Comprised of ancient oaks that date back centuries and a statue with a baffling origin, Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve is absolutely magical. There’s more to the site than old trees and a mysterious sculpture, though. Visitors can enjoy everything from waterfront views to art classes.
History, recreation, and art unite at Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve in Ocean Springs.
The three-acre preserve is home to 12 huge oaks, a half-mile walking trail, and a historic house where the Friends of Art, Culture, and Education (FACE) holds periodic art classes.
The property itself has a rich history that dates back to before the Civil War.
Over time, the property has changed hands, and in 1884, the grounds grew to include the African Methodist Episcopal Church. While the church was in use, many baptisms were performed in the nearby Old Fort Bayou, which sits adjacent to the preserve.
In 1954, Elizabeth Logan took ownership of the preserve.
An avid gardener, she immediately recognized the significance of the oak trees and registered two of them as national treasures under the names Charity and Faith, which are nods to the property’s religious background. Logan also put her gardening skills to use, planting azaleas, lilies, and other colorful blooms. Thanks to Logan’s additions, Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve has come to be locally known as a "miniature Bellingrath."
Today, the preserve is open from dawn until dusk.
A statue, which sits at the front gate, greets visitors.
The statue might not look out of the norm, but there’s something mysterious about it – its origin and background!
According to FACE, the statue’s history remains a mystery. In fact, FACE is asking anyone with info on the statue to reach out.
Aside from the statue, the oaks are likely to be the first thing you notice upon arrival, as they're visible almost immediately.
However, don’t assume there’s nothing else to see at the preserve.
There are several lovely sights within the preserve, including the remnants of Elizabeth Logan’s garden and close-up views of Old Fort Bayou.
The Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain (LTMCP) manages the Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve. To learn more, call LTMCP at (228) 435-9191. Have any info on the preserve's statue? Reach out to the FACE on Facebook.
So, did you know about Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve? Ever been? If so, what'd you think?
Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve isn't the only place in the state with ancient trees. In addition to the Mississippi Petrified Forest, the state is home to the Friendship Oak, one of the oldest trees in America!
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