More campsites, improved trails and an amphitheater are a few of the improvements slated for this hidden gem.
 
– Story and photos by Dena Temple

 
McLeod Park has long been known as a great campground, and a recent expansion only reinforces that standing. There are 120 cozy RV campsites with sewer, water and electric hookups, with many sites overlooking the serene Jourdan River. Prices are affordable, and reservations can be made through the park’s website. But the park is much more than a campground, with lots of amenities for both campers and day-trippers to enjoy.

​ 
The park is accessed through its entrance of Texas Plank Road. After paying a small access fee at the gate ($4 per carload), you are free to explore. Near the entrance is a large children’s play area and splash pad, where the little ones will be entertained for hours. Older kids will enjoy the 10-hole (par 3) disc golf course, said to be a great course for beginners. Two picnic pavilions are available to rent for family functions or any large group event.

 
With the river as the park’s curvaceous centerpiece, it’s no surprise that boating is among its most popular activities. Two well-maintained boat ramps are free for boaters to use, and trailer parking is provided.
 

 
You don’t own a boat, you say? Canoes are available to rent for either a half-day (4 hours, $15) or all day (8 hours, $25) so you can explore the Jourdan River Blueway Trail, which winds along the river from Bayou Bacon to the west to the Bayou Talla boat launch to the east. It’s one of two Blueway Trails in Hancock County and ten on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
 

 
To learn more about Mississippi Gulf Coast Blueways, visit the website for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Natural Heritage Area. This website offers dozens of locations where outdoor enthusiasts can find adventure, culture and fun.
 
Even if you’re not in the mood for a placid paddle, there is plenty of nature to discover on land. First, a well-maintained 1.25-mile nature trail offers a peaceful woodland setting where hikers may encounter wildlife, including a wide array of birds. Spring migration is prime season for birdwatching, but with food available year-round, a surprising number of bird species can be found here all year.
 

 
In fact, McLeod Park is part of the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail, a collection of historically prime birding locations in the six southernmost counties of Mississippi. Learning the seasons of the park and its inhabitants can add to the overall appreciation and enjoyment of your time in the park.
 
Wildlife is not confined to the nature trail, however, and birds and other critters can be found around any turn, or under any rock. On a cool January morning turtles can be spotted sunning themselves on a log, and Bald Eagles soar overhead, checking the river for an unwary fish.
 
Big changes coming

 
The big news at McLeod Park is the recent announcement of a bevy of changes and additions to make the park better than ever.
 
Kevin Ladner, Hancock County Recreation Director, sat down with us recently to review all the coming improvements and additions. He is clearly proud of the park as it is now, and he’s very excited at what’s to come.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Ladner. “These changes will breathe new life into the park and attract people who never knew we were here.”
 

​ 
Planned changes include

• A second bathhouse;
• 30-35 additional campsites;
• A spectacular pedestrian bridge that will cross the Jourdan River to allow access to a section of the park formerly restricted to boaters only;
• A second nature trail and picnic area;
• Enhancements to the existing nature trail, including a handicap-accessible scenic overlook at an oxbow lake; and
• A new amphitheater, which will enable new programs and even musical performances in the park.

 
Architect Allison Anderson of unabridged Architecture has been charged with the design of the amphitheater and the dramatic bridge over the River Jourdan.
 
“Campers have been coming here for years, and we’re hoping that these improvements will bring lots of new people and out-of-towners to McLeod Park for the first time as well,” notes Ladner. “What’s most exciting is that all these improvements come at no cost to Hancock County taxpayers.”
 
The $1.7 million project is funded through GOMESA revenue sharing (the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act shares oil and gas leasing revenues with Gulf producing states and the Land & Water Conservation Fund for coastal restoration projects) and the Tidelands Trust Fund (funds derived from the lease of tidelands and submerged lands, dedicated to the conservation, reclamation and preservation of Mississippi’s tidelands, and enhancing its current public access areas).
 
Because of design restrictions within the buffer zone, all facilities had to meet stringent design requirements. It may come as a surprise, however, that of all the new structures, the bath house was the most challenging, says Ladner.

​ 
“Because we are within the acoustical buffer zone for Stennis [Space Center], there are severe restrictions to what we can build – and we’re basically not allowed to construct anything with a roof and four walls. No structure can be built that can technically serve as living quarters. It took a special variance to get approval for the new bath house. It was touch and go for a while there.” This is the reason, too, that there are no cabins within the park.
 
Ladner is looking forward to the project’s completion some time this year. “We can’t wait to welcome new visitors and campers to the park after the improvements,” he said.
 
“We’re especially anxious for locals to see the changes. This will really be something for them to be proud of. ”
 

Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count paints a one-day portrait of bird populations – and you can help!
 
- Story by Dena Temple, photos by Dena and John Temple
​ 

​As gruesome as this sounds to today’s conservationists, this was the standard for the hobby at the turn of the 20th Century.

 
In 1900 Frank M. Chapman, an officer of the fledgling National Audubon Society, organized a new event to counter the sport-killing tradition, calling it the “Holiday Census.” The first census involved 27 counters and 25 count circles, and a total of 90 species of birds were counted. In the winter of 2017-18 a record-breaking 77,000 people participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count, tallying birds in 2,585 count circles, also a record. And roughly one-quarter of all species of birds in the world were tallied, yet another amazing feat!
 
Celebrating its 120th year, the event is still sponsored today by the National Audubon Society. “The Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and an opportunity to be a part of 120 years of ongoing community science,” said Geoff LeBaron, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count director, who started leading the community science effort in 1987. “Adding your observations to twelve decades of data helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful.”

​ 
Here’s how it works: A circular area 15 miles in diameter is defined. This “count circle” is divided into territories, and teams of volunteers scour those territories and count every bird they see or hear. Common or rare, every single bird is important on the Christmas Bird Count!
 
After spending an invigorating day scanning fields, ponds and beaches, the teams get together for a “roundup” to compare notes, brag about interesting finds and commiserate about “the ones that got away.” It’s a great way to meet people who share your interest in the outdoors, and maybe learn a little something in the process.

​ 
There are 20 count circles in the state of Mississippi, including one in our immediate area, the Southern Hancock County circle. Counters have been tallying birds in this territory since 1976. In 2018, the 32 counters in the Southern Hancock count circle tallied 142 species of birds over the course of the count day – very impressive!
 
Participation is fun, and free. Birders with intermediate or better identification skills are particularly welcome. Beginners are usually paired with a more experienced participant, so you don’t need to be intimately familiar with your territory in order to enjoy the event.
 

 
This year, the Southern Hancock County CBC will be held on Tuesday, December 17. If you would like more information, contact the compiler, Ned Boyajian, at nedrbo@gmail.com.

After the Bonne Carré Spillway opening closed Mississippi beaches for three months this year, statewide opposition grows against a plan to make diversions permanent. 

- by Lisa Monti

 George Cavignac, executive director of nonprofit Gulf Coast Resource Coalition, told the Bay city council the plan is currently in the Corps of Engineers permitting process and is being fast-tracked. He called it an impending crisis.

​ 
“The time to act is now,” he said. “This is something that literally will wipe out the culture that is Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi and our recreational and commercial fishing industries and tourism. It’s definitely worth fighting for."
 
The push in Hancock County to oppose the river diversion effort comes just days after Mississippi’s beaches were cleared for swimming. They were closed by the state Department of Environmental Quality because of toxic algal resulting from the opening of the Bonne Carre spillway for 123 days this year.
 
The spillway released 10 trillion gallons of Mississippi River water which GCRC says inundated Mississippi’s coastal waters, causing massive harm to the economy, fisheries and marine mammal population.
 
The proposed Mid-Breton Project is designed to release 33 million gallons of Mississippi River water per minute, though the amount can vary. The minimum flow would be 5,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) - which is 2,250,000 gallons per minute.

 
Mid-Breton backers have taken a couple of legislative moves to give the project a better chance of getting approval, but that would negatively impact marine life. Cavignac said the Louisiana group got a waiver to the Marine Mammal Protection Act passed and is now trying to amend a bill to remove the essential fish habitat environmental review that is part of the required environmental review.
 
“The project can’t sustain an environmental review. If it can’t pass the environmental impact study process, they need to either not do it or mitigate for the fisheries and tourism dollars. That would drive project out of its price range,” he said.
 
One councilman called Cavignac’s presentation “very informative and alarming.” The council voted unanimously to ask the state Congressional delegation to oppose the project and to ask the governor to oppose the issuance of a federal permit to construct the project. The Hancock supervisors took similar steps at their meeting.
 
Wendy McDonald, a candidate for Mississippi House District 122, lists opposition to the diversion plans as her number one priority in Jackson. She told the Shoofly Magazine, “We celebrate the reopening of the beaches but we’re going to have to work to keep them that way. It’s going to take all of us pulling together.”
 
