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WILDLIFE & PARKS
NOXUBEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
  
Lovers of the outdoors
can lose themselves in nature's beauty at the Noxubee National Wildlife
Refuge. This 48,000-acre area is a dwelling place for many kinds of animals,
including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the bald eagle. the
refuge offers three observation platforms, canoeing, hunting, fishing, bird
watching, foot trails and hiking. It is open year-round, and a special Noxubee
National Wildlife Week is held in October.
Before Government ownership, the land area within the refuge was intensively
farmed and over grazed. After years of proper land stewardship, "The
Refuge", as it is know by locals, is now an excellent example of forest
and wildlife management. This change has caused a return of bountiful wildlife
populations and a progression toward restoration of the pine and hardwood
forest types that were so devastated in the early 1900's. The refuge provides
needed habitat protection for the extremely valuable, rapidly disappearing
bottomland hardwood forest communities.
Approximately 42,500 acres of the refuge is comprised of bottomland and
upland woodlands. These forest lands are occupied by a variety of game species
including quail, deer, and turkey. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker
relies on the refuge for its existence in east-central Mississippi. In addition,
many neotropical species greatly benefit from the Noxubee forests. Four
green-timber reservoirs, two lakes, 16 small impoundment's, and assorted
wetland areas provide important habitat for the wood stork, American alligator,
bald eagle and wintering waterfowl. The Morgan Hill overlook sits atop Morgan
Hill and provides perhaps one of the best vistas on the refuge. From the
platform, visitors will be greeted by a panoramic view of 600-acre Loakfoma
Lake.
Recreation
Several foot trails provide views of wildlife habitats and access to observation
points. The Morgan Hill Overlook , Goose Overlook, Bluff Lake Boardwalk
and Refuge Headquarters are all wheelchair accessible. Hunting of certain
species is permitted in designated areas. Sport fishing is permitted in
designated areas during certain times of the year.
Climate
Mississippi lies mainly in the subtropics. The climate is mild with the
coldest months experiencing low temperatures near 40 degrees F. Summer
temperatures frequently reach 100 degrees F, with coastal breezes providing
cooling relief. Humidity is highest in August and September reaching an
average close to 90%. The highest rainfall comes during the spring months,
but December and January are wet, too.
Contact
Information
Noxubee NWR - Route #1 Box 142, Brooksville, MS, 39739, Phone: 601-323-5548
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STARKVILLE COMMUNITY 
