Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The Grand Bay NERR is one of 30 reserves within the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) is one of 28 reserves within the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and is located in extreme southeastern Mississippi in Jackson County near the small community of Pecan. The NERR is comprised of approximately 18,000 acres, found chiefly within the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Grand Bay Savanna Coastal Preserve. This r

eserve contains a variety of wetland habitats, both tidal and non-tidal, such as pine savannas, salt marshes, saltpans, bays and bayous as well as terrestrial habitats that are unique to the coastal zone such as maritime forests. Healthy estuarine salt marshes and fire-maintained pine savannas are some of the most biodiverse habitats in North America, and the reserve is fortunate enough to contain considerable amounts of both. These habitats support many important species of fish and wildlife. Commercially and recreationally important species of finfish and shellfish such as brown shrimp, speckled trout and oysters abound here. Sea turtles, bottlenose dolphin and, on occasion, manatees can be found in the deeper waters of the reserve. Many species of carnivorous plants and orchids can be found in the higher savanna habitats.

09/08/2026

🌿 Explore the Savanna Trail at Grand Bay NERR! 🌾

Take a walk along the Savanna Trail and 1,000-foot boardwalk at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and discover the unique habitats that make our coastal landscape so special.

The Reserve encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including freshwater marshes, maritime forests, pine savannas, and pine flatwoods. Along the trail, you can spot native plants such as longleaf pine, slash pine, sweetbay magnolia, swamp redbay, wiregrass, and yaupon holly. 🌲🌱

Many of these plants are pyrophytic, meaning they are adapted to survive and even depend on periodic fire. Fire helps maintain the open, diverse habitat of a pine savanna by reducing woody growth and allowing fire-adapted plants to thrive.

The trail also features a phenology trail, where visitors can observe seasonal changes in plants and wildlife throughout the year. Keep your eyes open for birds, insects, and other wildlife along the way! 🐦🦋

Come explore, learn, and experience one of the Gulf Coast’s unique and fire-maintained ecosystems! 🌊🌾

We are kicking off National Estuaries Week with an art show dedicated to art created during workshops here at the reserv...
09/04/2026

We are kicking off National Estuaries Week with an art show dedicated to art created during workshops here at the reserve. Join us for an opening night reception on Monday September 21st, from 5pm-7pm. Light refreshments will be offered. Come and tour our Reserve through the eyes of our Artists!

If you have an art piece you made during a workshop here at the Grand Bay NEER that you would like added to the show please reach out to Ayesha at [email protected]

Join the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in celebrating National Estuaries Day! Take a boat trip do...
09/01/2026

Join the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) in celebrating National Estuaries Day! Take a boat trip down beautiful Bayou Heron where you will meet our scientists and explore several different habitats. At the building, explore the estuary through hands-on activities. Learn how scientists conduct research in the field and use that information to help protect our estuaries. Boat rides run from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. Boat space is limited. You must reserve your seat in order to ride a boat. Building activities are open to the public and do not require RSVP.

https://nationalestuariesday2026.eventbrite.com/

08/31/2026

🌿✨ Come explore the Grand Bay NERR!

The Grand Bay NERR Interpretive Center is more than just a place to visit, it’s a gateway to discovering the incredible coastal ecosystems that make our Gulf Coast so special. 🌊🐢🌾

From hands-on exhibits to learning about the plants, animals, habitats, and research happening right here in our own backyard, there’s always something new to discover.

Come visit us!🐛🌲

Notice: All of our trails are closed this week for maintenance. August 31-September 4th. We apologize for the inconvenie...
08/31/2026

Notice: All of our trails are closed this week for maintenance. August 31-September 4th. We apologize for the inconvenience.

When a tropical storm hits, what happens beneath the surface? In late July, Tropical Storm Bertha crossed the Mississipp...
08/26/2026

When a tropical storm hits, what happens beneath the surface? In late July, Tropical Storm Bertha crossed the Mississippi coast, and Grand Bay NERR's continuous monitoring stations captured the estuary's response: water up nearly 3 feet, winds near 30 mph, and salinity swinging from salty to fresh before returning to normal within days.

08/24/2026

🌿 Explore the Savanna Trail | Wet Pine Savanna 🌿

Step into one of the Gulf Coast’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems! The Savanna Trail takes you through a wet pine savanna, an ecosystem shaped by fire, water, and the iconic longleaf pine.

🌲 Longleaf pines can take decades to reach maturity, with some growing over 100 feet tall and living for centuries.
🔥 Wet pine savannas are fire-dependent ecosystems, meaning periodic prescribed fire is essential for maintaining their open structure and supporting the incredible diversity of plants and wildlife found here.
Seasonal flooding and saturated soils help create the unique conditions that make these habitats so special.

Once widespread across the Southeast, pine savannas have declined dramatically due to development, agricultural conversion, fire suppression, and other changes to the landscape. Today, conservation and restoration efforts—including prescribed fire, invasive species removal, and mechanical treatments—help restore these important ecosystems and maintain healthy longleaf pine savannas.

🥾 Take a walk down the Savanna Trail and see this incredible ecosystem for yourself!

Join us for a block print workshop! This workshop will be Friday Sept 18th from 9-2. Space is limited to 12 participants...
08/21/2026

Join us for a block print workshop! This workshop will be Friday Sept 18th from 9-2. Space is limited to 12 participants. Email Ayesha Gray at [email protected] to get a spot!

These are just a few of the pollinators that can be found at our Reserve - come see pollination in action and help us co...
08/14/2026

These are just a few of the pollinators that can be found at our Reserve - come see pollination in action and help us collect data as part of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census next Friday, August 21st from 9-11am! This is Mississippi's first year contributing data to this citizen science project, and this event is open to naturalists of all ages and experience levels.

We will start by giving a brief overview of the data collection process at our interpretative center, then NERR biologists will walk folks to areas of flowering savanna plants to begin recording data. Each census involves picking a flower of your choice and recording all visitations in a 15 minute window.

Pictured: Carpenter mimic leafcutter bee, southern carpenter bee, fiery skipper, and eastern tiger swallowtail.

08/10/2026

Meet Tobi, our resident terrapin! 🐢💚

Tobi is a rescue who came to us from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS). While we don’t know her exact age, she’s estimated to be at least 30 years old, making her a pretty remarkable turtle!

One interesting mystery about Tobi is that we’re not entirely sure if she’s a true Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin. Without knowing her full history, it’s difficult to confirm exactly where she came from, but she’s an amazing ambassador for educating visitors about terrapins and the important role they play in our coastal ecosystems.

Tobi officially became part of the Grand Bay NERR family in 2015 and she’s been helping inspire curiosity and conservation ever since.

Have you met Tobi yet? Stop by and say hello! 💙🌿

Address

6005 Bayou Heron Road
Moss Point, MS
39562

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 3pm
Tuesday 8am - 3pm
Wednesday 8am - 3pm
Thursday 8am - 3pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+12284757047

Website

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