For more information, go to https://gulfcoastresource.org.

With some thought and advance planning, you can prepare for the next big storm and protect what’s most important to you.  We've got a complete list of resources to help. 
​
 - story by Dena Temple
​photos by Dena Temple and Ellis Anderson

​Beachfront homes were reduced to kindling. Boats bounced about like discarded toys. The power grid failed; over two million households in the state lost power in the storm. 346,000 NJ homes were damaged or destroyed. Photos of an iconic roller coaster being washed into the sea were heart-wrenching.
 

I remember venturing out the morning after the storm and, after finding only minimal damage to our home (we lived in the hills about a mile from Sandy Hook Bay), driving around to assess the damage in our area.

Near the harbor a number of residents were trapped in their homes by colossal yachts wedged against their front doors. Smaller boats lay on their sides in the middle of Main Street, blocking egress.

In the harbor, fancy pleasure boats came to rest stacked atop one another like a domino layout gone terribly wrong. Many houses along the waterfront looked intact from the street, but they had been peeled open by the storm, exposing the living area, and the people inside, to the ravages of the wind and the sea.

​Thirty-seven NJ residents did not survive.
​

 ​ 
It took about three weeks to get everyone’s power back on line. In the meantime, those of us who were lucky enough to have generators waited daily in lines up to eight hours long at one of the few gas stations that were open.

​Those mega service stations with their big generators were beacons in the aftermath, drawing neighbors together to compare war stories and share information (and often misinformation as well). 

​ 
It was gut-wrenching. And I’m sure for most readers here on the Gulf Coast, it sounds painfully familiar and probably dredges up some terrifying memories. I am sorry about that.
 
Everyone on the Gulf Coast has a story about how Katrina changed their lives. Many have horror stories about insurance companies and FEMA trailers, but the worst stories are those about our lost friends and loved ones. While 285 people died during Superstorm Sandy, 238 fell to Nature’s wrath in Mississippi alone during Hurricane Katrina, which claimed a total of over 1,800 lives.
 

​ 
Storms like Katrina and Sandy teach us one thing: People are more important than possessions. First safeguard yourself and your loved ones; then worry about objects that can’t be replaced; and secure last what can be easily replaced.
 
The best protection against loss of life and property is planning, and there are many sources of excellent information about hurricane preparedness. I’ve included a number of links at the end of this article; the information is all valid and valuable.

​If you haven’t already done so, set aside an evening and gather the family around the dining table for some straight talk about storm preparations.
 

There are a number of steps you can take today to make you storm-ready. Here are a few:

• Review your insurance policies. Prepare your home and vehicles according to your policy to avoid claims issues after the storm. If it’s been a while since you have reviewed your home’s insurance, make sure you still have adequate coverage, then review this helpful brochure from the Actuarial Foundation.​

• Review local evacuation routes. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers free printed copies of their hurricane evacuation map, or you can download it here. Once you decide which way you want to go,
  
  
• Find a hotel – now. Unless you are staying with friends or relatives, you will need a place to stay. Make a list of at least three hotels in your destination city, and at the first sign of a major storm, start calling for reservations. If you are bringing a pet, be sure to find pet-friendly accommodations. If it turns out you don’t need to evacuate, be sure to cancel any reservations so you aren’t charged for the room.

• Assemble a disaster kit. Many of the links at the end of this article include checklists of items you should include in your hurricane supplies. You’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the aftermath.
  - Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash (see below), a battery-powered radio and flashlights.
  - If possible, include a spare (charged) battery for your phone. Also helpful would be a portable crank- or solar-powered USB charger.
  - Be sure to include toys and games for the kids – this will surely be a stressful time for them.
  
  
• Whether you are evacuating or sheltering in place, it’s crucial to gather your important papers. BSL resident Madeline Ammentorp penned an excellent article that includes an extensive list of documents and photos you should get together before a storm.

• Back up your data regularly. Be sure your desktop computer, laptops, PDAs and smartphones are all backed up to minimize any data loss. Consider cloud storage for your data to ensure your information is safe.
  
  
• Purchase a corded phone. If you have a land-line phone and usually use a cordless handset, be sure you have a phone on hand that does not need electricity to operate.
  
  
• Gas up ALL your cars. Fill gas cans for your generator too, if you have one.
  ​
• Have plenty of cash on hand. When credit card machines are offline, you can still pay with cash. Remember that ATMs work on electricity, so don’t count on getting cash once the storm passes; it may not be possible.

Photos courtesy of Roll-A-Way Shutters

If you are like most Americans, your home is your biggest investment. There are steps you can take to mitigate storm damage – and most of them are common sense and cost little or nothing.

• Secure outdoor belongings. This may seem like a no-brainer, but in an area where so much of our lives are lived outdoors, we have a lot of stuff in our yards – and this stuff can become deadly projectiles when backed by an 85-mile-per-hour wind. Put away grills, trash cans and coolers, lash together patio furniture, and stow small items like bird feeders and planters.
  
  
• Trim trees. Removing dead branches and those that overhang your house or other structures can save hundreds or thousands in potential damage. Early in the summer is a great time to take this project on.
  
  
• Move boats and cars to higher ground – a friend’s house or a parking lot (be sure to get the owner’s permission).
  
  
• Cover your windows. Plywood is an inexpensive window cover but takes some time to install. Metal or plastic storm shutters (metal roll-down shutters are shown above) are more expensive but can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance. Fabric storm panels (below), made from either PVC or Kevlar, can be snapped into place very quickly and easily and also may qualify you for insurance discounts.
  
  
• Use sand bags to redirect water. While sand bags will not keep water out, they can be used to redirect low flood water away from doors or other openings. Sand bags should be filled one-half full and stacked one layer at a time, then tamped before moving to the next layer, and they should not be used over three layers high. Use a plastic sheet between the structure and sand bags to keep water from seeping under doors. Keep in mind that once sand bags are exposed to contaminated flood waters, they may pose an environmental hazard and may require special handling. 

​ 
Some of the above advice can save you money. However, more valuable still is the peace of mind knowing that your family is safe and that you have done what you could to protect what’s most important to you.
 
Here’s hoping for a quiet hurricane season, y’all.

• American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• FLASH (Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• Mississippi Department of Transportation MDOT
• National Hurricane Center
• NOAA/National Weather Service

There are many Fido-friendly establishments in Bay St. Louis - and we've compiled a comprehensive list for our furry friends.

- story by Denise Jacobs
​

 While Mississippi coast is not known for its dog-friendly beaches, the beaches of Bay St. Louis and Waveland are an exception to the rule. Enjoy your romp in the water. Then, when surf time is over and Rover has shaken the salt from his coat, simply snap a leash on your canine companion and enjoy a walk along our sandy beaches, where dogs are welcome, day or night.
 
When you’ve exhausted the surf and sand, and your ice bucket is empty, head into town for some refreshment, and bring Fido along.
 

 
At the Mockingbird Café, a favorite watering hole at 110 Second Street, guests can enjoy Coast Roast coffee specialties, extraordinary biscuits, the award-winning Mockingburger, or hearty pub fare — all on the shady outdoor wrap-around porch and patio. Dogs are also welcome in the outdoor stage area, home of the Atticus Finch Night Market, nestled between the Mockingbird Café and Smith & Lens.
 

The back patio at the Parrot Head Bar & Grill (inside Bodega at 111 Court Street), where beloved chef Rickey Peters serves up Cajun favorites, is another favorite hangout you can share with your pooch.  Pop Brothers (111 Main Street), the go-to place for gourmet popsicles, even makes pops for pups.

The Buttercup on Second Street (112 North Second Street), the popular local breakfast/lunch eatery, welcomes dogs on the porch and patio, and your server is always happy to bring a bowl of fresh water for Fido. At 200 North Beach, patrons can enjoy food, drinks, and a beach view while dining with their dog on the deck.
 

The motto of the historic Sycamore House Restaurant (210 Main Street) is “Come casual, we supply the elegance.” “Casual” includes your dog at this fine dining establishment if you sit on their oak-shaded patio in back, where you can order up gourmet pizza.
 
Lulu’s on Main (126 Main Street) is a breakfast and lunch spot with a large screened-in side porch that welcomes dogs; The Ugly Pirate (144 DeMontluzin Avenue) and The Blind Tiger (119 North Beach) are also dog-friendly, with outdoor seating and, at The Blind Tiger, a lovely marina view.
 

When in doubt about a shop’s openness to dogs, it is best to poke your head inside and ask if it’s alright to bring your dog inside. In my experience as a dog owner here in the Bay, most shops try to accommodate.
 
In fact, while shopping for antiques, art, home decor, apparel, or gifts, beachcombers and landlubbers alike will most likely be pleasantly surprised by the welcome their four-legged friends receive.
 
