Lee Tartt Nature Preserve / Chakchiuma Swamp

Lee Tartt Nature Preserve on the edge of Downtown Grenada offers kayaking, canoeing, hiking trails, bird-watching, and unique array of plants and animals

that not many cities can claim!

Grenada is a rare place where the natural world and public land not only surrounds, but also exists, in the very heart of downtown.

The Chakchiuma Swamp is 300 acres of city owned property with oxbow lakes and bottomland forest on the lower Yalobusha River. It’s located on Main St., 5 minutes from the square in downtown Grenada, so after a tromp in the woods, swing by Square Market for a fresh latte to replenish your energy.

The Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp is a community organization with the dual purpose of conservation of Chakchiuma Swamp at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve and education in the City of Grenada.

Our vision is to provide opportunities for all people to experience the beauty of biodiversity in a unique wetland habitat conveniently located .25 miles from our town square.

LEE TARTT NATURE PRESERVE

A protected area of Chakchiuma Swamp; a 300 acre wetland complex of oxbow lakes, bottomland forest and vernal pools rich in biodiversity and critical habitat for birds
An urban forest and public green space in downtown Grenada; designed for visitors to have meaningful experiences with nature
Part of a large natural system along the Yalobusha River near thousands of protected acres at Grenada Lake and Malmaison Wildlife Management Area
Under the stewardship and management of Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp and existing on public property owned by the City of Grenada

FRIENDS OF CHAKCHIUMA SWAMP

Protects the Chakchiuma Swamp ecosystem within Lee Tartt Nature Preserve through land management practices based on the LTNP Land Use Management Plan (2018) created by Strawberry Plains Audubon Center wildlife biologists;
Preserves the natural and cultural landscape in harmony with the natural heritage as described in The Vascular Plants of Grenada County(1987) by Dr. Wayne Morris, the unique genetic integrity of central Mississippi native plants, and the history of downtown Grenada;
Provides educational opportunities for children and adults to increase their understanding of the relationships between themselves and nature;
Promotes responsible recreation, creative interaction, scientific research and quiet enjoyment of the land in keeping with its fragility, serenity, and natural beauty.

Many events are held year round at the swamp, like the annual “Swampy Halloween Trail” where clay faces are sculpted onto the trees and the trail is decorated like a fairy bog, wild cordage crafting workshop, or Joint Field Day hosted by Delta Wind Birds. Although, it doesn’t take a special event to experience the swamp – it’s open from dusk ’til dawn every day, and attracts nature-lovers from far and wide. Follow Lee Tartt Nature Preserve and Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp on Facebook to keep track of all upcoming events!