Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival
2023-04-01 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Memorial Park, Pass Christian, MS, 101 Fleitas Ave, Pass Christian, Mississippi, 39571, United States
Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival was first established in 1991 to teach residents and visitors about the importance of the Gulf of Mexico. The festival is held the first Saturday in April under the beautiful canopy of the live oak trees in Memorial Park in Pass Christian, Mississippi in conjunction with our sister festival, Art in the Pass. Join us and our 35+ exhibitors to learn about everything from our upland habitats and wildlife to the recreational and commercial services that the Gulf of Mexico provides! Come get a festival poster signed by our winning artist, and talk to our Student Science Showcase winners to learn about the science local students are doing in our community. Stop by our Registration tent to help your school win our School Attendance Award. We will have live animal shows, free family caricatures and photo booths, and tons of activities for kids of all ages. Come join us in celebrating our Gulf on the first Saturday in April!

Botanical Watercolor Workshop
2023-04-22 08:00 - 15:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join the Grand Bay NERR as we celebrate Earth Day with art, featuring guest botanical watercolor instructor Penny Crawford. Botanical paintings of plant materials are drawn in pen and ink and painted in vibrant watercolor. We’ll walk around the Reserve to find our floral inspiration and spend the rest of the afternoon learning techniques and creating a masterpiece to take home.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Day
2023-04-22 10:00 - 14:00 | MS
Discovery Day is back in 2023! The open house event gives you the chance to learn about current research and and learn more about the coastal ecosystem we live in. The day includes a chance to explore real scientific laboratories, hands-on science lessons, and free children’s admission to the Alabama Aquarium. Grand Bay NERR will also be at this event with a booth.

Graminoid ID for Southeastern Pine Savannas
2023-04-27 09:00 - 14:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Wet pine savannas are home to a tremendous amount of plant biodiversity, most of which is driven by the fire ecology that maintains the savanna’s open canopy. Join the Grand Bay NERR botanists, Andrew Heaton and Emmett Carstens, in learning to identify the graminoids (grasses, sedges, and rushes) found at the Reserve this spring! There will be classroom instruction and a field component to this workshop. Space is limited, register today!!

Marine Discovery Day
2023-05-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, Mississippi, 39202
Want to learn about shark biology or how shrimp are caught? Curious about Mississippi’s marine fishes? Join us on May 6, 2023 for Marine Discovery Day at MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

MDWF’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and various coastal agencies and organizations will host fun and informative activities and demonstrations about Mississippi’s coastal resources, the seafood industry, and fishing!

This event is suitable for the whole family and is included with Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Membership or regular Museum admission.

Teachers on the Estuary Workshop
2023-06-06 07:30 - 2023-06-08 11:30 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join us for our Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop! Step back in time through the natural and cultural history of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) while exploring shell middens, pine savannas, and the early settlers who called this home. Our educators and scientists will use storytelling and science and share effective teaching resources for bringing NERR Science and history to your classroom. This workshop is geared towards middle and high school teachers, but all subjects and grade levels are welcome!

Let's Get Batty! Teacher Workshop
2023-06-14 08:00 - 16:30, 2023-06-16 08:00 - 16:30, 2024-06-18 08:00 - 16:30, 2024-06-20 08:00 - 16:30 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Have you ever wanted to learn more about our friendly, flying mammal, the bat? Come join us at the NERR as we hear from bat biologist and researcher, Mandy Sartain. Learn about the important ecological and economical services bats provide us, as well as the bat research taking place at the NERR. Enjoy this free workshop and leave feeling a little battier!

Raptor Road Show 2023
2023-08-12 09:30 - 11:30 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join us as the Environmental Studies Center brings the Raptor Roadshow to the Grand Bay NERR! Learn about all the wonders of our native birds of prey. This show feature rehabilitated live raptors which may include hawks, kestrels, owls, kites, osprey, and a bald eagle. Space is limited to 40 people! You must reserve your seats to the show. Get your tickets at the website link below.

Teacher Open House @ Infinity Science Center 2023
2023-08-17 16:30 - 18:30 | Infinity Science Center, 1 Discovery Circle, Pearlington, Mississippi, 39572, United States
INFINITY will host their annual Teacher Open House on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. This evening is designed to provide an opportunity for educators to visit the museum and become familiar with the STEM experiences offered for their students. Educators will also learn about the STEM resources offered by our wide range of exhibitors. *Grand Bay NERR will be an exhibitor, so stop by our booth and chat with an educator about classroom resources! Registration is through the Infinity Science Center.

