The Nature Institute closes the trails each winter to facilitate a rest period. This rest period keeps the trails from excessive wear and tear in the form of erosion and gives the animals a time of lower stress. With fewer people on the trails daily, the animals can forage without needing to be on the defense every time a hiker walks by.

Learn more about how the preserve spends these cold winter months in our January Stewardship Blog.

Even though the trails are closed, TNI is still hosting many activities. In January, you can check out a book club, a winter tree id hike, and many children's programs.

The Nature Institute is a private, non-profit organization. We receive no state or federal funding aside from the grants that we compete for with other non-profits. Our funding comes from grants, donations, program fees, and memberships.

As a member of The Nature Institute, you play an important role with your annual giving. Your membership allows us to continue to offer programming at low prices and even at no cost to participants. The trail maintenance and habitat restoration funding is also boosted by your giving.

We hope you consider renewing your annual membership in 2025.

Learn about nature and connect with other bibliophiles this winter. The Nature Institute will be hosting a book club in January and February. Each month with feature a different book about a natural history topic.

January we will read Slow Birding by Joan E Strassman.

There are two dates you can choose from to attend the in-person book club discussion at the Mississippi Sanctuary Office.

• Wednesday, January 15 at 5:30pm
• Thursday, January 16 at 10am

TNI is launching the Wilderness Wisdom series, responding to the buzz around our Bushcraft for Teens program. Get ready for a treasure trove of outdoor skills led by fantastic guest speakers!

The first class, Winter Tree ID, is happening on January 25 at 1pm. Learn to spot trees by their bark, buds, and branches for free if you’re a TNI member or just $5 if you’re not. Don’t forget – registration is a must!

Mark your Calendar for the other scheduled classes.

• February 22 - Herbalism 101
• March 8 - Leather Sewing Class
• April 12 - Bird Hike
• Spring Wild Edible Plants - May 3

2025 Trivia Night for a Cause

Mark your calendar for TNI's Annual Trivia Night. Gather your friends for a fun night of answering questions and bidding on silent auction items.

Saturday, February 22



Doors will open at 5:30pm with questions starting at 6pm. This year the trivia contest will be held at the Godfrey KC Hall on Stamper Lane. We have early bird pricing available until February 1st, $120/ table of 8. After February 1, tables will be $150/ table of 8.