Our Mississippi Home
USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Celebrating 75 years of Rich History
SUMMARY: The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) has a rich history and important role in marine and coastal research. It is one of the largest marine labs in the southeastern US and conducts innovative work to address real-world questions and inform marine policy decisions. GCRL has a strong focus on marine education for all ages and has been a significant part of the research community for decades. Despite facing challenges from hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina, GCRL has persisted and continues to fulfill its vision of strengthening the blue economy and promoting sustainability along the Gulf Coast.
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Our Mississippi Home
Permanent Skateparks? Coast Skaters Say It’s Time
SUMMARY: Pete Taggard revitalized his health and lost over 100 pounds by returning to skateboarding after a Type 2 Diabetes warning. Inspired, he co-founded the Picayune Skatepark Project to build Mississippi’s Gulf Coast’s first permanent public skatepark, approved recently in Picayune. Alongside him, the Gulf Coast Skatepark Association is transforming community spaces in Biloxi and beyond through DIY skateparks and events promoting safe, inclusive areas for youth. Skateparks serve as vital “third places” offering exercise, belonging, and emotional support, especially to underserved kids. Their efforts aim to build more facilities, acknowledging skateboarding’s physical and mental health benefits and fostering vibrant local communities.
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Our Mississippi Home
Prescribed Fires Save Forests | Our Mississippi Home
SUMMARY: Smoky the Bear’s message “only you can prevent forest fires” evolved as we learned that in the southeastern U.S., fire-adapted pine forests rely on frequent, low-intensity fires to stay healthy. These fires occur naturally every 3-5 years, burning dead grass and pine needles without harming roots or mature trees. Fires release nutrients into nutrient-poor soils, help pine seeds germinate, and control hardwood growth that would reduce plant diversity. Longleaf Pines uniquely survive fires with fire-resistant needles and thick bark. Human interference disrupted this cycle, causing catastrophic wildfires, so forest managers now use controlled prescribed burns to mimic natural fires safely.
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Our Mississippi Home
When the Limpkin Came to Mississippi: A Birding Mystery Unfolds
SUMMARY: In 2022, Limpkins—a rare, medium-sized wading bird native to Florida—were spotted across the eastern and central U.S., including Mississippi and southern Canada. Their range expansion is linked to the spread of invasive apple snails, which serve as a key food source. Limpkins feed on mollusks using their long, curved bills and nest in marshes. While their predation on invasive snails may help control that invasive species, concerns arise about potential impacts on endangered freshwater mussels and wetland ecosystems. Changes caused by Limpkins might facilitate further spread of snails and their parasites. Continued observation is crucial to understanding these ecological shifts.
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