Gallery 220 (220 Main Street), keeps a full bowl of fresh water on hand for the pooches. If you’re lucky, Egypt, the shop dog at California Drawstrings (216 Main Street), may greet you at the door. In December, California Drawstrings offers photos with Santa and your dog as a benefit for the Hancock County Animal Shelter.

​Just across the street, The French Potager (213 Main Street) welcomes pups, while at Social Chair (201 Main Street), doggie treats are kept behind the counter and shared with canine customers.  Magnolia Antiques (200 Main Street) is dog-friendly, with two local dogs and their owner dropping in each day to visit, making their daily Old Town rounds. 

Thirsty pups can always count on a bowl of fresh water at The Shops at Century Hall, 112 South Second Street. Janice Guido, shopkeeper at Bay Life Gifts, is one of several pet-loving proprietors within Century Hall with two shelter cats at home. JoAnn Saucier, The Porch, also at Century Hall, owns four shelter puppies.
 
“We love our pets at Century Hall,” she says.
  
Bay Town Inn (208 North Beach Blvd.) comes highly recommended as a dog-friendly place to stay. The realtors at H. L. Raymond Properties, 529 Ulman Avenue, let dogs weigh-in on the properties considered by prospective buyers (owner/broker Holly Lemoine Raymond is known for her work on behalf of the Hancock Animal Shelter).
​

 
Bay Hide Away RV Park and Campground, 8360 Lakeshore Road, recently installed a fenced-in dog park for its campers.
 
Not everyone appreciates the dog-friendly trend. With that in mind, I include this Chicago Tribune article for the rules it provides for shopping with Fido. Good behavior can be a dog-lover’s best defense.
 
One of the best pieces of advice I ever found on the topic of dogs in traditionally human spaces — source long forgotten — is to always remind our pets to keep their voices down while talking on cell phones.

​While 16 species of hummingbirds breed in the Northern Hemisphere, there is only one species that regularly inhabits our area, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The male is an iridescent green with a white underside and a red gorget (throat). As light is reflected off the gorget, it appears a fiery red; out of direct light, it appears dark.

​With wings that beat about 70 times per second, hummingbirds can indeed hover as well as fly backwards and upside down. They are interesting to watch and worthwhile to attract to your yard.
 
There is no trick or special formula to attract hummingbirds. You just need to understand that all living things require three things to survive: food, shelter, and water. If you provide those things for hummingbirds, they will visit your yard, too.
 
First, let’s talk food. Hummingbirds subsist on a combination of insects and the nectar from tubular-shaped flowers. While you probably won’t be able to set up an insect diner for the hummers, supplying nectar is as simple as putting out a hummingbird feeder.
 
The feeder needn’t be fancy, or expensive; most wild bird stores and many garden centers have inexpensive feeders available. When selecting a feeder, be sure to choose one that is easy to clean, because you’ll be cleaning it often. My personal favorite is the Aspects Mini HummZinger (shown). It is extremely easy to clean and fill, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. 
​

​Fill the feeder with a nectar solution made from one part sugar to four parts water. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to boil the mixture; just stir until the sugar dissolves. Mix only as much nectar as you need at that moment.

And please, don’t use commercially available nectar formulations from the home center. They cost a fortune and include red dye and other unnecessary chemicals that may negatively affect your little lodgers. Hang your feeder in a semi-sheltered location such as under the eaves of the house, if possible, to keep rain water from contaminating the nectar.
 
Clean your feeders often – at least once a week in cool weather, and more often in warmer weather. If the nectar looks cloudy or shows any mold growth, it’s past time to clean.
 
The usual reason for lack of success in attracting hummers is setting out the feeder too late in the spring. Reports are already coming in from neighboring communities that the first hummers are back!

​Males return first to stake out breeding territories. If they find your feeder and the area looks safe, one may take up residence. In a week or two the females will return, looking for love – and an attractive territory.
 
The right food plants can also make your yard more attractive to hummers. If you are planning on adding to your landscape, you might want to keep these plants in mind. (See list at the end of this article.)
​

​Shelter is the second requirement for attracting hummingbirds. If you have numerous trees and shrubs on your property, the birds have plenty of places to construct a nest or hide from predators.
 
Water is the third requirement. A simple birdbath can be constructed from almost anything – a plate, a trash can lid (clean it first, please), a shallow plastic bowl. Again, be sure to keep the birdbath clean and shallowly filled.
 
In our area, your first guest should appear in early March. You may not see regular activity at your hummingbird feeder for quite some time while the birds establish their territories.

​Once you start seeing the birds, note how territorial they are: One male will not allow another to use “his” feeder. If you hang more than one feeder, try to locate them so that they are not in direct view of each other, so one male cannot monopolize two feeders.
 
Do not be surprised if your “guests” disappear several times during the summer season. When their favorite flowers bloom, they will feed only from the flowers, rejecting your finest offering. Don’t worry; they’ll be back.
 
Also, breeding activity may keep them from being active in the garden. But just wait: if you provide them with suitable nesting habitat, you can enjoy watching the young hummers cavort around your hard all summer long, until they begin their southbound migration in September. Their games are enchanting to watch.

As autumn approaches, you will see less and less of your guests as they begin their long migration to the tropics. You have helped make this trip possible by supplying them with the energy they need for this arduous trip. Do not be sad at their leaving; if all goes well, the same birds may reappear next year.

Fall is the time to double up on your feeders; you will probably need to refill them daily to keep up with demand.  Then, as hummers migrate south from the rest of North America, get ready for Invasion of the Migrants! An entire continent’s worth of hummers will stream past, pausing before making the arduous trip across the Gulf of Mexico.

​The amazing video above was taken at a Waveland feeder in mid-September. Keep your eyes open for rare migrating Western hummingbirds that occasionally lose their way and end up along the Gulf Coast.
 
Hummingbirds make an attractive and interesting addition to any summer garden. It is well worth your while to invite them to spend their summer vacation at your “resort,” where they fascinate and captivate. All it takes is a few pennies’ worth of sugar – and a little patience.

A giddy newcomer and seasoned bird-watcher finds a wildlife bonanza here on the Gulf Coast.
- story by Dena Temple

Black Skimmer feeds by dragging its lower mandible through the water, trolling for fish.
​

“Tu-a-wee!” A flock of Eastern Bluebirds frolicked in the front yard.
 
Yes, we are birders. Bird-brains. Bird nerds! In fact, our fascination with feathered fauna helped drive our southern migration. And as birders, we weren’t looking for a home so much as a “habitat.”

​​The pretty brick house on the tracks in Waveland fit the bill perfectly – lots of land bordered by dense woods, near a bayou. We signed the papers just before Thanksgiving, and by Turkey Day we were unpacking our binoculars and setting up feeding stations.
 
We’re also a little competitive. And by “little,” I mean very. We compete with other bird nerds to see how many species of birds we can ID in our yards. We re-started our 2018 list when we moved to Waveland – and by the time the ball dropped on New Year’s Eve, our list stood at an astounding 52 species. In five weeks!

​While all seasons along the Coast provide excellent opportunities for wildlife-watching, perhaps the best kept secret is the diversity here in the winter.
​

Joining the resident species of the Gulf are thousands of birds that spend their summers breeding farther north. As lakes and bays freeze over, species that rely on aquatic habitat are forced to head south.
 
In addition, land birds that eat insects must migrate to follow the food source. So, while spring and fall offer the best variety because of the migratory birds passing along the Mississippi Flyway, winter birding delights savvy Gulf Coast residents who are “in the know.” 
​

​​Gulls, terns and particularly shorebirds flock to the Gulf beaches, much like our snowbirds do, for the Gulf’s agreeable climate and excellent dining. Everyone eats seafood along the Coast!
 
Ducks, too, migrate south for the winter. Many only go as far as necessary to find unfrozen water, so they can find food. Some, however, make their way to our coastline and local ponds.
 
Commonly seen from our beaches are Bufflehead, tiny black ducks with white bonnet-like caps, and Common Loons, looking drab in their “basic” winter plumage.
 

​One of my favorite places to look for birds is the Washington Street Pier in Bay St. Louis. What makes any location excellent for birds is habitat diversity, and this spot has it.
 
Along the beach you’ll see lots of terns, gulls and shorebirds. Try to pick out the Willet, a large shorebird with drab, brown plumage – until he flies, revealing a distinctive and brilliant white wing stripe.

​​Walking to the end of the pier, scan the water for the aforementioned ducks, along with Horned Grebes, which are common in the Sound in the winter, and Red-breasted Mergansers, ducks with a distinctive dagger-like bill. 
​

​​Next, scan the rocks at the pier for Ruddy Turnstone, a medium-sized shorebird with orange legs and an unusually patterned chest. Perhaps you’ll get lucky and spot a Purple Sandpiper in the rocks, a rare visitor from the North.
 
While you’re out there, scan the distant skies for the beautiful white Northern Gannett, a large, graceful booby-like bird that nests on island cliffs but spends its entire winter over the water.
 
