Volunteers turn out to support De Soto National Forest

National Deer Association teamed up here with about 100 volunteers as part of a National Public Lands Day program to improve the Leaf River Wildlife Management Area on the De Soto National Forest.

Volunteers improved wildlife habitat by seeding clover and planting crabapple and American chestnut trees and installing wood duck boxes. They also worked on restoring an administrative building.

AmeriCorps NCCC members receive ‘boots on the ground’ training on the Homochitto

A new team of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members hit the ground running here, helping the Forest Service with everything from fighting wildfires to preserving endangered species.

Mississippi national forests improve safety with unmanned aircraft systems

The National Forests in Mississippi is leading the nation in using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, in responding to emergencies, such as wildfires, and as a natural resource management tool. The driving motivation behind the forest using UAS technology is safety.

Forest Service units from across the state support Delta National Forest

More than 80 Forest Service employees from across the state came to Rolling Fork in June as part of an effort to clean up and make repairs to the Delta National Forest. They brought bulldozers and backhoes, chainsaws and lawnmowers, and most importantly, they brought the commitment and determination to improve this iconic treasure, the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System.

Tombigbee establishes native wildflower habitat areas to aid pollinators

The National Forests in Mississippi recently collaborated with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to establish 1-acre pollinator habitat areas at two recreation areas on the Tombigbee National Forest.

A Head Start Program for gopher tortoises

This summer, employees with the De Soto National Forest coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery for the first time on a head start program designed to increase the overall population of the federally endangered species. The head start program will allow the tortoises to hatch and grow in the safety of a captive environment for their first two years of life.

Southern firefighters train on heavy equipment

In June 2022, 40 firefighters from four federal agencies and eight state forestry agencies participated in the Southern Area Geographic Heavy Equipment Operator Academy.

America the Beautiful Passes

Before heading out on that summer adventure, consider obtaining an America the Beautiful pass, which provides an affordable and convenient way to access federal recreational lands.