Fly Tie Class 2023
2023-09-09 09:30 - 11:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Have you ever wanted to make your own flies for fishing?! Join us as the Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers teach us how to tie different salt and fresh water flies. Enjoy a small group, hands-on experience where everyone gets to leave with their own hand-made fly and maybe a new hobby! Space is limited to 20 people. Must reserve your seat by contacting Avery. *Must be age 12 and up to participate.

This event is co-participated by Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers (MCFF) and Project Healing Waters (PHW). Members will be happy to assist inquiries concerning PHW activities, and fly-fishing club activities, membership, and events. Join the fun, productive, and rewarding experience of fly fishing!

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Federal Evaluation
2023-09-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management conducts periodic evaluations of state programs participating in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The Grand Bay Reserve is part of a national network of 30 reserves protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship.

The Coastal Zone Management Act calls for the periodic evaluation of all federally approved estuarine research reserves. The evaluations assess operations and management and how the lead state agency and the reserve are addressing the issues identified in the reserve’s management plan, NOAA regulations governing the reserve system, and the terms of federal financial assistance awards.

Public participation is a valued part of the evaluation process, and the evaluation team would like to hear the views of all interested parties.

A public meeting will be held to solicit public comments on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at noon at the at the Grand Bay Reserve, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562. Virtual attendees may register at https://forms.gle/tCXQoVBVGVCZrWpB7 by Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. You may also submit written comments for inclusion in the findings to Carrie Hall, the evaluation team leader, at czmaevaluations@noaa.gov no later than September 29, 2023.

National Estuaries Day 2023
2023-09-30 08:00 - 14:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in celebrating National Estuaries Day! Take a boat trip down beautiful Bayou Heron where you will meet our scientists and explore several different habitats. At the building, explore the estuary through hands-on activities. Learn how scientists conduct research in the field and use that information to help protect our estuaries. Boat rides run from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. Boat space is limited. You must reserve your seat in order to ride a boat. Building activities are open to the public and do not require RSVP. Registration will open on Eventbrite by August 31, 2023. The link below may not work until that date.

Jackson County Fair 2023
2023-10-16 09:00 - 2023-10-21 21:00 | Jackson County Fairgrounds, 2902 Shortcut Rd, Pascagoula, Mississippi, 39567, United States
Grand Bay NERR will be at the Jackson County Fair! Come find us at our booth inside the civic center.

Mississippi Science Teachers Association Annual Conference 2023
2023-10-23 08:00 - 2023-10-24 17:00 | Golden Nugget Casino, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530
Grand Bay NERR will be at the MSTA Fall Conference! Come find us at our booth in the exhibits area to learn more about our education programs.

Open to MSTA attendees only.

Sparrow Sweep
2024-02-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join Dr. Mark Woodrey and his students for a morning of sparrow searching, trapping, and banding. Learn about the different species of sparrows that winter in south Mississippi. Activities include field observation, pine savanna hiking, and mist netting observations. Participation is limited to the first 50 registrants. To register contact Jennifer Cumbest (info below).

Biloxi Boat Show
2024-03-09 13:00 - 2024-03-10 14:00 | MS
Grand Bay NERR will have an activity booth during the Kids Event at the Biloxi Boat Show. The Kids Event begins at 1pm – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Intermediate Batik Workshop
2024-03-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Grand Bay NERR’s batik art workshops have connected science and art for almost a decade. Participants have created masterpieces on cotton poplin, explored different local habitats, and learned a new art form. This intermediate batik workshop will explore painting techniques, different fabric and materials, and a theme of functional art. The instructor for this batiking workshop is Grand Bay NERR’s Director, Dr. Ayesha Gray, ecologist and artist.

Who:

We invite any previous batik workshop attendee to come and create Reserve-inspired batik art. Because of the one-day nature of this workshop, you must have taken a batik workshop with us in the past, as we will expand on concepts learned in that workshop. Space is limited to 10 artists!

Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival 2024
2024-04-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Memorial Park, Pass Christian, MS, 101 Fleitas Ave, Pass Christian, Mississippi, 39571, United States

Marine Discovery Day
2024-05-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, Mississippi, 39202
Want to learn about shark biology or how shrimp are caught? Curious about Mississippi’s marine fishes? Join us on May 11, 2024 for Marine Discovery Day at MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

MDWF’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and various coastal agencies and organizations will host fun and informative activities and demonstrations about Mississippi’s coastal resources, the seafood industry, and fishing!

