City of Jackson to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Cypress Grove Nature Park

City of Jackson to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Cypress Grove Nature Park

JACKSON, Tenn. – The City of Jackson, TN, in collaboration with our Parks and Rec department will host the 40th Anniversary of Cypress Grove on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

In the late 1970’s, the concept of preserving natural areas encircling Jackson was adopted through the Jackson Greenbelt. Natural recreation sites were selected to “anchor” the Greenbelt, one of these being Cypress Grove Nature Park. The park’s completion would assure generations of Jacksonians access to unique natural beauty, along with environmental, educational, and recreation opportunities.

“Cypress Grove is more than just a park — it’s a cornerstone of Jackson’s identity. For forty years it has provided families, students, and visitors with a place to connect with nature, learn, and create memories,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the generations who have cared for and cherished this space, and we look ahead to the next 40 years of discovery, education and enjoyment for all who walk its trails.”

Construction of Cypress Grove began in January of 1984, with the initial phase being completed in October of that year. Dedication and grand opening ceremonies were held in October of 1985. The addition of the Aerie Trail Raptor Center, a sanctuary for birds of prey, was completed in 1994.

Funding for the park was received through private and corporate donations, federal land and water conservation grants, and allocation of funds by the City of Jackson.

“From natural beauty and solitude to educational opportunities, Cypress Grove Nature Park has held a special place in the heart and landscape of Jackson for forty years now, said Darius Mullin, Cypress Grove Nature Park Recreation Coordinator. “I am honored to get to play a small part in the life of this park that I’ve loved for years, and I’m excited to get to celebrate it together this fall!”

The schedule of events includes an opening ceremony, special acknowledgements and awards presentations, live music, guided tours led by park naturalists highlighting history, wildlife, and conservation efforts; hands-on craft station under the porch.

For more information follow our Parks & Rec Department on Social Media by visiting parks.jacksontn.gov or call 731-425-8364.

Cypress Grove Today

Today, Cypress Grove Nature Park is home to a wide variety of indigenous wildlife, birds, and waterfowl. Open throughout the year, it is visited annually by thousands of tourists, school groups, and area residents.

The park is a favorite location for area residents to walk, fish, or commune with nature in the serene cypress forest, just minutes from downtown Jackson! Its close proximity to the interstate makes it a frequent point-of-interest stop for travelers passing through West Tennessee.

The raptor center is an educational facility for housing non-releasable birds of prey, such as red-tailed hawks and barred owls (which visitors may view in the park today!), giving these birds a second life as animal ambassadors.

Covered pavilions provide a location for educational workshops, classes, and programs. The park works closely with area schools, scout troops, and universities as an educational site and resource in the study of wildlife, nature, wetland ecosystems, and the environment.

Park Features

• Total acreage: 164.8 acres
• Length of boardwalk: 7,136 feet, or 1.35 miles
• Length of access road: 1,738 feet, or 0.33 miles
• Acreage of man-made pond: 3 acres
• Acreage of lake with observation tower: 25 acres
• Rockwell Observation Tower: 4 tiers, 36 feet tall
• Visitor’s center: 1,152 square feet
• Raptor center: 6 enclosures and one building
• Picnic pavilion: 3 picnic tables and 3 long benches
• Gazebos: 2

Wildlife and Plant Information

• Fish: bream, catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, alligator gar, carp
• Wildlife: deer, beavers, raccoons, bobcats, armadillos, skinks, swamp rabbits, snapping turtles, green frogs
• Waterfowl: wood ducks, mallards, great blue herons, egrets, migratory birds
• Birds: hummingbirds, blue birds, cardinals, blue jays, goldfinches, Carolina wrens, chickadees, tufted titmice, red-headed & pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, red-shouldered hawks
• Trees: bald cypress, tupelo gum, cottonwood, silver & red maple, black willow, birch, sycamore, oak varieties, loblolly pine, tulip poplar (the TN state tree!)
• Plants: jewel weed, arrowhead plants, cattail, many wildflowers

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