Friends of Padre: News

Oil from the barge spill in Galveston is impacting the beaches and right now contractors are removing the oil soaked patches of sargassum from the beach before people drive or walk over it making it more difficult to remove. Beaches and driving will be open as soon as possible. Waiting on an official press release from the National Park Service shortly.

The Friends of Padre water fountain is now in operation at the parking lot in front of Mike Ellis Beach just south of Packery Channel. Friends of Padre thanks you for your support and generation donations that allowed this project to happen.

Sharkathon 2013 presented The Friends of Padre a check for $6000 dollars to be used to put on the annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Cleanup. Their donation makes it possible for us to furnish the t-shirts, gift bags and to pay other cleanup related expenses. Friends of Padre Board Members, David Mckee, Jeff Wolda, and Clay Wernli were presented with this check after the cleanup Saturday February 22, 2014.

Via the NPS Come watch release of about 100 cold stunned green sea turtles tomorrow! Temperatures have warmed over the last few days and cold stunned turtles are ready for release. Although most of the turtles were found in the Upper Laguna Madre, bay water temperatures are still low, so we will be release the turtles into the Gulf of Mexico surf where they can disperse to warmer offshore waters. Release information follows: Where: Padre Island National Seashore (North Padre Island), in front of Malaquite Beach Flux Pavilion When: Sunday, February 16 at 11:00 am The event is open to anyone that would like to attend. No fee is charged to attend the release. Admittance to Padre Island National Seashore and other National Park Service units is free this weekend in honor of President’s Day. To attend, follow Park Road 22 to Padre Island National Seashore. About two miles after the National Seashore Entrance Station, you will see a bright yellow Turtle Release sign on the right and the large Malaquite Beach Visitor Center parking lot on the left. You should turn left there, park your vehicle in the large lot, and walk onto the beach in front of the Visitor Center. See you there!

In light of the recent illegal trapping and illegal dumping of wildlife on Padre Island, Friends of Padre, Inc. is offering a $2,000 reward for information resulting in an arrest and conviction related to the above mentioned illegal acts. In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief Program offers up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of responsible parties.  Trapping on public land is not only illegal, it is dangerous. The threat posed to the public and domestic animals should not be ignored as these traps function in a non-discriminatory manner. In addition, illegal dumping poses a public health risk and potential environmental hazards. If you have information related to these recent events, please contact Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-GAME.

Attention Volunteers!!! 2014 is here and that means the 2014 Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup is around the corner. This cleanup can not happen without the help of our volunteers and your help is needed again. See you there! The Big Shell Beach Cleanup will be held Saturday, 22 February, 2014. Volunteers will meet at Malaquite Pavilion on PINS and the event will commence at 7 a.m. To reach Malaquite Pavilion just stay on South Padre Island Drive (SPID) through Corpus Christi out onto North Padre Island where it becomes Park Road 22. Just keep driving till you come to the entry gate of PINS. Tell the attendant you are there to volunteer for the beach cleanup and you will not be charged admission. The second set of buildings is the Malaquite Pavilion and turn into the huge parking lot. It’s on the left side of Park Road 22. All volunteers will be back at the pavilion by 2 pm. Four wheel drive vehicles, trailers for hauling trash in and out of the work area, and working volunteers are needed. Walking volunteers (those arriving in two wheel drive vehicles) are welcome and will be afforded transportation to and from the work area. Those unable to pick up trash but having four wheel drive vehicles are most welcome to aid in hauling volunteers and trash. The event will not be rescheduled and will take place rain or shine. Snacks, water, and soft drinks will be available in the work area and refreshments will be available at Malaquite following the event. Long pants and sturdy foot wear are recommended. Don't pick up broken glass or flammable items. Report all hazardous items to your section leaders. Volunteers will receive event t-shirts. This is a worthy event and it's only possible because of volunteer participation. Please come and join us. Thanks, Friends of Padre PSA Beach Cleanup 2014 Frank Edwards KRYS KKTX

Via the National Park Service Padre Island National Seashore: (Corpus Christi, Texas) - Padre Island National Seashore is open! All beaches, facilities and services, including Bird Island Basin and Malaquite Beach Pavilion, are open and operating under normal hours. We are happy to be back at work serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks. We are proud to be a member of this community and contribute to the local economy. The economic impact of closing this park for 16 days has been extremely tough on our gateway community, local businesses, neighbors, and park partners. We look forward to working with you on ways to lessen that impact. For more information, please contact the Malaquite Visitor Center at (361) 949-8068.

(Corpus Christi, Texas)– Padre Island National Seashore will offer free visitor admission on Saturday, September 28th, 2013 in honor of National Public Lands Day. The Fall Adopt-a-Beach cleanup will also be held at the park from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The day will provide a great opportunity for visitors to connect with the outdoors and to engage in healthy activities while learning more about stewardship of our national parks. The fee waiver does not apply to Bird Island Basin special use fees or to campground fees. For information about the Adopt-a-Beach program, please visit http://www.glo.texas.gov/adopt-a-beach. For additional information contact the Malaquite Visitor Center at (361) 949-8068.