta. While the gala and golf tournament had to be canceled, the silent auction will still take place virtually. Each non-profit organization that will benefit from the event was allowed to have 10 items in the auction. All proceeds made from those items will be returned to that non-profit 100 percent.

PRAC is blessed to have such awesome supporters. We would like to recognize the people and businesses who donated to our silent auction proceeds:
Burnham’s Pharmacy
Swampgirl Glass Blowing
Wanda and Bruce Norton
Sandra Eisler
Southern Dozen Oysters
Alex Smith Fishing Charters
Riverside Dental
McInnis Bayou Pottery
Pascagoula Perches
Mack Dryden

The virtual auction will open on November 5 and end on November 12. A link for the auction will be posted on Facebook and on our website. Auction items are also being featured on our Facebook page. Please support those who support PRAC.

Kick off Thanksgiving with an artist reception

What better way to give thanks than gathering with friends to enjoy the beauty of local art. After multiple date changes, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center proudly announces the official opening of “Sights that Inspire” art show featuring the work of Artist Sandra Eisler.

Sandra has been creating masterpieces in the community for more than 30 years. Her artwork not only will be featured in the Moss Point Fine Art Gallery, it can also be seen around the 10-acre PRAC site.

Join Sandra and friends on Thursday, November 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a reception. The gallery will be open, but friends will be required to wear a mask when inside the building. The reception will take place in Dixie’s Perch where snacks and light beer and wine will be served.

Along with the art hanging in the gallery, a portfolio of available prints will also be available to view for purchase, and the Hidden Heron Gift Shop will be open. This is a great opportunity to make some holiday gift purchases.

As always, when on the PRAC property, social distancing is required!

PRAC to Host Holiday Marketplace

Enjoy a December day on the bayou celebrating the holiday season. The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is making preparations to host its annual Holiday Marketplace on Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PRAC is seeking vendors to set up in The Perch, activities for children will be planned, and a visit from the big guy in the red suit is a must. Stay tuned for more information.

Anyone interested in being a vendor, entertainment, or assisting with this event should email prac@audubon.org.

FREE Kayaking for Members!

Kayaking has become a favorite activity at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, and what better time to see the change in season than from a kayak along the local waterways.

Now through March 31, kayak rentals are FREE for members. PRAC has 10 single kayaks and 2 tandem kayaks on property for reservation. Rates for non-members are $15 for singles and $25 for tandem for up to three hours.

Anyone wishing to reserve a kayak must call a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Kayaking is available during regular business hours only.

2020 PRAC Christmas Ornament

Don’t forget to reserve your 2020 PRAC Christmas ornament created by Solange Ledweth from Swampgirl Glass Blowing. These limited ornaments are $40 and are etched with PRAC 2020. Only 20 ornaments have been made, so when they are gone, they are gone. There are approximately 6 remaining. To reserve your ornament, email us at prac@audubon.org.

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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