The Mississippi Native Plant Society is sponsoring a guided botanical walk at 10 am on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in southeast Mississippi at the Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area located near Vancleave, MS. Participants will  meet at the trailhead of the Judy Toups Birding Trail  in the Management Area. The Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area is largely a complex of bottomland hardwood forest and bayous on the western boundary of the Pascagoula River basin. The bottomland components begin at the base of an 80-foot bluff transition zone (slope) of southern mixed hardwood forest that contains some native plants uniquely associated with slopes. The top of this transition zone consists of an area of longleaf pine forest restoration. The Judy Toups trail begins at the base of the slope directly adjacent to Ward Bayou and traverses the slope component of the site.”  (Audubon Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail). Some unique native plants that the group might encounter include the Needle Palm, Pyramid Magnolia, and Silky Camellia. 
The activity will be led by Dr. Mark LaSalle, who will guide us through the variety of habits pointing out native plants and demonstrating how to identify trees in late fall and winter by examining buds and leaf scars.  
This field adventure is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. Participants should be aware that it will be deer-hunting season. Hunting is not allowed adjacent to this trail, but if you choose to participate, it would be advisable to wear something orange. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes or boots. There are no restrooms or drinking water onsite, so be prepared. 
To register for the activity or for more information, please contact your local host, Jennifer Buchanan, at [email protected]. ​