Back on land, patiently check the dune grass for birds like Marsh Wren, sparrows and Scaly-breasted Munia, a non-native, pet-shop escapee that has been spotted here recently.
 
There are many places along the Gulf Coast where beginners and pros alike can enjoy looking at, and learning about, birds. 
​

​A great source is the Mississippi Coast Audubon Society, which hosts mostly free field trips to various locations in the area. Attending one of these trips is a great way to meet like-minded people, increase your local knowledge, and learn about conservation and habitat protection.
 
If you’d rather strike out on your own, you can find information on the website for the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail . The website identifies more than 40 prime birding locations in the six southern counties of Mississippi. It’s a great resource, and I’ll be working my way through that list myself.
 
If you are the type who likes to volunteer, there are opportunities through both MCAS and the National Audubon Society for winter shorebird monitoring.
 
Also coming up February 15-19 is the Great Backyard Bird Count, which encourages individuals to count birds in their own backyards (or a local park or hotspot), then report your findings online through a special website, www.birdsource.org. The event is held over Presidents Day weekend, which may give you an extra day to venture out and enjoy what our area has to offer.

This outdoor music fest in Kiln, Mississippi offers a stellar line-up, a pristine natural setting, and a rural location that's easily reached from several metro areas. 
- story by LB Kovac

That's changing now, thanks to the Sugar Magnolia Music Festival. Now in its second year, the event seeks to bring everything we’re missing out on to the Mississippi coast – top music acts, delicious food, and a pristine rural setting with the ability to camp on-site, in either tents or RVs with hookups.  

Mike Rosato and his Bay Rat Productions team are behind this festival. And Rosato says that this “brackish mix” of Mississippi and Louisiana culture dubbed “Sugar Mag,” scheduled for November 9-11 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Kiln, is sure to get the hearts of all attendees pumping.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the music. “Honestly, events like Sugar Magnolia are more about a total experience rather than a stand-alone concert or festival that is focused on any one band, food or artist. It’s the whole kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells and interactions,” Rosato says.

“For those who have never been, there is something very friendly, primal and relaxing about going to a music festival,” says Rosato.

In the vein of festivals like Burning Man and Bonnaroo, about half of the Sugar Mag’s festival attendees camp out for the weekend. “Bring your RV and set it up,” says Rosato.  And if you don’t have an RV, you can always rent one.

Primitive tent camping (with no hook-ups) is included in the ticket prices.  Advance tickets are only $35 for one day and $55 for the weekend.  Advance ticket prices even include tent camping without hookups (there are free shower facilities on-site). RV hookups are available for those who want more luxe accommodations for the weekend.  An advance weekend camping pass with hook-ups - which includes two tickets - is just $140.  Purchase tickets online here).  

“Sharing the weekend with your friends and enjoying the entire experience together… It’s like the best tailgate party of your life but you don’t have to go home if you don’t want to!” says Rosato.

And if you’re in the half that is not the camping type, then you still have plenty of options. There are lots of nearby hotels and home rentals. And home is probably just a short drive away.

“Kiln…is NOT in the middle of nowhere," says Rosato, "But rather in the middle of everywhere! New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Mobile, and Pensacola are all far enough to leave your worries back home, but close enough to run back to if you need to.”

​The music will play throughout the day in this weekend community, with special late night shows as well.

“Samantha Fish, Raw Oyster Cult, Russel Batiste and Friends and The Dustbowl Revival are leading an amazingly talented lineup,” said Rosato.

Fish, a Blues protégé, debuted her latest album, Belle of the West¸ in the Number 1 spot on the Billboard Blues Albums charts just last year. That album went on to win the Best Blues Album at last year’s Best of the Beat Awards.

And Los Angeles-based The Dustbowl Revival, with their unique brand of vintage Americana sound, has been generating a lot of buzz. Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning producer Tedd Hutt, their latest self-titled album got them a resounding recommendation from Rolling Stones reviewer Rob Sheffield.

New Orleans jam bands The Iceman Special and The Quickening, as well local R&B group 'Sippiana Soul, are just a few of the other outstanding acts scheduled for the vibrant 3-day weekend. Everyone can find a band to sing to all night.
​

Away from the stage, the Bay Rat Productions team pulled out all of the stops, bringing Southern flair to every aspect of the festival. Big Wil and the Warden will serve up all your Southern fried favorites; an oyster bar will be on hand - in the middle of oyster season, no less; and the festival bars will be stocked with local micro brew beers and specialty drinks spiked with spirits from Louisiana and Mississippi distilleries.

Great music, good food, and friends you haven’t met yet, will all be just a short drive (or a short camp) away come the weekend of November 9/10.  This Southern-stewed music fest offers it all.  

For more information and tickets, go to the Sugar Magnolia Fest website.

Golf carts have escaped the boundaries of the greens and become a popular form of neighborhood transportation - and parade vehicle.  We've got the new Bay St. Louis & Waveland ordinances designed to keep you safe on the go.  
- story by Denise Jacobs, photos by Ellis Anderson 

According to the legislation, this definition is met by “any four-wheeled electric or gasoline-powered vehicle that has a top speed greater than 20 miles-per-hour but less than 25 miles-per-hour and is equipped with safety equipment as required under 49 CFR [Federal Code of Regulations} Section 571.500." 

This means the vehicle must be equipped with things like head and tail lights, brake lights, front and rear turn signals, mirrors, a windshield and a parking brake and more (read the complete list here).  

UPDATE:  This story was published August 1, the BSL Police Department released the flyer below August 15:  

 Who can operate a golf cart?
Golf cart operators must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 
 
Where can you drive your golf cart? 
As a rule of thumb, golf carts are allowed on public roads and streets with a speed limit of 25 miles-per-hour or less. 
 
Can you cross higher speed limit roads?  For instance, what if you live in Bay St. Louis on the north side of Highway 90 and want to travel via golf cart to the Second Saturday Artwalk festivities in Old Town? 

According to Senate Bill 3055 and the Bay's new ordinance 627-06-2018, golf carts may not be operated on U.S. 40, Highway 90, or Highway 603. However, golf carts may cross U.S. Highway 90 at the following signalized intersections in Bay St. Louis:

• Highway 90 and Beach Boulevard 

• Highway 90 and Dunbar Avenue
• Highway 90 Main Street/Blue Meadow Road
• Highway 90 and Drinkwater Road 
• Highway 90 and Washington Street
• Highway 90 and Bouslog Street

According to Waveland City Council Ordinance NO. 374, passed on July 3, 2018, golf carts will be allowed only "within the residential areas above and below Highway 90" with the exclusion of: ​

• all of U.S. Highway 90; 
• all of Kiln-Waveland Cutoff; 
• all of Highway 603 from the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Waveland Avenue to Maple Street; and 
• from the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Nicholson Avenue to Jeff Davis Avenue

State legislation mandates that golf carts must be registered.  According to the Waveland ordinance, registration should be made through the City of Waveland Police Department and requires a $50.00 payment to the City of Waveland.  Check with the BSL Police Department for details on registration. 

Upon payment and registration, the City will provide applicants with a handy-dandy map of public roads on which golf carts can operate along with a registration decal that must be displayed on the left rear fender of the vehicle.  The registration is good as long as the registering owner owns the golf cart. 

Now, back to the parade - because we can never get too far from parades in the Bay:

Section 2 of Senate Bill 3055 stipulates that “Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, when operated by a person participating in a parade permitted by the city, low-speed vehicles and golf carts may be operated on the permitted route of the parade while participating in the parade.”  Go Mystic Krewe! 

Golf Cart Parade Checklist:

• Golf cart registered
• Registration decal is visible on the vehicle 
• Drivers license & registration in vehicle
• Headlights work
• Brake lights work
• Turn signals work
• Windshield is clean 
• Golf cart is bedecked & bedazzled according to season and theme

A-OK! Good to go! 

It's hard to keep coast residents and their pets indoors - even in mid-summer.  Longtime dog owner and daily walker Lisa Monti offers savvy advice to stay cool and safe. 
- story by Lisa Monti

My dog walking starts earlier in the summer and my bike rides are shorter when the heat really bears down like it did recently. We were only three days into official summertime this year when the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory June 24 warning of a heat index of 105 to 109 scorching degrees. 
 
The combination of hot temps and high humidity can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but you can take simple precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and generally staying out of the sun. 
 
