The Crosby Arboretum: South’s Premier Native Plant Conservatory

Article Contribution by Deborah Burst

The anticipation grows the moment you step out of the car. A cool autumn morning, the hearty pines welcome you in a repeated lullaby as the wind slices through its nimble needles. You turn the corner, and the magic begins in a winding trail of hardwoods pierced by the morning sun. Long shadows stretch across a sandy pathway dotted with a blanket of cinnamoncolored leaves. Welcome to a most enchanting fairy tale hidden inside the forests of The Crosby Arboretum.

Located in Pearl River County just outside Picayune, Miss., The Crosby Arboretum grew from the L. O. Crosby Jr. estate. And so began a dream to create an outdoor classroom to educate legions of people in how our choices made today in nourishing our surroundings determines the future for those who follow. To be exact, 104 acres with 700 off-site acres preserved for scientific study owned and managed by Mississippi State University.

Touted as the south’s premier native plant conservatory, the arboretum owns three primary habitats, the Savanna, Swamp, and Woodland exhibits. No matter your passion, be it hiking, bird watching or photography, there’s something for everyone with more than 300 species of indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the wildlife with early morning sightings of deer, foxes, rabbits and egrets congregating along the waterways.

Patricia Drackett, director and assistant extension professor of landscape architecture, has invested 14 years of hard work with the help of scores of volunteers, as well as support from the Mississippi State University landscape architecture department, and financial and moral support from foundation board members. “Our goal is to enlighten and inspire others to learn more about native plant species and our natural world.”

The 10-year master plan began in the early 1980s, what Patricia describes as a pretty magical thing. “An amazing group of land planners, landscape architects, foresters and botanists - a team composed of scientists and artists who collaborated, learning from each other and creating an incredible master plan.”

Dedicated to native plants, they began a most industrious endeavor as they planted thousands and thousands of shrubs, trees and herbaceous perennials, including pitcher plants. Many of the early plants were donations from native plant nurseries in Louisiana and Alabama.

The Arboretum has received many national awards. “The garden planners were forward- thinking. Although there may be other native plant exhibits, I don’t think anyone’s garden is as large as ours, nor do they have the decades of experience or the national reputation,” says Patricia.

Nature can reveal some of her most intimate moments if you just take the time to study her every move. As the hours grow long and the seasons change, the shadows and light cast a whimsical portrait. Surrounded by sky-high pines, one of the most prized exhibits, the Pinecote Pavilion, captures nature’s heavenly artistry.

Fay Jones, an architect from Fayetteville, Ark., brought together indigenous material and a free-flowing frame. The stunning symmetry follows what Jones calls a geometric theme inviting sunbeams weaving their way through central skylights. An organic unity, he notes, “…where seasonal shadows and light will forever enhance the poetic construction.”

A 2-½ acre pond was excavated near the pavilion, casting an exquisite reflection adding a profound portrait of the saintly structure. So stunning, many have exchanged their vows under the blissful shadows.

And perhaps one of the most moving events at the pavilion, the Sunrise Easter service captures the holy day's first light. Patricia added that it also serves as a moving backdrop for memorial services, particularly those who worked hard in the arboretum's design and implementation.

Stroll along the trails, 12 in all with interpretative signs that describe the flora, fauna and cultural history. Each season brings to life a new perspective, from a rainbow of color to an enchanting concert of birdsong and whistling winds.

Winter is Patricia’s favorite season. The barren branches reveal the architectural structure of trees and the lichens on the bark, a colorful, harmless fungus that collects moisture. She reminds visitors to take note of the bright red mushrooms, as they seem immune to the cold days. And don’t forget, the red cardinals bring a delightful contrast against the blur of gray.

Spring delivers a renewal of life as the pitcher plants fill the muddied bogs with a magical carpet of yellow blooms. Enjoy woolly sunbonnets, tiny white bog violets, sweet-smelling native azaleas and a rainbow of bright orange and yellow-flame azaleas. Patricia calls it a roller coaster of spring wildflowers from late summer to early fall.

“In May, the light pink mountain laurel and multiple shrubs break out with vivid pink native orchids. Purple longleaf milkweed replaces the pitcher plants and we often collect a good amount of seeds in addition to summer seeds of the tall orange milkweed,” explained Patricia. “Fall months bring to light the scarlet pine lilies and tall grasses mixed with swamp sunflowers, then the late blooming deer’s tongue and the false liatris. And the golden orb-weaver spiders captivate kids, especially when we show them photos of silk tapestries woven from the webs.”

Every cool snap whispers memories of autumn’s painted landscapes, it’s nature’s grand finale, her siren song, that seductive allure before winter ’s hibernation. And The Crosby Arboretum delivers with jeweled-toned vistas. Every trail begs another stop, another round of photos, from the blazing rainbows of cypress trees and maples to the deep green pines and gold wildflowers. Even better, catch the morning sun with cobalt-colored skies mirrored across the Pinecote waters.

The Crosby Arboretum delights the senses and brings peace to all who enter, no matter the season. More than a living memorial and educational venue, it’s an everlasting experiment in nurturing the environment.

Arboretum volunteer and instructor Nadine Phillips, an INFTA-Certified Forest Therapy Guide, leads public walks designed to help participants relax more deeply in nature while improving physical and mental well-being. Book the tour in advance as they fill up fast.

Evidence continues to show that forest therapy boosts your immune system, improves mood, accelerates recovery from surgery or illness and even offers a deeper sleep at night. More than the physical rewards, there’s the mental aspect. Immersing ourselves in a natural environment builds a sharper intuition along with a renewed spirit of happiness and social interaction.

