There's Nothing Quite As Magical As The Ancient Oaks And Mystifying Statue You'll Find At Twelve Oaks Nature Preserve In Mississippi
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published May 12, 2022
×
Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
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.
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.
Advertisement
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."
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!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