If you are spending time outside, take extra precautions like rescheduling your activities for early morning or evening, wearing light, loose fitting clothes and drinking plenty of water.  If you’re working outdoors, OSHA recommends that you take a lot of breaks either in the shade or inside an air-conditioned place. Call 911 if you or someone else feels overcome by heat. ​

Pet owners should keep an eye on their dogs and other animals during hot weather as well. Make sure they have plenty of fresh clean water (in containers protected from the sun) and a shady place to help keep them cool. The ASPCA also advises to take care not to over-exercise your pets and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
 
If you’re walking your dog outdoors, the same basic safety rules apply to dogs.  Exercise early or in the evening. If you’re out in the mid-day heat, walk in shaded areas so they don’t burn their paws on hot asphalt.  Test pavement for heat by pressing your palm against it for seven seconds.  If it’s too hot for your hand, it will burn your dog’s paws.  If the air temperature is 87 degrees, the asphalt is 143 degrees. An egg fries in five minutes at 131F. ​

​Some symptoms of overheating in pets, according to the ASPCA, are excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. And, of course, don’t ever leave a pet in a vehicle in the heat.  In just a few minutes, the interior temperature of a closed car can shoot up.  It may be a moderately hot 80 degrees outside,  but in just 10 minutes, it’ll be 99 degrees inside a vehicle in 10 minutes and a deadly 114 in 30 minutes.

 
If you’re dog walking, you can get creative finding shade in some local spots, like the old City Park shoofly on Second Street or one of the local restaurants with outside seating (the porch and sideyard of the Mockingbird Café are local favorites. If you prefer a spot beachside, the pavilion at Washington Street offers benches along with breezes off the water.
 
If you’re poochless, you have even more options.  The library is the perfect place to comfortably spend some cool, quiet time on a summer day and so is a local health club. 
 
Bike riders (and walkers) can find shady stretches on streets and lots of good places to take a water break around town. I like riding down Third Street, from Washington to Bay Oaks Drive and loop back around. There’s plenty of shade in spots on both sides of Third as well as some less traveled blocks between Main and Ulman and on the grounds of the Depot.
 
Staying safe outdoors in the grip of summertime takes a bit of preparation but it’s worth the effort to enjoy exercising, socializing and keeping a spoiled dog happy between now and October.

A savvy entrepreneur and nature lover finds that making camping easy for others isn't just fun - it's a growing business.  Meet Kristine Lyons of Gulf Coast Camper Rentals.
- story by Lisa Monti, photos courtesy GCCR

Kristine Lyons has held on to fond childhood memories of family camping trips to Buccaneer State Park, exploring nature trails and pulling in fish and crabs on the seawall with her brother.

Those special memories were so strong that she wanted her own kids to have similar experiences, so Lyons continued the tradition of camping at Buccaneer with them as they grew up.

Lyons knew that the camping tradition was successfully passed when her daughter asked to go camping on a visit home from college. But there was a hitch.
​

“I had just sold my camper, and when we started looking for one to rent we couldn’t find one. I ended up buying one,” she said. Always the entrepreneur, Lyons decided on that very camping trip to start renting her new rig to help make payments on it. That was in late 2014 and in short order Gulf Coast Camper Rentals was officially in business.

A Facebook page and word of mouth quickly attracted customers, so she doubled down on inventory based on high demand. “I bought another one and it stayed booked. Then two more,” Lyons said.  “Once I got to six I quit my day job. Selling furniture wasn’t my thing anyway,”  she said.

Today there are 13 2017-2018 model campers for rent in an assortment of sizes for $120 to $155 a night with a two-night minimum.  The largest can comfortably accommodate four adults and four children.
​

But Lyons takes it one step further by offering delivery and set up of the campers at several campsites in Hancock County and beyond. Her brother, Robert Miller, and his wife, Michelle, take care of delivery and pick up, servicing and cleaning up everything when you’re headed back home. 

Yes, all the renters have to do is show up and, well, camp. “That’s what we do the best,” she said of the unique delivery, set up and pick up service. “We’re living in a society where nobody has enough time. They would rather me do the work so they can just show up and have fun. Our motto is, ‘We do the work, You enjoy the adventure!’ ”

Locally, Gulf Coast Camper Rentals sets up at Buccaneer State Park, long Mississippi’s most popular state park, McLeod Park, the campsites connected to the Silver Slipper Casino and Hollywood Casino and nearby Flint Creek in Stone County. The convenience will cost you an additional $85 for locations in Hancock County. Farther afield you pay by the mile.

Lately they have set up for campers at the new Reunion Lake facility in Robert, La., as well as at popular campgrounds in Lumberton and throughout Louisiana and over to Gulf Shores, Ala., and Destin, Fla.

Lyons said the campers aren’t used strictly for camping. They’re popular with participants at festivals, Cruising the Coast, ATV events and the annual Gulf Coast Winter Classic horse show in Harrison County. “People use them for mother-in-law suites in their yard and for weddings. Film companies use them when they’re shooting commercials and just to hang out in.”

She’s also thinking about adding some special packages for honeymooners and customized services customers may request. 

“We’re flexible. We just want you to have good time.”

It seems that when people get a taste of camping, they enjoy it enough to want to do it again and that means plenty of repeat business for Gulf Coast Camper Rentals. “Some of our best customers owned campers in the past and are not interested in owning one now. They want to camp a couple of times a year and renting is cheaper.”

The success of the camper rentals led Lyons to buy a building on Highway 603 and open a camper store which is stocked with camper parts and supplies, everything from water hoses to backup cameras. 
​

“We’re doing camper service now too,” she said. She and her brother are newly certified recreational vehicle inspectors available for those looking to invest in an RV. “We’re trying to be a one-stop shop,” Lyons said.

And she’s keeping the family camping tradition going these days by taking her grandchildren camping at Buccaneer. “Basically, camping is making memories. Even the most miserable times we had camping we still laugh about today.


Gulf Coast Camper Rentals
10381 Highway 603, Suite A
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
228-463-3200
Email: info@gulfcoastcampers.com

A state monitoring program tests the waters of the Mississippi coast and issues advisories if needed.  What are they testing for and where?  We have the info and the links to make it easy to check before you swim. 
- story by Lisa Monti

​Doug Upton, chief of MDEQ’s field service division that does all monitoring across state, said the water samples are collected at least once a week by staffers at MDEQ’s regional office in Biloxi. The samples are analyzed at a private lab in Ocean Springs and results are typically reported in 24 hours.
 
What they’re looking for is Enterococci bacteria, which Upton calls “an indicator organism” that signals pollution caused by stormwater runoff, wildlife, boating waste or sewer overflows. High winds and heavy rainfall can also increase bacteria levels in our coastal waters. That’s why the Beach Task Force recommends not swimming during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall.

​When Enterococci bacteria levels exceed federal water quality standards in two consecutive samplings, MDEQ will issue an advisory using warning signs at the beach location itself and through the news media and social media. The goal is to let people know that if they come in contact with the contaminated water, there is a higher risk of infections of the ear, eye, skin and respiratory system. Gastrointestinal illness and even meningitis and hepatitis could occur through water contact.
 
You can still enjoy the sand beach section but, MDEQ says, you swim at your own risk.
 
The advisory is lifted after two daily samples show acceptable levels.
 
Very seldom does MDEQ issue beach closures, Upton said. “We do from time to time have sewage releases into the Sound from infrastructure failures. Then we will immediately issue an advisory and out of an abundance of caution, we make the advisory area probably bigger than it should be and assess the impact and monitor it daily until the threat is no longer there.”

Warmer weather also brings concerns about Vibrio or “flesh eating” bacteria, which multiply as water temperatures rise, the same time more people are swimming and boating. Upton said MDEQ doesn’t monitor for Vibrio bacteria because those bacteria exist naturally in brackish waters and they are not linked to pollution.
 
Upton said MDEQ puts great emphasis on its beach monitoring public notification system and website which contains current and historic data going back to 2000 for its sampling locations. The public can sign up to receive email notifications, automatic text messages and Twitter blasts about the beach advisories.
 
“The whole emphasis for beach monitoring is to make sure beachgoers know the condition of the water they will be swimming in,” he said.
 
To receive beach advisories, send an email to rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov, text "MDEQbeach" to 95577, or follow MDEQ on Twitter: @MDEQ.

A committee of dedicated Chamber volunteers is offering a series of fascinating public workshops to help raise awareness on what it takes to be a "Smart Community." 
- story by LB Kovac

Allison Anderson is a founder and one of the architects behind unabridged Architecture; she was also the first LEEDs-accredited professional in the entire state of Mississippi (LEEDS - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - is a nationally recognized design standard).

​Her portfolio ranges from small-scale residential remodels to macro commercial redevelopments, but much of her practice incorporates her community-driven approach. 

Anderson’s been a member of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Greenways and Scenic Byways Committee for more than twenty-three years and has a long history of volunteerism and advocacy in the county. 

“[As a city], you might want to be big enough to support a community college. How big is that?” she asks. “What does that town look like?”

Anderson’s eye for the bigger picture led her to develop “Smart Communities,” a series of lectures sponsored by the committee and spanning the year that highlights the powers shaping today’s communities. Anderson said, “The point of the conversations is to educate people on these ideas and open up the conversation to a larger group of people.” 

