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Looking for peaceful beauty on the Gulf Coast? Stray from the beaches for just a bit to tour some conservation areas that combine natural beauty with endless learning. Bayous, swamps, marshes, endless trails, swooping cranes, and plants that bite back are all waiting! Check out these four magical spots for exploring nature on the MS Gulf Coast!
Encompassing 70,000 acres of land, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center is a gateway for exploring the region's bayou habitats. This beautiful preservation area helps to keep the largest free-flowing river in the United States beautifully wild. Trails, feeders, bayou piers, critter tanks, and art galleries can easily fill an entire afternoon. Visitors can also take advantage of kayak and boat rentals.
The Crosby Arboretum is a beautiful educational attraction associated with the University of Mississippi. Consisting of 700 acres, this preservation area is used to study various ecosystems and plant species scientifically. It is a great place to see plants native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin. Guests will discover that savanna, woodland, and aquatic ecosystems converge here. Highlights of a visit include the Pinecote Pavilion, trails, and signs guiding the way through the flora and fauna of Mississippi's Piney Woods region.
There's simply no better place to observe the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast region than Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge! A flat, prairie-like landscape covered in clay soil tells tales of the region's earliest history. The rare collection of native plants that can be observed includes vivid orchids, carnivorous plants, and aggressive ground coverings. There's also an opportunity to explore a wet-pine savanna ecosystem that serves as a refuge for the state's sandhill cranes. This is the last remaining wet-pine savanna in the United States! In addition to enjoying hikes through majestic terrain, visitors can also view interactive exhibits explaining the work to preserve this jewel by the coast!
What if exploring nature on the MS Gulf Coast without a guide isn't your thing? No problem! This delightful experience allows you to explore the Pearl River's journey through a lovely town called Pearlington. No other place in the country offers a natural playground of salt marshes, hardwood trees, and cypress swamps in a wholesome, charming setting. Alligators, bald eagles, black bears, and sturgeon rely on this habitat. Endless historical and natural wonders can be discovered during these unforgettable walking tours!
The best part about exploring nature on the MS Gulf Coast is that you can add some of the finer things in life to your itinerary! Shopping, dining, sightseeing, and more are all waiting. When you're ready to sit down for a nice meal, this list of places to get the best seafood in Long Beach will come in handy!
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