The Lee and Betty Sharp Orchard and Woods Preservation Project presents a critical opportunity to protect ecologically valuable land while supporting broader regional conservation goals. Jackson County, Mississippi, has experienced consistent urban and industrial growth in recent decades, placing increasing pressure on its remaining natural landscapes. Preserving these parcels ensures the continued presence of intact green space that supports native biodiversity and sustains habitat for regionally important species. Regional conservation assessments classify much of the surrounding area as having medium to high ecological value, underscoring the importance of maintaining natural habitat and ecological function.

The property lies between De Soto National Forest and the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, two major conservation areas that support a range of rare and sensitive species. The protection of this forested parcel helps to bridge the widening ecological gap between these reserves, enhancing landscape connectivity and enabling wildlife movement across fragmented habitats. In the face of ongoing development and climate stressors impacting Mississippi’s coastal forests, the protection of this property represents a proactive step toward safeguarding ecosystems that deliver lasting benefits to both wildlife and local communities.

The forested landscape of the Lee and Betty Sharp Orchard and Woods plays a critical role in mitigating flood risk, stabilizing soils, improving air quality, and filtering surface water before it reaches downstream systems. These functions are especially important in low-lying coastal regions prone to heavy rainfall and runoff. The property’s dense canopy also helps regulate the local climate by reducing heat island effects and buffering against extreme weather events. This preservation effort represents an investment in the region’s environmental health, biodiversity, and quality of life for future generations.

More information soon.

More information soon.