The first lecture, given by leading economic development specialist Knox Ross, asked what communities could do to grow smarter. Some of the advice Ross gave might seem obvious, such as investing in local businesses, having a distinctive character and considering the role every individual plays in the community. But maybe less obvious? Moving your business a few blocks over.

“Good communities have to have these dense urban cores,” said Anderson. These cores help support small businesses, restaurants, culture, and a city’s night life, but they are often not ideal spaces for a new business. At some point, she said, “We have to look at places where our community can support new development.” 

And, we have to think about the painful possibility of disaster. Much of the Mississippi coast is located on a 100-year flood plain. Anderson said, “Every home in our area has a 1-in-4 chance of flooding over the life of a mortgage.”

Rather than implementing the costly services necessary to support people in emergencies, communities need to consider retreating from the areas at the most risk.

“Katrina was a watershed moment for us,” said Anderson. Unabridged had just finished two projects before the hurricane and only one survived. “The guesthouse we had just finished was completely erased. It didn’t make it a month. And it was built to the same code as our office. A few blocks distance was really the only difference.” 

The next lecture, given by Anderson Kim Architecture & Urban Design principal designer  R. John Anderson on February 16, focuses on the mathematics of city planning. He specializes in urban strategy and will help explain why two businesses only a few miles apart can pay wildly different property taxes. 

Other lectures planned for the year include a presentation by the Stennis Institute, a discussion on urban waterways, and a presentation by Mississippi Power on smart ways to incorporate power in communities.

​Many aspects of “smart communities” will be explored at the series, which are all scheduled to take place at the Bay St. Louis Library. You can find updates on topics and lecture times at the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce website.

“There are a wide range of opinions about the right way to design, the right direction for our community,” said Anderson. “We want to take the temperature of the people. This is a chance for everyone to become part of the conversation.” 




​

We rarely glimpse these nocturnal neighbors, but when we do, it's another reason to appreciate life on the coast.  Find out what makes these critters good neighbors and ways you can help offset shrinking wildlife habitat.  
- story by LB Kovac and Ellis Anderson 

• Four friends in an SUV are heading out to dinner at a restaurant.  It’s just after dark.  They pull up to a stop sign at St. Charles Ave., when one notices movement in the wood strip just ahead where the road curves.  It’s a fox! they breathe in awe, sitting at the stop sign, the headlights illuminating the creature.  Time stretches, as they watch it watch them.  Finally, the fox slips into the underbrush and vanishes.  The friends drive on, understanding they’ve been gifted by nature on this night.  ​​

​

​One of the charms of Bay St. Louis is that the humans coexist with an astonishing variety of wildlife.  Bald eagles and foxes, owls and ospreys, turtles and pelicans, squirrels and geckos and possums and raccoons – to name only a few. 

In fact, Mississippi is home to a substantial number of land mammals alone: 63. For reference, the Magnolia state beats Louisiana, the state closest in land size, by 11 species. Some of our furry neighbors, like the gray squirrel or the eastern cottontail, are a welcome sight no matter where you see them--be it on a nature trail or in your own backyard.

Yet some people may be dubious about critters like foxes, raccoons and opossums, critters important to the delicate Mississippi ecosystem.

Missy Dubuisson, owner of Vancleave-based wildlife rescue organization Wild at Heart, says that these are some of the animals her organization most often sees. She says, “we receive calls from federal, state and local law officers, and the general public” on a regular basis.

Dubuisson has been rehabilitating animals since she was a little girl growing up in Pass Christian. Her love for wild animals, especially America’s only marsupial, has earned her the nickname “the Possum Queen.” 

According to Dubuisson, some homeowners erroneously believe that opossums, raccoons and foxes are aggressive or carry infectious diseases like rabies.  Both turn out to be myths.
​ 
“Many people see a possum and they think they’re going to attack. That’s not going to happen,” Dubuisson promises. She goes on to explain that they’ll only get aggressive if they’re on the defense.  “Rightly so.”

As for rabies?   The state has been surprisingly rabies-free for the past fifty years.  According to the Mississippi Department of Health, “Land animal rabies is rare in Mississippi. Since 1961, only a single case of land animal rabies (a feral cat in 2015) has been identified in our state.” Experts found that the cat had contracted rabies after being bitten, not by another land mammal, but by a bat.

Possums, foxes and raccoons mostly live invisibly alongside humans in urban or semi-suburban areas like Bay-Waveland. All three creatures are dubbed opportunistic eaters.  Possums feed on everything from roaches to slugs. Raccoons have a varied diet too, eating crawfish to berries.  Much of a fox’s fare consists of invertebrates, like grasshoppers and caterpillars. 

Fortunately for their human neighbors, all three eagerly devour nuisance rodents.  The fox, in particular, is valued for its superlative ability to catch rats and mice. 

But as more lots and wooded areas are cleared for development along the coast, the habitat for native wildlife is rapidly disappearing.  The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has several programs in place to offset shrinking habitats by encouraging individuals and communities to create new ones.   

​Individuals can participate with the 40-year-old program, Garden for Wildlife.  This step-by-step program guides homeowners in transforming an ordinary yard into a haven for birds and mammals that we love to watch.  NWF even offers a certification once their checklist has been fulfilled.  Signage celebrates the efforts and encourages neighbors to do likewise. 

Schools, college campuses and place of worship also have wildlife habitat programs, tailored specifically for them.  Entire cities, like Bay St. Louis or Waveland, can apply to be official Wildlife Habitat Communities.  In addition to practicing more sustainable, nature-friendly lifestyles that benefit both humans and animals, these communities receive positive national recognition. 

If Bay St. Louis or Waveland chose to participate, we’d be in good company:  Disney’s Epcot Center is a showcase Habitat Community.  As is the Denver Zoo.  And in Maryland, “Baltimore Gas and Electric has created habitats along its power line rights of way.” 

For more information on participating, click on the links above.  In the meantime savor another sighting: 

• Driving home from a college class in New Orleans one night, a woman crosses the tracks at Ballentine, heading toward the beach.  The moon is full, so movement in a vacant field catches her eye.  She stops the car.  Two foxes freeze, their coats of red glowing, even in the blue moonlight.  The human and animals regard each other calmly.  There’s no fear on either part, only recognition as fellow beings sharing this extraordinary place and time.  When the foxes decide they have better things to do, they move on out of sight.  The woman slowly drives on toward her home, understanding that this brief encounter will be treasured for the rest of her days.  ​

Beach to Bayou - Oct/Nov 2017

A light-hearted series of races along the Bay St. Louis coastline has built a monster following over the past three years. 
- story by Ellis Anderson, photos courtesy Wendy Kennedy

Visiting for the race?  Check out the Shoofly Magazine's guides to Bay-Waveland!

Duathlons are races that start off with a two-mile run, followed by 11 miles of biking and finishing with a two-mile run.  Participants can also choose to enter a simple four-mile run.

Graham says that the series is now three years old, although it’s the fourth year for the HH.  Most of the races now sell out – meaning they reach the maximum number of participants who can register, around 300.  

“About 70 percent of our participants now are repeaters,” says Graham.  “More than 50 percent come from either Alabama or Louisiana, but we get lots from Jackson and Hattiesburg too.” 

Graham has her masters in Exercise Science whose business, Hurricane Multisport, offer race day planning and hosting services.  However, the QuadBurner Event Series is a volunteer project. 

Graham guesses the race series is growing in popularity because the focus is more on staying in shape and having fun than being seriously competitive.  The races offer some prizes (several for costumes in the Halloween Hustle), but forego the traditional age-group categories.  

“It’s less about who wins the race and more about getting people moving,” she says.  “These races are designed to give people something to keep training for year-round, to encourage a lifetime of fitness and good health.”  

The unique approach and the support of several corporate sponsors – including FEB Distributing and Run & Tri - allows Quadburners to spend more money on the race participants “swag” (freebies, like visors, warm-up jackets, etc.) and the after-race celebration that feature a DJ, beer and food from the popular coast caterer Savory Roots. 

The remaining funds are donated to the non-profit Hancock County Canine Operation unit of the Sheriff's Department.  Last year, Quadburners gave more than $4,000 to the unit, which enabled the department to purchase a new specially trained dog. ​  They're on track to double that amount in 2017.  Officer Jeremy Skinner spearheaded the effort to form the not-for-profit and many officers volunteer their time for the events.

Quadburners races follow the same course each time, beginning and ending at the Washington Street pier pavilion in Bay St. Louis.  Veteran runners are learning to appreciate both the town and the course, making for a relaxing experience all the way around.  

Graham notes that local spectators are always welcome and encouraged.  She says that several residents who live near the course now pay attention to when races are scheduled.  On race mornings, they bring lawn chairs down to the beach to watch the fun (registration starts at 7am, the race starts at 8am). 

“And it’s great fun,” Graham says.  “I’m always impressed with the costumes with the Halloween Hustle.  We had some folks dressed as champagne bottles once.  I’m still not sure how they rode bikes in those costumes.” 

