I hadn’t been here in ages and had forgotten how beautiful it is. The Crosby Arboretum, a natural area in Picauyne, Mississippi was the perfect place for a springtime walk over the Easter weekend.

The Arboretum, managed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, showcases several native habitats, including a long-leaf pine savanna, a pitcher plant bog, young woodlands and a pond area.  We walked around for quite a while and didn’t hit all the trails, so there’s plenty to see.  Along the trail are small interpretive signs that educate painlessly.

Yesterday they were hosting a native plant sale, so admission was free and they gave us free turtle food too!  So when we arrived at the pond we could feed the turtles,who were more than thrilled to swim over to get their treats, only having to compete with the aggressive fish who were not informed that it’s turtle food.  Some of the turtles were covered with a thick coat of green algae, like a portable swishy carpet.  I wonder how many critters they’re carting around on their backs who are living in the algae!

Only a small selection of the more than thirty turtles who came looking for a treat.

We wandered through the woods and bogs stopping to admire flowers, fish and trees.  A blues band warmed up in the pavillion for an afternoon concert.  If you’ve never been to Crosby, it’s just an hour outside of New Orleans and worth the trip.

Iris for Easter!

The mountain laurels are blooming.

The Pinecote Pavillion is a beautiful setting for a wedding or other ceremony - or a band concert!

I like how this image shows the fish and the reflections of the trees at the same time.

The pitcher plant bog requires fire to maintain it. Cool carnivorous plants - there were sundews too!