At left and above, some of the forms of
sea life to be found on the wading
adventures include urchins, crabs, live
shells and grass fish.
A very cool needlefish was discovered on one trip
(above), and all kinds of live whelks, conchs and
hermit crabs (at right) usually can be found.
Three kinds of shrimp also live in the estuary:
broken-back shrimp, green shrimp and common
(bait) shrimp.
Ranger Longo leads the two-hour wading
tours throughout the season, and everyone is
invited.
“I always say the tours are for anyone from age
five to 99,” said Sharon McKenzie, executive
director of the Barrier Island Parks Society.
“People love this program. Every tour is different,
and you never know what you’re going to see or
find.”
McKenzie said her goal is to make all the park
programs as popular as the wading tours, so
more people will want to come and learn about
the environment.
The Barrier Islands Park
Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit
citizen support
organization. The group is
affiliated with four state
November/December 2018 GASPARILLA ISLAND 23