Mississippi’s natural areas form the fabric of the state’s landscape. These special places not only provide resources for people’s livelihood, but they also contribute to a quality of life that is quickly disappearing in other parts of the country. I am so fortunate to be able to serve as The Nature Conservancy’s new state director for Mississippi, working alongside the chapter’s talented staff, dedicated partners and generous supporters like you who have made a true difference in the protection of our state’s forests, rivers and coastal habitats.

Protection of Mississippi’s important natural lands and waters began decades ago when a group of insightful and committed private citizens joined with individuals from public agencies and private organizations who realized that the long-term protection and viability of natural areas would require bold, aggressive and innovative action. The methods of conservation practiced today began with the successful preservation of the Pascagoula River and the unspoiled bottomland hardwood swamps that border it in 1976. Techniques that had never been tried before — and at a scale that was unimaginable at that time — were ultimately successful in preserving this jewel of the South. Today, we can all enjoy this special and little-changed place because of their efforts.

As the Mississippi Chapter looks forward to celebrating its 20-year anniversary next year, we feel the same sense of urgency as those before us did as they overcame immense odds and challenges to protect the Pascagoula River. I ask for your ongoing support as we continue this important work. The challenges facing the world’s natural habitats and native species are even more daunting, complex and threatening than ever before, and we will need to develop and employ new strategies with a greater sense of urgency if they are going to survive.

The protection and long-term health of these natural areas, and the plants and animals within them, remains the single-minded focus of the Mississippi Chapter staff, volunteers and committed supporters across the state. Working together, I am confident and excited about what we will achieve.

Thanks to your generous and ongoing support, existing and future generations will be able to experience and benefit from the natural world and the plant and animal species that call these places home will continue to thrive.

Jim Murrian
State Director

The Nature Conservancy
Mississippi Field Office
405 Briarwood Drive, Suite 101
Jackson, MS 39206
(601) 713-3355