Rededicating the Judy Toups Trail in Vancleave

The Judy Toups Trail in Vancleave was rededicated this morning.

The Pascagoula River Basin Alliance, or PRBA, held the ceremony along with members from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

The trail was originally established and dedicated in 2004, but has been expanded with new signage.

It honors Judy Toups, the founder of the Mississippi Audubon Society, a dedicated advocate for birds and wildlife habitats.

The trail is almost a mile long and encompasses some of the highest biodiversity of plants and animals in the southeast.

PRBA Ambassador Dr. Janet Wright shares details about the trail. “You can go out on the bayou. You can go up on the bluffs. Everything is shady which is great for the kids and the grandkids. I love it, every aspect of it. Every time I’m out here I see something new.”

The trail is inside the state’s Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area meaning you must have a permit to hike it. To get access you can request a permit online or go to Walmart.

It is similar to the process used to get a fishing or hunting license.