The primary boundary of this 1,478-acre preserve, located in Hancock County, follows the edge of the non-forested brackish marsh along Bayou La Croix. The lower portion of the area is an estuarine marsh dominated by mid-level needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) with a big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) zone in the higher elevations. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occurs as narrow (2-5 m) bands along the bayou. The upper, tidally influenced, areas of Bayou La Croix consist of narrow bands of cypress/gum swamp lining the waters edge. This freshwater marsh has beds of floating-leafed aquatic plants. The swamp is dominated by bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), the marsh by southern wild-rice (Zizaniopsis miliacea), and the aquatic bed is made up of cow-lily (Nuphar luteum macrophyllum). Arrow arum (Peltandra saggittaefolia) can also be observed in the marsh area. In the lower, oligohaline marsh areas of Bayou La Croix the dominate vegetation is a combination of mid-level needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) with big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) occurring in the higher elevations. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occurs as narrow (2-5 m) bands along the bayou, salt-meadow grass (Spartina patens) and common reed (Phragmites australis) occur as scattered nearly pure stands, and eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) forms wide beds (5-10 m) along the edge of the bayou. Residences along the edge of Bayou La Croix with open septic systems pose a threat to the integrity of the environment.
Boaters and anglers use the area on occasional and seasonal basis for waterfowl hunting (sparingly) and fishing.
Contact Bayou La Croix Preserve
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Bayou La Croix Preserve is not employed by or affiliated with the Mississippi Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.
Contact Bayou La Croix Preserve
MS Department of Marine Resources
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 523-4149
Toll Free: (800) 374-3449
Fax: (228) 374-5005
Service Area
Services provided in:
- Harrison County, Mississippi
