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The Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge protects 10,482 acres along the lower 17 miles of the Hatchie River. The Hatchie River is one of the largest, unchannelized rivers in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.
The floodplain remains fairly undisturbed undeveloped, and wildlife and fisheries thrive in the pristine habitats of the refuge.
Lower Hatchie, established in 1980, protects migratory birds, especially wintering waterfowl. It also protects and enhances the diminishing bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem to protect endangered species, and to protect habitat for wildlife and plants.
The river bisects the refuge and flows into the Mississippi River at the westernmost point of the refuge boundary.
Primary habitat types on the refuge include 6,920 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, 915 acres of croplands, 75 acres of lakes and open water, 1320 acres of upland forest, 365 acres of grasslands and 887 acres of marshlands.
The area is home to bald eagles, wild turkeys, neotropical songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds as well as more than 50 species of mammals, 75 species of reptiles and amphibians, 100 species of fish, 235 species of birds, 35 species of mussels and thousands of insects.
Water management in the sanctuary benefits a whole host of wildlife species and is the center of active wildlife management on the refuge.
Other management activities include cooperative farming, mechanical and chemical control of exotic and invasive species, silvicultural techniques for forest management, reforestation, law enforcement, cooperative partnerships and public outreach programs.
There are a wide variety of recreational opportunities in the refuge, including hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, nature photography, interpretation, hiking, and canoeing.
Public facilities include trails, boat ramps, lake docks, kiosks and an observation tower.
The bird sanctuary is closed to all public access from Nov. 15 to March 15.
Outdoor Activities |
