The primary boundary of this 4,020-acre preserve located in Harrison County, follows the edge of the marsh along the Biloxi River, Tchoutacabouffa River, Bernard Bayou, and includes the portions of marsh that is non-forested. The oligohaline marshes in this area are similar to those found in the nearby lower Tchoutacabouffa River area to the east. The marsh is commonly dominated by needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) with duck-potato (Sagittaria latifolia). Narrow disjunct bands of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occur along the creeks with bands of high-level salt-meadow grass (Spartina patens) occurring along the upland borders. The lower reaches of Parker Creek consist of fringing tidal freshwater marsh, water lily beds (Nymphaea odorata), and submerged beds of coontail (Ceratophyllum). The marsh is a mixture of freshwater and brackish species, including needle rush (Juncus roemerianus), duck-potato (Sagittaria latifolia), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and a variety of other grassed and sedges. Needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) and duck-potato (Sagittaria latifolia) also dominate the lower portions of the Tchoutacabouffa River. This unique location provides excellent feeding, resting, and wintering habitat for numerous types of migratory bird species, such as the Brown Pelican, White Pelican, Ospreys and Cormorants. This area is also known to be an Osprey rookery. Residences with open septic systems threaten the ecological integrity.
Rare/Endangered Species:
- Anas fulvigula Mottled Duck
- Notropis petersoni Coastal Shiner
- Malaclemys terrapin pilea
Boaters and anglers use the area on occasional and seasonal basis for waterfowl hunting (sparingly) and fishing.
For Comments and/or Additional Information on Biloxi River Marshes, email the Coastal Preserves Manager.
Contact Biloxi River Marshes Preserve
REMINDER: This listing is a free service of MississippiLandCAN.
Biloxi River Marshes 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 Biloxi River Marshes Preserve
1141 Bayview Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 374-5000
Cell Phone: (228) 523-4149
Service Area
Services provided in:
- Harrison County, Mississippi
