Mitzi Reed, invasive species coordinator for the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, in one of her favorite places, a swamp area surrounding Beaver Creek Road, adjacent to the Pearl River on Choctaw land, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Reed is also a biologist, conservationist, and a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws, helping to preserve Choctaw culture and customs, and inspiring the youngsters to get outside. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today
A hint of fall touched the leaves in trees surrounding the swampy area traversed by Beaver Creek Road on Choctaw land in Neshoba County.