Jourdan River Preserve on the Land Conservation Assistance Network

Jourdan River Preserve
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last updated: February 2024

The primary boundary of this 6,423-acre preserve, located in Hancock & Harrison Counties, contains open saline marsh from the mouth of the Jourdan River to where the area becomes forested. The upper Jourdan River is tidal freshwater with adjacent cypress/gum swamp. The swamp occurs as narrow bands and expanded areas scattered along the river. Extensive bands of the floating-leafed cow-lily (Nuphar luteum macrophyllum) occur along the shoreline. The oligohaline stretch of the mid-Jourdan River is a transition zone with a mixed marsh of saltgrass (Cladium jamaicense) and needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) north of I-10 with the Cladium rapidly declining to the south of the interstate (within - 1 mile). The creeks and rivers are be lined with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) or wild-rice (Zizania aquatica) and saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) bands occur along the upland borders. These oligohaline marshes of the lower Jourdan River are dominated by needle rush (Juncus roemerianus) with scattered pure stands of big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) and common reed (Pharagmites australis). These marshes are quite similar to those occurring along the northwest to northeast shores of St. Louis Bay. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) occurs as a narrow band along the creeks and bayous with eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) occurring in narrow beds along the river. This unique location provides excellent feeding, resting, and wintering habitat for numerous types of migratory bird species, such as the Brown Pelican, White Pelican, and cormorants. Boaters and anglers use the area on occasional and seasonal basis for waterfowl hunting (sparingly) and fishing. Residences with open septic systems are a threat to ecological integrity.

Rare/Endangered Species:

Anas fulvigula Mottled Duck
Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides Scarlet Kingsnake

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Jourdan River Preserve is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.