This event is suitable for the whole family and is included with Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Membership or regular Museum admission.

Teachers on the Estuary Workshop 2024
2024-06-11 07:30 - 2024-06-13 16:30 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join us for our Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop, “Enkindled in Ecology.” NERR scientists and educator talk all things fire ecology and its downstream effects on restoration activities. This workshop is geared towards middle and high school teachers, but all subjects and grade levels are welcome!

Raptor Road Show 2024
2024-08-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Join us as the Environmental Studies Center brings the Raptor Roadshow to the Grand Bay NERR! Learn about all the wonders of our native birds of prey. This show feature rehabilitated live raptors which may include hawks, kestrels, owls, kites, osprey, and a bald eagle. Space is limited to 40 people! You must reserve your seats to the show. Registration is open. Once all seats are filled you can email Jennifer Cumbest to be added to the waitlist.

Fly Tie Class 2024
2024-09-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States

National Estuaries Day 2024
2024-09-28 08:00 - 14:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
WEATHER UPDATE POSTED FRIDAY 9/27/2024:
Due to tidal flooding not making the road safely passable by the boat launch or our staff to get boats in the water, all boat rides will be cancelled. There will not be a reschedule date. Instead of water events, we will focus on our upland wetland habitats that are still essential to our estuary! All building activities and exhibitors will still continue, and we are open to the public from 8 am to 2 pm! Come join us to celebrate National Estuaries Day!

WEATHER UPDATE POSTED MONDAY 9/23/2024:
The NERR staff is keeping a close eye on Invest 97L (potentially storm Helene).
Right now, the National Estuaries Day event will take place this Saturday, September 28th!
Background on how the storm will affect the NERR:
As of right now the storm does not look like it will have a direct effect on the NERR. However, the indirect impacts after the storm is what we will be keeping a close eye on. Storm surge and high winds can cause our road to flood between our building and the boat launch. This flooding makes it impossible for us to use the boat launch. High winds can also potentially cause hazards for our large vessels to navigate the bayou.
All that to say, post-storm may have some impacts that cause us to cancel the event.

Join the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in celebrating National Estuaries Day! Take a boat trip down beautiful Bayou Heron where you will meet our scientists and explore several different habitats. At the building, explore the estuary through hands-on activities. Learn how scientists conduct research in the field and use that information to help protect our estuaries. Boat rides run from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. Boat space is limited. You must reserve your seat in order to ride a boat. Building activities are open to the public and do not require RSVP. Registration will open on August 30th, 2024 at 10:30 am.
Click on a trip time to reserve your tickets:
Trip 1 at 8:00 am
Trip 2 at 8:30 am
Trip 3 at 9:45 am
Trip 4 at 10:15 am
Trip 5 at 11:30 am
Trip 6 at 12:00 pm

Intermediate Batik Workshop - October 2024
2024-10-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Grand Bay NERR’s batik art workshops have connected science and art for almost a decade. Participants have created masterpieces on cotton poplin, explored different local habitats, and learned a new art form. This intermediate batik workshop will explore painting techniques, different fabric and materials, and a theme of functional art. The instructor for this batiking workshop is Grand Bay NERR’s Director, Dr. Ayesha Gray, ecologist and artist.

Who:

We invite any previous batik workshop attendee to come and create Reserve-inspired batik art. Because of the one-day nature of this workshop, you must have taken a batik workshop with us in the past, as we will expand on concepts learned in that workshop. Space is limited to 16 artists! To register email: sandra.bilbo@dmr.ms.gov

Mississippi Science Teachers Association Annual Conference 2024
2024-10-21 08:00 - 2024-10-22 17:00 | Golden Nugget Casino, 151 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39530

Jackson County Fair 2024
2024-10-21 09:00 - 2024-10-26 21:00 | Jackson County Fairgrounds, 2902 Shortcut Rd, Pascagoula, Mississippi, 39567, United States

Star Party 2024
2024-12-14 17:00 - 21:00 | Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Resources Center, 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562, MS, 39562, United States
Witness one of the largest meteor showers of the year the Geminids Meteor Shower! We will also have an amazing night of free family fun planned with a variety of soups and hot chocolate to enjoy. Some of the activities include: hayride from the Coastal Resources Center to boat launch, viewing the Geminids Meteor Shower, screech owl walk on our Savanna Trail boardwalk, cookie decorating (and eating!), pictures with Santa Claus, reindeer games, and creative crafts.
