Mile 908.0 RBD — 905 Donaldson Point Conservation Area (and also RBD 896-893)

Donaldson Point Conservation Area occupies 5,785 acres on a unique point of land facing southwards between Island No 9, No 10, and Slough Neck (Bessie’s Bend). The Mississippi River forms part of the east and west boundaries as it slides down and around the point, first south running, then north running, and provides about seven miles of river frontage. The trees include cottonwood, willow, ash, elm, maple, pecan, sycamore, box elder, hickory, and some bottomland oak species. For birders Donaldson Point is home to several species not usually seen in the Mississippi lowlands including the endangered Swainson's warbler (nests in giant cane). Also seen are Mississippi kites, bald eagles and interior least terns. Swamp rabbits, and cotton mice run through the undergrowth. There are good fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, crappie, carp, buffalo, and sunfish. Hunting is allowed for deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl during season. (From the Missouri Dept of Conservation Website)

Reelfoot Lake State Park

Some say Reelfoot Lake was created by an earthquake. Others say the Great Spirit stomped his foot on the ground and created the lake. Both stories agree its waters were filled from the Mississippi River, as the lake is just ten miles south of Donaldson Point.   According to Chickasaw legend, Reelfoot Lake is said to be named for an Indian chief who was born with a deformed foot and walked with a rolling motion, so was nicknamed "Kolopin," meaning Reelfoot. When he became chief, Reelfoot determined to marry a Choctaw princess, but her father would not permit it. The Great Spirit warned Reelfoot that if he attempted to kidnap the maiden, his village and his people would be destroyed. Reelfoot disobeyed the Spirit, and seized the princess by force and carried her to Chickasaw territory, where he arranged a marriage ceremony. In the middle of the ceremony, the Great Spirit stamped his foot in anger, causing the earth to quake, and the Father of the Waters raised the Mississippi River over its banks, inundating Reelfoot's homeland. The water flowed into the imprint left by the Spirit's foot, forming a beautiful lake beneath which Reelfoot, his bride, and his people lie buried. Others say the 15,000 acre lake was created by a series of violent earthquakes in 1811-1812 that caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time, creating Reelfoot Lake. Regardless of which story you believe, the park’s ecosystem is a natural wonder. Reelfoot lake is a shallow flooded forest. While majestic cypress trees rise above the water, below the surface are many submerged cypress stumps. A variety of aquatic plants and flowers occupy the shoreline and saturate the shallow water. The lake harbors almost every kind of shore and wading bird as well as golden and American bald eagles. During January and February, Reelfoot Lake is home to thousands of migrating American bald eagles. Warblers migrate through in the spring and fall. Also, owls may frequently be seen and heard. Long Point Unit provides better access for viewing the abundance of waterfowl in winter. Several pairs of Bald Eagles nest around Reelfoot Lake and can be seen year round, which greater numbers in winter. Other wildlife includes migrant warblers, vireos, and flycatchers. Least and yellow-bellied flycatchers are possible in May. Look for Mississippi Kites, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons (in the woods), a possible Anhinga, among other waterbirds. Cerulean and Swainson's Warblers nest here. (From Wikipedia and Tennessee State Parks)