Tour The Crosby Arboretum’s trails or grab a seat on the park bench and just listen to the chatter of wind slicing through the branches. Nature has quite a personality, and she welcomes all who enter her palatial abode.

Visitor's Center:

Check in at the Visitor’s Center to register and receive a wristband. Visit their library and gift shop, along with info on local native plants and upcoming arboretum programs and events. The Crosby Arboretum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Visit their website for more details on monthly activities at crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

Words by Marie Lewis | Photos courtesy of 9-Ball Fishing Charters

Doyou remember the Magic 8-Ball? The Magic 8 Ball is a plastic sphere, made to look like an oversized version of the one used in a game of pool. The user asks the ball a yes or no question then turns it over to reveal one of 20 answers. Some answers are more helpful than others. (I can’t be the first person to turn the ball over in excitement only to get “reply is hazy, try again” as an answer). The snow globe-size ball reached peak popularity in the 1970’s, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen one. But in the last few months, I’ve seen the Magic 8 Ball in more places than I have in a while -on my co-worker’s desk a few months ago and then in Mississippi Today cartoonist Marshall Ramsey’s work. Most recently, however, I saw it in a write-up when I was looking to learn a little about the 9-Ball Fishing Charters. I often talk with Charter Captain Barry Deshamp and First Mate Jason as I get my morning walks in at the Gulfport Harbor. As I was researching his charter business, I ran across this writeup: “You don’t need a Magic 8-Ball to know that going on an angling trip with 9-Ball Fishing Charters is going to pay off big time.” Here we go with that Magic 8-Ball again!

Barry has been in the charter fishing business for over 35 years. I asked him how he came up with the name 9-Ball Fishing Charters. He said when he was a teenager, he worked at a pool hall, and he became good at the game 9-Ball. Once he got in the charter boat business, he wanted it to be the best, just like he was when he played 9-ball pool.

Jason shared that when there are no trips planned with customers, they go out on what they call a “Bait Date.” A bait date is when they go out and catch bait for their next fishing adventure.

The 9-Ball Fishing Charter boat is a 23 ’Donzi center console with a 300 HP Yamaha engine. The vessel is equipped with radar, GPS and a VHF radio and can easily accommodate four people. All the fishing gear is provided in the price of the trip, as well as the fishing license. Fish specialties are Red Snapper, Red Drum, Bluefish, Amberjack, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, Bonito, shark, King Mackerel, trout, speckled trout and other varieties of fish. 9-Ball Fishing Charters offers both inshore or offshore saltwater fishing (Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Ocean Springs or the barrier islands, Chandeleur, Ship, Cat and Horn). They offer half-day or full day fishing.

Captain Barry’s 9-Ball Fishing Charter is the product of the love of fishing and the desire to show as many people as possible just how amazing angling can be. He specializes in family charters and has great patience and eagerness to pass on the rod to the younger generations. I read some of the reviews for 9-Ball Fishing Charters and this stuck out the most:

“If you want THE BEST, FORGET THE REST! Capt. Barry and Jason are true professionals.” gulfcoast.org/listings/9-ball-fishing-charters/500 or msfishingcharter.com

So, it is obvious that the Magic 8-Ball isn’t needed to book your next fishing adventure, just go with 9-Ball Fishing Charters!

As part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s Nature-Based Tourism effort, the Blueways program was established to provide explorers an unforgettable experience along miles of beaches, rivers, creeks and bayous. There are currently 15 Blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers within the six coastal counties in Mississippi. Here is a quick look at the Turkey Creek Blueway in Harrison County, Miss.

Turkey Creek begins in central, rural Harrison County and flows toward its confluence with Bayou Bernard, just north of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The creek is popular for fishing, swimming and canoeing and is a mainstay to the local culture and quality of life. The Turkey Creek area is home to an historic Black community settled in 1866 by emancipated men and women emboldened by slavery and the Civil War, who dared to sow the seeds of freedom, faith and self-reliance that still prevails to this today.

Turkey Creek watershed drains just over 17 square miles of land that has relatively flat topography, creating a slow-moving coastal stream with tidally influenced areas near the coast. The upper watershed is composed mostly of rural lands covered by wet-pine savannas and forests whereas the lower portion of watershed has a lot of developed lands. This more developed area includes Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport, Long Beach and the Interstate-10 business corridor.

The Gulfport Lake Boat Launch is located behind Bayou Vista Golf Course on Washington Avenue at N30.42419° W89.06040°. This launch is ideally located approximately one-third of a mile due east of the mouth of Turkey Bayou on Bayou Bernard. Local fishing boats use the ramp year-round, with pleasure boats and jet skis in warmer months, especially on weekends. There is an asphalt parking area, and a sand beach to the side of the boat ramp for kayak and canoe launching. The usual tidal range is less than 2’ between high tide and low tide, influenced by the Mississippi Sound. The water in Bayou Bernard is brackish, and Turkey Creek is mostly freshwater in the upper reaches. There may be times in the year when the upper reaches (generally past mile marker 2) are too shallow for paddling.

Marshes in this area are dominated by needle rush with duckpotato. Narrow disjunct bands of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occur along the creeks with bands of high-level salt-meadow grass (Spartina patens) occurring along the upland borders. This unique location provides excellent feeding, resting and wintering habitat for numerous types of migratory bird species, such as the Brown Pelican, White Pelican, ospreys and cormorants, and this area is known to be an Osprey rookery.

To learn more about the Turkey Creek Blueway, or the many other coastal Blueways Mississippi offers for paddlers, visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s website at msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/natural/blueways. Here you will find descriptions for all the coastal Blueways as well as downloadable PDF maps to help plan your adventure.