Welcome Spring

This is probably the best time to live in the Gulf Coast area. The overwhelming heat and humidity have not yet taken over, the nights are still cool and we aren't on the lookout for tropical disturbances. Everything is awakening from a long (well, long by Southeasteners' standards) cold winter and looking very nice.

I had a gut feeling this morning about visiting the The Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, Mississippiand I'm glad we followed through. Although it is situated along side Interstate 59, the Crosby Arboretum is a world apart from everything. I believe that all of us need to get back to nature every once in a while. If you haven't done it lately give it a try. You won't believe how exhilarating it can be.

From the website, here is a brief description of Crosby:

The Crosby Arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about their environment. This mission is carried out by preserving, protecting, and displaying plants native to the Pearl River Drainage Basin ecosystem, providing environmental and botanical research opportunities, and offering cultural, scientific, and recreational programs. The Arboretum displays three basic habitats found in this ecosystem. They are a Savanna exhibit, a Woodland exhibit, and an Aquatic exhibit. Both drastic and subtle changes in landscape patterns can be observed within each exhibit. In addition to the 104-acre interpretive site, the Arboretum also collectively maintains 700 acres of off-site natural areas that are preserved for scientific study.

The most stunning part of Crosby is the Pinecote Pavillion. It is located on the pond in the Aquatic exhibit. Its design fits into the surrounding landscape as if it grew there. Check it out for yourself.

Click on pictures for larger versions




After you check in and pay the $5 admission fee, you're given a baggie of fish/turtle food. Walk out to the end of the pavillion and start tossing the food into the pond.



The turtles living in the pond will soon welcome you. The fish are also ready to welcome human visitors who have food.



Here are more photos of the aquatic exhibit












Just outside the aquatic exhibit is the Pitcher Plant Bog. Pitcher plants may be related to venus fly traps. Check out the following signs.









The following series of photos are random shots we took as we walked around the Crosby Arboretum. I highly recommend a visit if you enjoy a few hours away from the craziness that is our every day lives.







find the dragon fly




We discovered the Damsel Fly here. It appears to be a cross between a dragonfly and a butterfly. Beautiful creature!







These trees intrigued me. They look like they withstood the winds of Katrina




The place is rife with wild azaleas.








If you are hungry after touring all of the different parts of Crosby I highly recommend the the Kobe Grill less than 1/2 mile from the Crosby Arboretum. Great service, great Japanese food and sushi.