| Bienville Pines Scenic Area | |
|---|---|
 Old-growth loblolly pine in the Scenic Area | |
  Map of MississippiShow map of Mississippi Bienville Pines Scenic Area (the United States)Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Scott County, Mississippi |
| Nearest city | Forest |
| Coordinates | 32°20′57″N 89°28′13″W / 32.34917°N 89.47028°W / 32.34917; -89.47028 |
| Area | 223 acres (90 ha) |
| Established | 1976 |
| U.S. National Natural Landmark | |
| Designated | 1976 |
Bienville Pines Scenic Area is a 223-acre (90 ha) pine forest nature preserve located within Bienville National Forest near Forest, Mississippi. It is one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth loblolly pine in Mississippi. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in May 1976.
Description
The Bienville Pines Scenic Area is located in the Jackson Prairie ecoregion. The land is dominated by Upland Pine Forest (loblolly and shortleaf pine) with an understory consisting of Coastal Plain Upland Hardwood Forest. The larger loblolly pines are over 200 years old. The trees in the area were not logged for lumber despite growing on land owned by a local lumber company and being adjacent to a sawmill.
The majority of trees in the Scenic Area are pine, including loblolly, shortleaf, and longleaf pine. Hardwood trees are interspersed in the pine, including white oak, winged elm, black gum, sweetgum, red maple, and deciduous holly.
Only insect-infested trees that threaten surrounding trees or trees that pose a safety hazard to the Scenic Area's hiking trail are allowed to be felled within the protected area.
The Bienville Pines Scenic Area is an important habitat for the near threatened red-cockaded woodpecker, which needs mature pine trees to build its nesting cavities.
Visiting
There is a small parking lot next to the Scenic Area. A 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail winds through the Scenic Area and includes numbered posts describing important features.
References
- "Bienville Pines Scenic Area". nps.gov. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
- ^ Waggoner, Gary S. (1975). Southeastern Evergreen and Oak-pine Region ; Inventory of Natural Areas and Sites Recommended as Potential Natural Landmarks. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service. p. 114.
- ^ Mohlenbrock, Robert H. (2006). This Land: A Guide to Eastern National Forests. University of California Press. p. 164. ISBN 978-0-520-23984-5.
- ^ McGinnis, Helen (1995). Hiking Mississippi: A Guide to Trails and Natural Areas. University Press of Mississippi. p. 15. ISBN 978-0-87805-664-4. Retrieved 2009-03-30.