National Seashore celebrates with free live oaks
ROBYN PHILIPS Gulf Breeze News robyn@gulfbreezenews.com

Robyn Philips/Gulf Breeze News Alexander Nicholas, Mike Aymond; Park Ranger, Lisa Nicholas, Gail Bishop, George and Annette Brinkman and Deanna Crider, Park Visitor Center Volunteer enjoy the National Live Oaks Live oak celebration

The National Seashore hosted a Live Oak celebration at the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center on Saturday, December 9. Hot cider and cookies were served, as visitors could enjoy selfguided nature walks on the trails in the Naval Like Oaks area and receive a free live oak seedling. Live oaks provide cover for birds, and mammals that make this protected area their home.

Lisa Nicholas and her son Alexander, Pensacola, came upon the event and decided after a short walk along one of the trails that they would come back and volunteer their time to clean up the beaches.

“I noticed some trash had ridden up on the beaches coastal area near the Visitors Center,” said Nicholas. Nicholas and her son plan to enjoy time together by volunteering and helping clean up a portion of the park. With support from area residents like Lisa Nicholas and her son Alexander, special places like Gulf Islands National Seashore continue to delight, educate and inspire future generations. Gail Bishop, Chief of

Interpretation and Education for the Park was on hand December 9 to answer questions about the park animals and plant life and to give information about the beautiful winding nature trails.

A family visiting the area planed to take their tree back home to Georgetown, Texas and plant the hardy oak in the yard to remember their trip.