NatParks-Mattysull

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE __//**Park Profile**//__
 * Padre Island is located along the South Texas coast near the city of Corpus Christi
 * It is about 130 miles long and 1.61 miles wide and is 133,000 acres
 * Padre Island has long, hot summers with high temperatures in the low 90's and short, mild winters with high temperatures in the low 60's
 * Most of the rain comes at the begining of the hurricane season (June) and at the end (October)
 * Padre Island has an average of 900,000 visitors per year
 * The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Padre Island National Seashore helps protect the longest undeveloped stretch of Barrier Islands in the world. It was established as a National Park on September 9, 1962. The reasons why Padre Island National Seashore became a national park is because it is home to hundreds of fish and bird species. In fact around 380 bird species have been documented there over time which is about 45% of all bird species that have been documented in North America. The parks beaches are also a home to the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles who are the most endangered sea turtle in the world and use the beaches on Padre Island for nesting. Over Padre Island's history four nations have owned it. These nations in order from first to last include: Spain, Mexico, Republic of Texas, and finally the current owner the United States. Also Padre Island has been known as other names including "la Isla Blanca" which means White Island and "Isla de los Malaguitas" which means Island of the Malaquites. Throughout its history the island has remained undeveloped wilderness and is truly a remaining beauty of the world.
 * //__History__//**



//**Environmental Issues**//

Padre Island consists of long hot summers with highs in the 90's and short mild winters with highs in the 60's. The hummidity often stays above 70% and most of the rain falls at the beginning and end of hurricane season which lasts from June to October. It is said that Padre Island started forming 4,500 years ago as a submerged sand bar. Padre Island is mostly made up of marshes and other grasslands with very few trees existing. Their are however mudflats on the western shore of the island. On the island over 380 species of birds have been recorded,150 species of fish, and 75 plant families. Today you will find over 100 volunteers participating in research and conservation efforts of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle. However their are some major threats to the park including the continued dumping of plastics into the Gulf of Mexico which later wash ashore. Not to mention the continued air quality problems from local industries and the possibility of an oil spill which was made a reality in 2010.

__//**Recreational Activities**//__ While you are visiting Padre Island you can take part in a wide range of activities. At Padre Island you can go birdwatching, boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping among others so theirs something for everyone which is why people can't wait to come visit. Padre Island __offers__ you the best vacation you can ask for with the warm temperatures and the beaches all while you are surrounded by exciting wildlife. So what are you waiting for, come and visit Padre Island!

. //Padre Island//. 26/1/2012, n.d. Web. 25 Feb 2012. []. . "Padre Island National Seashore." //Texas Parks//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb 2012. []. Shannon Moore. N.d. n.p.
 * //__Works Cited__//**

Dan Coogan- I like how you formatted the page it is very appealing to the eye ;) Ryan Meehan- I would have to agree with Dr. Coogan! I would also like to point out that your "history" section is very well written! No constructive criticism here. Great job Matthew!