Central Mississippi Conservation Program

Clark Creek Natural Area © Susan Hollandsworth

In 2005, The Nature Conservancy established a new program to focus on the conservation goals of central Mississippi in 29 counties. The Central Mississippi Conservation Program is working to preserve biological diversity by protecting important conservation sites and natural communities. These important sites are within major river systems such as the Big Black River, Pearl River, Strong River and Amite River. The Conservancy will continue the partnering efforts to protect natural communities such as Clark Creek Natural Area.

The Central Mississippi Conservation Program recently helped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service secure a lease of 500 acres in Adams County. The property lies within the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge boundary and will provide additional opportunities for public recreation. The refuge was established to preserve, improve and create habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. St. Catherine Creek provides habitat for migratory waterfowl in the Mississippi Flyway and rare wildlife, including bald eagles and the Louisiana black bear.

The Central Mississippi Conservation Program is actively involved and plays a leadership role in several partner-led initiatives, including the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Big Black River and Pearl River Basin Management Teams, Central Mississippi Planning and Development District’s Bogue Chitto Creek Implementation Team, Mississippi Forest Legacy Program, and the Best Management Practice Wetlands Task Force.

Members and partners interested in developments in this program should contact Ray Robinson, Central Mississippi Conservation Program director, at (601) 709-4752.