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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of April 5, 2010)
National Park Week
by James L. Cummins

National Park Week is a week in April annually proclaimed for the celebration and recognition of our national parks. This year, the 2010 National Park Week will be April 17 through 25. Our national parks are living examples of the best this Nation has to offer – our magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet inter-related heritage. Parks can provide outdoor opportunities, recreational experiences and places of quiet retreat. In Mississippi, we have has six national parks.

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site is where Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest obtained a significant Confederate victory in 1864. However, its long-term effect on the war proved costly. This site is a perfect example of winning the battle, but losing the war.

Tupelo National Battlefield is where the battle of Tupelo was fought by more than 20,000 troops. Major General William Sherman successfully kept Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest away from the Federal supply line in Tennessee in June of 1864.

The Vicksburg National Military Park/Cemetery commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, gave the North control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16 mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat and a National Cemetery.

The Natchez National Historical Park is located in Natchez. From the magnificent antebellum estate of John McMurran, to the downtown home of African-American barber and diarist William Johnson, to the French Fort Rosalie, this diverse Mississippi River town has lent itself to opportunity for hundreds of years.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is open year-round, is located in Mississippi and Florida. You will find that bayous, historic forts, island beaches, recreational opportunities and sparkling waters abound here. Gentle breezes, hurricanes and tides continually reestablish this charismatic scenery.

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is one of my favorite national parks. It stretches from Nashville to Natchez and encompasses numerous points of interest along the way, from bountiful wildlife, Indian mounds to other historical sites.

Remember, our national parks belong to everyone and visiting them can be a marvelous experience. Visiting our parks may bring you to a new perspective on our heritage, an enhanced respect for our people and their history, as well as an appreciation of the complexities of managing our natural resources.