Donated to the Nature Conservancy by Mr. and Mrs. L. Heidel Brown, in memory of their daughter, The Mary Ann Brown Preserve has been developed to facilitate visitors and serves as a regional environmental education facility.

The Mary Ann Brown Preserve encompasses 109 acres rich in upland forest, wildlife and flora. Several well-marked hiking trails, including a self-guided interpretive trail, provide a relaxing adventure through slightly steep slopes, sandy bottom streams and easy walks on ridge tops.

On the hiking trails you will find an abundance of animal wildlife; whitetail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, eastern chipmunk, beaver and rabbit. The list of birds is almost endless with a wide variety of nesting birds and migrating birds through out the year. Also found along the trails are butterfly gardens, birdhouses and small ponds.

Most hiking trails are protected from direct sun by forest cover, dominated by; magnolia, various oaks, beech, tulip poplar and other hardwoods. Several ravines with sandy bottom creeks provide more cool refuge from the summer heat and support numerous rare plant species.

Located near the center of Mary Ann Brown Preserve, are the covered pavilions, picnic area, barbecue pit, restrooms, and camping area. Uses of these facilities are by reservation only. The pavilion is located adjacent to a large field and medium size pond and marsh. Overlooking the pond is a large covered gazebo, perfect for watching; migratory birds, an occasion otter or beaver. Fishing is permitted only by prior request and approval.

Located approximately seven miles east of St. Francisville on Hwy. 965, the Mary Ann Brown Preserve is just down the road from where John James Audubon painted some of his famous bird paintings. Nearest attraction is State Commemorative Area, Oakley House Plantation.

Admission is free with the park open for daylight hours only. Bring your bottle water and at times bug spray. Off the street parking is available. The main gate to the preserve usually remains closed, but note the railed walkway located by the green entrance sign on the far end of parking lot.

Many thanks go to the L. Heidel Brown Family and the Nature Conservancy for making this a wonderful addition to the West Feliciana Parish. Please show your appreciate by signing the guest book while visiting the preserve.

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