What We Do

We create and improve habitat for native species

Every species fills an important niche in our environment, and when they thrive, we thrive! Ecosystem health is important because when they are functioning at their best, they help clean the air and water, and they provide essential resources for the survival of plants and animals, including people. A healthy ecosystem is the result of balanced populations of plants and animals. The foundation of a healthy ecosystem are the plant and animal species who are native to it. Invasive species aren’t native to an ecosystem, and they can outcompete native species for the resources they need to survive, resulting in an unbalanced ecosystem.

Since each species within an ecosystem is dependent on other species for survival, the loss of one species will trigger the loss of other species. Endangered or lost species are a sign of an unhealthy ecosystem. In addition, nature provides medicine, and since we don’t know which species will provide cures for which illnesses, we can’t afford to lose any of them! In fact, healthy natural systems provide the resources we need for all sorts of things, from timber to seafood. And, healthy ecosystems also provide places for us to relax and have fun. They add billions of dollars to our economy, as people travel to pristine beaches, woodlands and plains to hike, ski, swim, relax and otherwise enjoy the great outdoors.

This part of Mississippi was historically covered by a longleaf pine-dominated ecosystem which flourished with regular floods and fires. Communities within the ecosystem included savannas, prairies and forests.