After nearly five years of post-hurricane clean-up, the Fort Pickens Area is open once more. Visitors now have the opportunity to take advantage of the free ranger-led summer programs currently running at the park. After nearly five years of post-hurricane clean-up, the Fort Pickens Area of the Gulf Island National Seashore finally re-opened near the end of May.

"Everybody's been really happy to be out here," Park Ranger David Ogden said. "So it's been really fun."

Ogden added that he is excited to once again see people flocking to the area to enjoy tours of the fort, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and snorkeling, among other activities.

Ogden, and the other park rangers, are currently leading visitors in a variety of special summer programs that are sure to offer every member of the family an exciting, educational experience.

Visitors can purchase an $8 weekly pass to the park to enjoy these activities, or they can purchase an annual pass for $25.

All of the Ranger-led programs at Fort Pickens are free and open to the public.

The following is a calendar of events for the month of July:

Scott Page/Splash! Magazine Every Day

Ranger guided tours of the fort: Daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (30-45 minutes)

Every Thursday

Cross Island Walk: Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area at 8:30 a.m. (1.5 hour walk)

Every Friday

Snorkeling: Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area. Look for the dive flag. Equipment is provided, first come, first served, or bring your own mask and snorkel. Wear water shoes. Children under 17 years of age must be accompanied by and adult. Starts at 10 a.m. (1.5 hours)

From the Pits to the Tower: The strange history of Battery Worth: Discover keys to understanding the evolution of Coast Defense in the 50-year history of a mortar battery. Meet at Battery Worth. Starts at 3:30 p.m. (1 hour)

Every Saturday

Cross Island Walk: Meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area at 8:30 a.m. Every Saturday except July 18. (1.5 hour walk)

Scott Page/Splash! Magazine On Fridays, visitors can tour Battery Worth and discover the keys to understanding the evolution of Coast Defense in the 50-year history of a mortar battery. Every Sunday

Spot, Plot and Fire: Meet at Battery 234 Observation Tower at 3:30 p.m.

Other July Events

Full Moon Walk: Meet at Langdon Beach, Monday, July 6 at 8 p.m. (1 hour)

Stargazing with the Escambia Amateur Astronomers' Association: Weather permitting, meet at Battery Worth Picnic Area on Friday, July 17, sunset to 10 p.m.

Candlelight Walking Tour of Fort Pickens: Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. (1 hour)

Campfire Program at Historic Fort Pickens: Enjoy stories about the National Park Service and the National Seashore. Wear bug spray. Saturday, July 25 at 8 p.m. (1 hour)

The following are a few tips park rangers offer visitors:

Scott Page/Splash! Magazine On every Sunday this summer, rangers lead visitors up the stairwell and into the Battery 234 Observation Tower. The program is called Spot, Plot and FIre, and visitors will be able to see nearly the full expanse of the entire Fort Pickens Area. Experience what servicemen saw from a World War II gun battery observation tower. This, like all ranger-led programs, is free to the public. Bring a trash bag: There aren't many trash cans so visitors are asked to "pack in and pack out" and not leave any trash behind.

Bring plenty of water: The water system is not fully operational so visitors should bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Be patient: The speed limit is only 15 mph on Fort Pickens road, and closed areas and working crews could present hazards and minor inconveniences.

Be aware of wildlife: The nesting birds occasionally run across the road, and visitors should be aware of them as well as other animals such as snakes.

The Fort Pickens Area is open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fort Pickens Visitor Center is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (850) 934- 2600 for updated information or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.