August Ranger programs schedule in Florida released

Gulf Breeze — Gulf Islands National Seashore announces the August ranger programs schedule. All programs are free.  Schedule is subject to change.  For additional information, contact the national seashore at 934-2600.  There is an entrance fee to the Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, and Perdido Key Areas.

Advanced Redoubt: Legacy in Brick & Mortar

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12:30 pm; meet at the entrance to Advanced Redoubt.

30 minute program; involves walking on uneven surfaces, sandy walkways, and steps.

Fort Barrancas: Guardian of the Gulf

Daily at 2 pm; meet at the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center.

30 minute program; involves walking on uneven surfaces, sandy walkways, and steps. 

Chick Chat

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 3:30 pm; meet at the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter

30 minute program; fun for families (children must be accompanied by an adult; the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter is located in the Fort Pickens Area of the park.

Fort Pickens: Garrison for Freedom

Daily at 2 pm; meet at the entrance to Fort Pickens.

30 minute program; involves walking on uneven surfaces, sandy walkways, and steps.

Totally Turtles!

Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays at 3:30 pm; meet at the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter 

30 minute talk; accessible; fun for families (children must be accompanied by an adult; the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter is located in the Fort Pickens Area of the park.

Stargazing at the Fort Pickens Area

Friday, August 5, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm: meet at the Battery Worth Picnic Area

Accessible; fun for families (children must be accompanied by an adult; the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter is located in the Fort Pickens Area of the park.

Life on a Barrier Island 

Sundays & Saturdays at 12:30 pm; meet at the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter 

Fun for families (children must be accompanied by an adult; the Battery Worth Picnic Shelter is located in the Fort Pickens Area of the park.

Kayaking 101

Reservations are required; call 850-916-5670

90 minute program; Reservations are required.  All equipment is provided.  All participants must weigh at least 50 pounds.

Underwater Snorkel Adventure

Fridays and Saturdays at 12:30 pm; meet outside Park Headquarters at Naval Live Oaks Area 

90 minute program; All equipment is provided, program limited to  25 visitors.  Program involves walking on uneven surfaces and sandy walkways.

Bird Walk!

Saturday, August 20, 8:00 am – 10:00 am; meet outside Fort Pickens Campground Store

Fun for families (children must be accompanied by an adult).

National Park Service 100th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, August 25, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm; meet outside Park Headquarters at Naval Live Oaks Area 

Help us celebrate a century of service and stewardship of your national parks!  Come to Park Headquarters for this special event.  And, like any good birthday, there will be cake!

Areas Information:

Fort Pickens Area- The Fort Pickens Visitor Center and Museum is open daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Perdido Key Area- The Perdido Key Area is open daily 5:00 am – 10:00 pm.

Fort Barrancas Area – The Fort Barrancas Visitor Center is open daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Naval Live Oaks Area – Park Headquarters exhibits are open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm., the area is open daily from 8:00 am – sunset.

About Gulf Islands National Seashore:

Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/guis, on Facebook www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/GulfIslands_NPS.

About the National Park Service:

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 411 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: August Ranger programs schedule in Florida released