Enjoy the Natural Beauty of the Delta!
How many times did your parents tell you to play outside as a youngster? Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to start getting out and about again.
Yazoo River Trail and Arboretum
In Greenwood, the Yazoo River Trail and Arboretum is located between the bridges just north of downtown and offers people of all ages that option, of getting outside. It is situated on 45 acres of forest habitat in the Greenwood-Yazoo River Natural Area. Thereis a paved meadow trail as well as a forest trail available for public use. While walking the forest trail, most species of trees have been identified by local Eagle Scouts. This is a perfect place to teach children about the beauty of nature.
On-site are picnic tables and benches, garbage cans and a bike rack. While motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail, walkers, runners and cyclists can be seen any time during the day. Parking is available bythe recycling bins behind the American Legion Hut on Claiborne Avenue or at the boat ramp behind the Veteran’s Gazebo.
Rail Spike Park
Another recent addition to Greenwood is the Rail Spike Park that has converted an old railroad bed into a community meeting place for various events. The park begins at the old C&G Railroad right-of-way (Johnson Street) and continues to Lamar Street and on to Highway 82. When completed, there will be a multipurpose path for bicycles and pedestrians with art structures, furnishings, fitness stations and a permanent pavilion. The pavilion is located at the corner of Howard and Johnson Streets where the Greenwood Farmer’s Market is located.
Chakchiuma Swamp Natural Area
In Grenada, the Chakchiuma Swamp Natural Area is located just north of downtown Grenada on the Yalobusha River and adjacent to the Grenada Public Boat Ramp. To reach the area, go east on Highway 8 and take a left at the second red light onto South Street. Cross Highway 51 proceeding through a five-way stop sign. Take a left onto Main Street heading north and drive one mile. Turn right immediately after crossing Yalobusha River Bridge.
You will arrive at 200+ acres of mature cypress/tupelo swamp with a surrounding bottomland forest that is a certified Natural Heritage Area by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. Chakichiuma is a small part of a large and continuous green corridor including the Yalobusha River, Bogue Creek and a large tract of US Army Corp bottomland forest connecting to Grenada Lake.
The South trail is a one-mile multi-purpose trail with a Woodland, Meadow, and Swamp Loop. While the North Trail Is a narrow quarter-mile loop through forest along the north edge of the swamp, there is also 48.8-mile water trail connecting downtown Grenada to downtown Greenwood. It is ideal for kayaks and canoes year-round and is a frequent location for local paddlers. Fishing, dogs, camping and kayaking are encouraged.
Local artist, Robin Whitfield, can often be found painting in the Chakichiuma Swamp Natural Area using local plants and herbs as bases for her paints. In an effort to conserve the area, Whitfield has created Friendsofcsna.com to create a conservation contract with the city of Grenada to stop timber harvest in the Chakchiuma Swamp Natural Area. You can actually purchase a tree for its timber price and have it named for you!
Please take time to admire with your children the glory of God’s creation!
By Erin Jacobs Stagner
