Summary
The refuge was established in 1975 to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species. The area is a mix of bottomland hardwoods, swamps, and open water habitats, making it an ideal location for bird watching, fishing, and hiking.
Visitors to Hillside National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Some of the specific points of interest to see include the Bayou Pierre Fishing Pier, the Bayou Pierre Canoe Trail, and the Hillside Nature Trail. The Bayou Pierre Fishing Pier is a popular spot for fishing, while the Bayou Pierre Canoe Trail offers visitors an opportunity to explore the refuge's waterways.
Interesting facts about Hillside National Wildlife Refuge include that it is home to over 200 species of birds, including the bald eagle, the American white pelican, and the wood duck. The refuge also provides habitat for a variety of other wildlife species, such as alligators, beavers, and river otters.
The best time of year to visit Hillside National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall and winter months when the weather is mild and there are fewer mosquitoes. The refuge is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during certain times of the year for hunting activities.
Overall, Hillside National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. It offers a unique and diverse natural environment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mississippi.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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