Hillside National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife refuge in Thornton, Mississippi.
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Mississippi with hardwood forests, wetlands, and loess bluffs on its grounds. These diverse landscapes create habitats for birds, deer, and other wildlife throughout the seasons.
The refuge was established in 1975 after the land served as a sediment control area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Yazoo Basin Headwaters. This conversion transformed the area into a protected space for wildlife.
The refuge belongs to the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which maintains seven protected areas across Mississippi.
The refuge is accessible by taking Highway 49E north of Yazoo City toward Thornton, then heading east on Thornton Road. Plan for some driving and be ready for walking through natural terrain.
Over one hundred thousand waterfowl arrive during winter months, including mallards and northern shovelers gathering from long distances. This massive seasonal influx makes it a critical stopover for migratory bird populations.
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