Davis Bayou Blueway Spotlight

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE!

Read descriptions and find downloadable maps of the Davis Bayou Blueway and other coastal Mississippi Blueways at msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/natural/blueways

BY ANDREW BARRETT

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 Davis Bayou Blueway in Jackson County, Miss.

Davis Bayou, in the southwest corner of Jackson County, is an ideal blueway for the beginner or intermediate paddler. Developed by the National Park Service, National Park Foundation and Heritage Trails Partnership, and made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Davis Bayou Blueway offers an excellent example of a unique and productive ecosystem.

Paddlers will enjoy the estuarine setting of this brackish, tidal water environment with large areas of saltwatertolerant grasses and maritime forests that include loblolly pine, magnolia, live oak and yaupon holly. Wildlife on display includes a large variety of wading shore birds, eagles, osprey, in-shore fish species, such as speckled trout, red fish and flounder, and even the occasional dolphin or alligator can be spotted on an outing in this beautiful setting. The Davis Bayou Blueway connects Davis, Stark and Halstead Bayous. The winding marshes are rich in plant and animal diversity, but also demonstrate the extremes of the salt marsh environment. The blueway is bordered by the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory to the west and the Gulf Islands National Seashore Davis Bayou area to the north and east. The Gulf Islands National Seashore, operated by the National Park Service, offers camping areas, boat launches and restrooms for a reasonable fee and makes this blueway an excellent choice for paddlers that are looking for an overnight camping experience.

To learn more about the Davis Bayou 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/. You will find descriptions for all the coastal blueways, as well as downloadable PDF maps, to help plan your adventure.

DAVIS BAYOU

Brumbaugh Rd

d R d a s t e l a H Ro ber t Mc G he e R d

STARK BAYOU

Robert McGhee Rd

B o a t L a u n c h R d

INNOVATIVE