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Lee Tartt Nature Preserve: Grenada's Urban Oasis

Explore Grenada's hidden gem: a 300-acre nature preserve with trails, kayaking, and diverse wildlife, right in the heart of downtown.

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Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is a 300-acre natural escape in the heart of Grenada, Mississippi. This urban forest features bottomland hardwood forests, oxbow lakes, and diverse wildlife, offering hiking, kayaking, and bird watching opportunities. Managed by Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp, the preserve provides a unique space for recreation and nature appreciation.

A brief summary to Lee Tartt Nature Preserve

Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the warm season, as mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers can be abundant.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as some trails may be uneven or wet.
  • Contact Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp to arrange access for canoes and kayaks, especially if you want to drive to the boat launch.
  • Check the Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp's Facebook page for upcoming events and guided tours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Grenada's downtown square, head north on Main Street. Walk for approximately 0.25 miles. The entrance to Lee Tartt Nature Preserve will be on your left at 320 N Main St. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5 minutes.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 55, take Exit 206 for MS-8 toward Grenada. Follow MS-8 W into Grenada. Turn left onto N Main Street. Continue on Main Street for about 1 mile. The Lee Tartt Nature Preserve will be on your right at 320 N Main St. Parking is available near the entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Lee Tartt Nature Preserve

Lee Tartt Nature Preserve offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities right in downtown Grenada. Named in honor of Grenada native and fallen law enforcement officer Lee Tartt, the preserve encompasses 300 acres of protected land along the Yalobusha River. The area's diverse ecosystem includes bottomland hardwood forests, interconnected oxbow lakes (Chakchiuma Swamp), and vernal pools, creating a critical habitat for various bird species and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the preserve through a network of walking trails, ranging from half-mile to 1.5-mile loops. These trails wind through diverse habitats, offering opportunities for bird watching, wildlife observation, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. Keep an eye out for prothonotary warblers, summer tanagers, and other notable bird species. For those who enjoy water activities, the oxbow lakes are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The waterways, shaded by bald cypress and water tupelo trees, are home to turtles, frogs, fish, and reptiles. The preserve has a rich history, with evidence of past human activities, including an antebellum railroad line and a former African American community. Today, the Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp actively manage the preserve, focusing on conservation, education, and responsible recreation. They also host various events throughout the year, such as guided walks, workshops, and the annual 'Swampy Halloween Trail'. The preserve is open from dawn until dusk, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers of all ages.

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