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he barrier islands making up the GINS are constantly changing in size due to the ocean tides and severe storms such as hurricanes that can be detrimental to these fragile ecosystems. Barrier islands are basically large piles of sand created by the power of the sea, and the development of these islands most likely took hundreds of years, and the precisely right conditions. They buffer the mainland from storms and create an environment of shelter for abundant plant and animal species on the islands themselves, in the sound behind, and in the bayous on the mainland. A variety of birds call these islands home, including bald eagles and ospreys, as well as being an important stop over for Neotropical migrant birds traveling to North America. Other wildlife such as sea turtles and alligators call the islands home as well. he beaches and dunes of the islands are what make this area an amazing creation of nature. The dunes themselves are supported by the complex root structure of the sea oat, which thrives in this condition. Visitors are advised to leave the oats undisturbed as they support the structure of the dunes.      Click on the photo to enlarge it.       he sand itself is made up of brilliantly white crystalline sand, which set against the aqua surf makes you think that you are visiting the islands of Caribbean. This sand is also unique in that it comes from our own Appalachian Mountains. At the end of the last ice age, retreating glacial ice in these mountains was crushed - grinding huge boulders and bedrock into sand. Snowmelt and rain then carried the sand by way of the Choctawhatchee and Appalachicola rivers, to the shores of the Atlantic as well as the Gulf of Mexico - and so the barrier islands were born. n 1978 Congress designated two of the barrier islands, Horn Island and Petit Bois Island, both located on the Mississippi end, as wilderness areas. Recognizing their unique habitats, along with the fact that these islands were the last remaining undisturbed chain of islands from Maine to Texas, Congress made their preservation law. These areas are set aside from any permanent human contact, and we are only allowed to visit. To reach these remote islands, you must use a private boat or charter, and only primitive camping is allowed. he barrier islands are not only ecologically unique, but are historically significant as well. Native Americans who lived on the abundance of seafood while they developed agricultural practices inland originally inhabited the area. Evidence of these groups has been found throughout the barrier islands and the artifacts are on display in a variety of museums and park centers.      Click on the photo to enlarge it.       hroughout the time period of 1559 through approximately 1698, Spanish, French and British expeditions all landed throughout the Gulf of Mexico and barrier islands. Throughout these years, settlement was attempted, some with limited success and some with absolute failure. Don Tristan made the very first landing in Pensacola in August of 1559. Bad weather caused serious hardships for the expedition crew, and one year after their landing, the settlement abandoned their cause. Had it survived, Pensacola would be the oldest city in Florida instead of St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565. ver the years the area tussled back and forth between Spanish and British command, before becoming United States territory. The area continues to retain historical military significance, and visitors to the area can visit a glimpse of our military past by visiting any one of the forts that still remain in the area and which are open to the public.      Click on the photo to enlarge it.       long with the native sea oats that flourish here, the islands are known for the naval live oak reservation. Originally set up by Andrew Jackson in 1825, this reservation was created to provide wood for shipbuilding. The live oak tree is an especially dense wood that was prized for building ships, and so was valued by our navy. It was the first and only preserve established for live oaks, as the navy later moved onto using iron in its shipbuilding. I had the opportunity to hike through some of the trails in this area on my visit, and felt as though I was taking a walk through the old south. The live oaks have hundreds of years worth of stories to tell, and their accessories, hanging Spanish moss certainly set the mood. hile Florida is generally hailed for its theme parks, party beaches, and most importantly (in my opinion), for its wetland habitats - I found that the barrier islands were just a marvel of nature. Maybe someday I'll take a canoe trip down either the Choctawhatchee or Appalachicola rivers to follow the same path as our own Appalachian Mountain quartzite bedrock, which created them so many years ago. Resources: Exploring Gulf Islands National Seashore; A Falcon Guide. 2001 The Globe Pequot Press Robert P. Falls Sr. Gulf Islands National Seashore; The Park in Pictures. 1998 Eastern National Check out their website at: www.nps.gov/guis/

Contact Producer of Watersheds.tv, Kelly Meinhart.