Coastal Habitats: Mississippis Natural Treasures

The Coastal Habitats: Mississippis Natural Treasures project was a cooperative effort between four agencies. The agencies included the Marine Education Center of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, The University of Southern Mississippi; Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve; Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou; and Moss Point Public Schools. The program was an experiential learning environmental education project focused on wetland and coastal conservation and stewardship. Educational activities at all of the field trip locations provided participating fourth grade students lessons on the structure of wetland ecosystems (biotic and abiotic), emphasized the significance of the habitats and the need for conservation. The overall goal was to improve stewardship ethics of participants for coastal habitats of Jackson County. Through in site field experiences of fresh water, brackish water and salt marshes, beaches, bayous, pine savanna, and maritime forests of coastal Mississippi; participants learned about the significance of these habitats to coastal Mississippi. Stewardship issues were discussed at each of the three field trip venues. The venues included Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Moss Point, MS; Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou in Ocean Springs, MS; and JL Scott Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs, MS.