The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky - Cypress Creek Swamp Preserve

Cypress Creek Swamp Preserve

Cypress Creek Swamp
© The Nature Conservancy

Cypress Creek Swamp is within the Mississippian Embayment section of Kentucky. This preserve provides protection for one of the best remaining examples of a bottomland hardwood and cypress/tupelo (Taxodium/Nyssa) swamp in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky.

Location
Marshall County, near the Tennessee River.

Size
284 acres

Conditions
Due to the sensitivity of the site, the preserve is open to the public only through Conservancy guided hikes.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
For more information on visiting this and other Nature Conservancy sites in Kentucky, see our Preserve Visitation Guidelines page.

What to See: Plants
Although tupelo is the dominant species, cypress trees of various sizes are scattered throughout.

What to See: Animals
Great blue herons have developed a large rookery (nest-colony) in the center of the swamp. Two beaver lodges have been observed, with evidence of activity throughout the swamp.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Three rare animal species, great blue heron (Ardea herodias), brown creeper (Certhia Americana), bird-voiced tree frog (Hyla avivoca) and one rare plant species cypress-knee sedge (Carex decomposita) are found here.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Efforts here are to protect one of the best remaining examples of bottomland hardwoods. The Conservancy plans to protect the rare animal species by monitoring and maintaining the health of their populations.

Other objectives include ensuring the good water quality of the region. Threats to water quality stem from sedimentation, chemical runoff and off-road vehicle use within the watershed.