Link to register and info for QuadBurners Event Series:  

• Registration for the Halloween Hustle is $45.  You can do it online by clicking here.  
• Link to November Brew Ho-Ho Beer Run and Root Beer Fun Run  Registration:  

Tour some of Hancock County's favorite campgrounds, offering everything from primitive tent camping in serene settings to a beachside getaway with a waterpark. 
- story by LB Kovac, photos by Ellis Anderson 

​Buccaneer State Park
1150 S. Beach Blvd.
Waveland, MS
228-467-3822

​Buccaneer State Park is consistently ranked one of the best campgrounds in Mississippi. The park’s popularity is in no-doubt thanks to its many amenities: a fully-stocked camp store; two large, lifeguard-protected pools; a full waterpark complete with slides, a wave pool, and a splash pad; a coin-operated laundry room; and a long nature trail that takes you through some of Mississippi’s less-developed areas. Indeed, Buccaneer State Park has a little something for everyone.

The campground itself has over 200 campsites, both back-up and pull-thru spots. Campsites come with options for 30- and 50-amp connections, as well as Wi-Fi, cable, and a parking spot. There are dedicated primitive sites in the back of the campground for campers looking to pitch a tent. These sites don’t have fire circles or picnic tables, but they are spacious enough for multiple tents or extra equipment.

The best thing about the park, though, is its proximity to the gulf. Located on Beach Boulevard in Waveland, the Gulf of Mexico is quite literally across the street. If you know your travel plans ahead of time, you can reserve one of the park’s premium gulf-view spots, which give you amazing sunset views from the comfort of your camper. And white-sand beaches are just a short walk away!

The tradeoff for staying at such a big park is a bit of noise. There are dedicated quiet hours at Buccaneer State Park, but there are lots of campers, including families with young children, and some noise can't be helped.

McLeod Water Park Campground
8100 Texas Flat Rd.
Kiln, MS
228-467-1894

If you see your visit to Hancock County as less splashing in the pool and more communing with nature, pull your camper around to McLeod Water Park Campground. Located on the banks of the Jourdan River, McLeod offers a sportsman’s paradise, with two boat ramps; plenty of water for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing; and two scenic nature trails.

McLeod has about 50 campsites, with back-up and pull-thru sites available. Each site comes with a parking spot and picnic table, and slide-out campers can be accommodated. There’s also an on-site bathhouse with showers, a splash pad for the kids, and a playground.

Despite this campground’s seclusion, there’s still easy access to downtown Hancock County’s conveniences. Hollywood Casino, downtown Bay St. Louis, and Mississippi’s coastline are each just a 20-minute drive away.

Bay Hideaway RV Park and Campground
8360 Lakeshore Dr.
Bay St. Louis, MS
228-466-0959

​Bay Hideaway was recently voted #1 Favorite RV Park in America during a Woodall’s competition. And if you know anything about the campgrounds, it’s easy to see why it is so well liked. In addition to the amenities offered by many other Hancock Country campgrounds — 30- and 50-amp sites, a swimming pool, and a lounge area with games, books, and movies — Bay Hideaway offers a little bit extra.

The campground park has a disc golf course for enthusiasts, the laundry rooms are free, and the staff have lots of recommendations for local eateries, bars, and family activities. During special holidays, there are free cookouts for the whole campground.

This campground is just three miles from the beach, and it’s even closer to several casinos. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in downtown Bay St. Louis. 

Shady Acres
8012 Highway 90
Bay Saint Louis, MS
228-463-9670

For the seasonal camper, Shady Acres RV and Cottage Community presents a calm, relaxing atmosphere with all of the amenities you need, at affordable rates. Owners Bill and Julie Berry have created a perfect base for people who are enjoying the Hancock County area during a long-term stay. In addition to spacious spots with parking for two vehicles, Shady Acres features landscaped gardens, a private fishing pond, and a pet playground. There’s even a clubhouse with large television, a library, and plenty of board games: bad weather doesn’t have to sideline your relaxation.

This campground is centrally located for those who want to enjoy all of Hancock County’s features. Silver Slipper Casino, Hollywood Casino, the Stennis Space Center, and white sand beaches are all within a ten-minute drive.

Be aware that this campground only rents by the month. If you’re in Hancock County for a shorter stay, you might want to look at one of the other facilities.

These are just a few of the campgrounds in Hancock Country. Whether you’re just visiting the area or looking to call it home for a little while, there’s a campground just for you.

Another segment is being added to the popular beachfront walking/biking path, with plans in the works to make Hancock's coast road even more appealing to cyclists and pedestrians.
 - story by Laurie Johnson

​Allison Anderson of Unabridged Architecture is a longtime member of the Greenways and Scenic Byways Committee.  She says that the new section of pathway helps move forward the committee’s long-range goals of offering a quality-of-life amenity for locals and creating a major visitor attraction.
 
Anderson says that when the new stretch is complete, only two gaps in the off-road trail will exist between the Bay Bridge and Bayou Caddy — a total distance of nearly nine miles.
 
One of those gaps is between the east side of Buccaneer State Park and Lakeshore Road, a distance of 2.25 miles.  There’s only seawall there, with no beach to act as a bed for the concrete pathway.  The Greenways committee is working toward eventually finding funding for an inland side segment of the path.  Currently, pedestrians and bicyclists share the road with motor vehicles.
 
The other gap, about 1.15 miles, is between the east end of the paved pathway at the Washington Street Pier and the foot of the Bay Bridge, at Beach Boulevard and Highway 90.  Although a sidewalk extends through that segment that passes through the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis, building a dedicated bike path isn’t possible because of the seawall and high-density traffic and parking.  But Anderson says that the committee has come up with an innovative way to improve cyclist safety in that section.  
 
Anderson says the committee is applying for a grant with Transportation of America to fund a cultural signage project along that gap.  The signage will actually be in the form of permanent pavement markings designed to raise awareness with motorists about sharing the road.  These “road medallions” will be eye-catching and attractive, too, since they’ll be designed by local artists. 
 
“This is the road we’ve got, so we’re going to have to make it work,” says Anderson.  “And this pavement marking system will allow us to do raise awareness with motorists in a very artistic manner.” 

​In 2014, local cycling enthusiast Myron Labat formed a group called the Bay Roller Cycling Club.  Members of the 11-member group of amateur cyclists are sharing their love of cycling and giving back to the community at the same time.
 
Labat reports the group secured sponsorships from Hancock Bank, Keesler Federal Credit Union and Coast Electric Power Association to help their fund projects like the Christmas Bicycle Drive. Last year, the Bay Rollers donated 110 bicycles and helmets to local elementary school students.
 
In addition, members educate the recipients on how to operate bicycles around town safely. Kids learn the basic rules of the road and are taught not to get on the roads without an adult rider.  Labat says they also encourage parents to continue bicycle safety education as they ride together.
 
Both Anderson and Labat want people to know that Mississippi law requires that motorists leave three feet of space between bicycles and their vehicle.  Bike paths create a dedicated space for cyclists, but riders can use the roadways as long as they do so responsibly and safely. Signs are needed in many areas to remind everyone to share the road.
 
For those new to using bike paths, it’s important to know how to coexist safely with cars. Bicycles are allowed to take up the whole bike path lane and should always follow the roadway rules, just like a car.
 
Riders should never be on sidewalks dedicated for pedestrians.  Cyclists should follow the same path of travel as cars; biking directly into oncoming traffic is a huge safety risk for the cyclist and motorists.
 
Labat says recreational athletes who enjoy cycling come to Bay St. Louis, Waveland and Lakeshore from across the U.S. because there are low speed roads with relatively low traffic. And the views are fantastic.
 
He notes, “If you have a beach cruiser and your intention is not to go very fast, the bike path is perfect for that.”
 
But road bikes are designed for speed, and Labat says cyclists on those bikes will want to share the road outside of the bike path and can do so safely and responsibly according to state law. 
 
Labat says anyone can join their group by finding them on Facebook or contacting him directly at mblabat1@gmail.com.  “There’s an old saying that you can’t be mad riding a bicycle.”
 
For more information about biking safety, see the website for the League of American Bicyclists.  

Shoofly correspondent Lisa Monti gets a delightful, insider's view of local waterways on a silent solar-driven vessel, guided by boat builder Mark Isaacs.

The lightweight, Coast Guard–certified craft can be hauled on top of a car or on a trailer and accommodate one or two passengers in cushioned swivel bucket seats. The boats run on German-made electric motors charged either by the sun or by electric outlets and have a top speed of 5 mph, the better to take in the rivers, bayous and bays and far quieter and fume free than gas-powered motors.
 
