Grand Bay Reserve is celebrating 20 years of scientific, stewardship, and educational success in style. Protecting more than 18,000 acres in southeastern Mississippi, Grand Bay is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and manatees are found in the deeper waters of the Reserve, while oyster reefs and seagrass beds serve as nurseries for blue crab, shrimp, trout, drum and more. Annually, the Reserve hosts more than 260 different migratory bird species.

In addition to a full spectrum of scientific, stewardship, educational, and recreational offerings, Grand Bay NERR staff are currently partnering in an effort to protect and restore wet pine savanna and other critical coastal habitat using Deepwater Horizon oil spill related funds.

The Reserve celebrated its birthday as part of National Estuaries Day on September 28th – and yes, there was birthday cake. Happy 20th Grand Bay – keep up the good work!