Putting in at the end of North Beach Boulevard at the Cedar Point boat launch for a late-afternoon tour of Old Joe’s Bayou, Isaacs slid our two boats into the water and unloaded the gear from his car: two motors, one battery for each plus a spare, life jackets with compass and whistle, two paddles and other accessories. Isaacs takes extreme caution in his preparation and instructions on safely operating the boats.
 
My own experience running a boat is negligible, so I admit to palpitations right before stepping onto my boat and settling into the chair. My main concern wasn’t for my safety but for my new iPhone in my life jacket pocket.
 
Isaacs does take care to talk about the proper way to board the boat and keeps a dry bag for your wallets and keys. “We have ways to address those concerns,” he said.
 
Facing sideways and with right hand gripping the tiller, I rolled the tiller handle forward to slowly pick up speed and followed close behind Isaacs’ boat as we set out into the peaceful bayou on the back side of Hollywood Casino.

It took no time to get the hang of changing the craft’s speed and direction, and with the beautiful marsh scenery and birds of all kinds flying all around, the fact that I was on this boat by myself didn’t distract from the peaceful sightseeing.
 
“As many times as I’ve done this, I continue to not quite get over the quietness of the experience,” Isaacs said. “This for me is quiet and meditative. It’s the most powerful aspect of the experience.”
 
As to what you’ll see on one of these tours, Isaacs said that’s up to nature. “Different locations offer different experiences,” he said. The possibilities include a heron with a six-foot wing span taking off close at hand, dolphins feeding in the Jourdan River, and sand crabs scurrying on shore.

Bridge swallows put on a show for us at the old bridge near our launching spot. Isaacs once saw an enormous alligator gar in a full arching breach through the air. “You can’t control what you see but most of the time there’s a nice diversity of birds,” he said.
 
Tours of Old Joe’s Bayou are about an hour and cost $60 for a boat for two. Catfish Bayou takes about three hours to tour and costs $90. Bayou Bogue Homa on the Mississippi side of the East Pearl River typically takes about two hours for $90 and No Name Bayou in Diamondhead is $80.
 
Conditions have to be right before any tour to ensure safety. Wind can’t be more than 12 mph and temperature must be over 60. “Typically, wildlife are more active either in the early morning hours or evening so think of this as a sunrise or sunset tour,” he said. Tides also have to be right, so Isaacs recommends calling well in advance to plan a trip.
 
For more information, call or text (228) 363-2529 or visit the Solar Boat Tours website.

A new rescue group in central Mississippi nurses wounded turtles back to health, as well as providing information for those wanting to foster suburban habitat for these fascinating creatures.  
- story by Ellis Anderson 

Christy says there are several things residents can do to make their yards turtle-friendly.  Don’t use pesticides or herbicides, especially if you’ve seen turtles in your yard.  Plant a garden – they provide great turtle habitat.  Before mowing, check your yard for those who might be in harm's way.  And keep watch if you have large dogs, which sometimes use turtles as chew toys.  

Christy and her husband Luke rehabilitate turtles that have had unfortunate encounters with canines, although most of their patients come from “road carnage.” 

They work with veterinarians to nurse the turtles back to health, then release them back in the area where they were found.  If their patient is permanently disabled, they care for them until a special needs home can be found.  

But dogs and cars aren’t the only foes of turtles.  Intentional harm by humans causes some turtle deaths and maimings. 

A few misguided fishermen have been known to shoot turtles in the mistaken belief that they’re eating potential catches.  Turtles can also be targets for both adults and kids who are practicing firearm skills.  And there are the heartless drivers will purposely try to hit a turtle crossing a road.
​ 
“Sadly, we do see ones that have been hurt by malice,” says Christy.

From Admirer to Rescuer

Christy came by her love of turtles as a child, appreciating  their peaceful natures and the fact they carried their homes on their backs.  She never lost the love. In 2006, when a neighbor found a three-legged turtle on a burn pile, he thought of the Milbournes – he’d seen turtle figurines in their house. 
 
Thus began a decade of intensive education, networking with turtle experts around the country, and the adoption of Booboo. 

Booboo was a 17-year-old Redfoot Tortoise raised in a small tank by well-intentioned owners in Maryland.  Due to a poor diet and his small environment, his shell was deformed enough to prevent use of his back legs.  Surrendered to another rescue group, the Milbournes adopted Booboo in 2010.  He became a beloved and spoiled member of their family.  

According to a veterinarian specialist, Booboo wasn’t in pain, but would have a shorter lifespan.  The predication came true, when, despite the pampering from the Milbournes, the tortoise passed away in 2012.  His death solidified their dreams of dedicating even more of their time to turtle rescue. 

Both Milbournes still work full-time for the Mississippi Department of Transportation, but the non-profit they have formed works to raise awareness with people in addition to healing wounded turtles. 
​
Their website explains why it’s an awful idea to paint turtle shells (their shells are living tissue that will absorb toxins) or remove them from their natural habitats (they’ll spend the rest of their lives trying to get home).  The rescue success story page makes for fascinating – and heartwarming – reading. ​

Want to help a turtle cross a road?  You’ll find complete instructions for that on the website as well: 

• Only stop when it’s safe for you and other drivers
• Never pick a turtle up by its tail (they feel pain and you might break their spinal cord)
• Always place it on the side of the road it was headed toward.  If you place it back where it came from, the persistent critter will just try again. 

For turtle emergencies, simply go to the website’s Contact Us page for instant advice.
    
“If you come across a wounded turtle, don’t assume it can’t live,” Christy says. “They’re incredibly tough.  We work closely with a coast organization called Wild At Heart, so someone can help.” 

The website also hosts an informative photo gallery, showing every type of turtle found in the state.  According to Christy, the Mississippi coast is home to almost every one of them, 35 species.
 
 Lucky for us – and the Millers.

This beloved festival within a festival takes place during Art in the Pass each year, much to the delight of all who love the magical Gulf in our own backyard.  
- by LB Kovac

Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival takes place on Saturday, April 1st from 10am – 3pm, in Pass Christian’s War Memorial Park.  The event is a popular part of Art in the Pass, a larger weekend festival that showcases work by artists from across the region.

Celebrate the Gulf is one of many outreach programs sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR).  The festival is free and offers many fun opportunities for children to learn more about Mississippi’s diverse marine life. 

​Booths and activities will showcase plants like plankton and algae, fish like sharks and rockfish, and non-marine species that have a symbiotic relationship with the Gulf, including coastal birds.

And while the Gulf is home to millions of species of plants and animals, most children rarely see them except on the Discovery Channel or on their plates. At Celebrate the Gulf, they can get up close and personal with many of these species – including sharks, dolphins, and lionfish.

Melissa Scallan, MDMR’s director of public affairs, reports that last year’s festival was a big success, and this year’s event will be even bigger.
​
The exciting Raptor Roadshow – featuring birds of prey - schooner rides of the harbor, and coloring contests will be returning.  Representatives from the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and the International Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) will also be on hand to answer questions and lead activities. 

Oysters will be one of the featured species at the festival this year. MDMR is responsible for 17 natural oyster reefs along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, safeguarding them for future generations.

Oysters are a valuable commodity to the Mississippi economy; last year, hundreds of thousands of bushels were harvested from gulf reefs, where they eventually ended up on plates across the United States. Oysters also play an important part in the state’s marine ecology - they attract blue crabs, starfish, and other sea creatures to the gulf’s waters.

It takes about two years for an American oyster to reach full “market” size – about 3 inches, in length. During those first two years of their lives, the little mollusks live in clusters, called “reefs,” on the seabed, where they filter the water for plankton, their favorite food.

It might seem like every restaurant has oysters on the menu, but they are not nearly as prevalent as they were fifty years ago, or even twenty years ago. Oyster harvests across the country are currently at 1% of historic levels.
​
Pollutants from natural disasters like the BP oil spill down severely depleted local reefs, and “aquatic hitchhiking” has introduced invasive species, like the Southern oyster drill, which eat the oysters at a rate faster than they can reproduce.

“Aquatic hitchhiking” is a practice that is increasing in occurrence. Part of the festival’s mission is to empower attendees to protect the gulf on their own.

When people or objects like boats or buoys enter the water - even for a short time - plant life, small animals, and microscopic organisms make themselves at home on fabric, plastic, and other common materials. When the people go elsewhere or the objects are moved, they can take these “hitchhikers” with them, inadvertently spreading them to an area where they can harm plants or animals in another vicinity.

Luckily, as you’ll learn at the festival, aquatic hitchhiking is easily preventable. Rinsing off clothing, boats, and equipment at the dock or near the site can ensure that species native to the area stay there. You’ll do your part to protect the species currently in Mississippi waters.

For the past six years, Celebrate the Gulf has paired with Art in the Pass.  Scallan says that the co-events provide the perfect opportunity for families to have fun and learn more about the world around them.
​
“People can come to one place [for Art in the Pass and Celebrate the Gulf]. There are lots of events for kids, and lots of opportunities for education,” she said.