The Friends of Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., officially opened their new nature trail on Sunday, 1 October 2006, naming it the “Nona and J. C. Herbert Nature Trail”. The friends feel that the Herberts epitomize lovers of our natural world and are honored that Ms. Herbert allowed the trail to be named for her and her late husband. The trail features a fifteen-station interpretive narrative. The Herbert Nature Trail circumvents Happy Hollow Lake for about a mile. The lake is a focal point of wildlife in the refuge.

Dahomey NWR is located in Bolivar County in the Delta. It is the largest tract of bottomland hardwood, about 10,000 acres, in northern Mississippi. The Friends group has only been in existence for a few years but has managed to produce this trail and a butterfly garden at the Refuge. Friends have also sponsored an Audubon Christmas Bird Count, the Dahomey—Great River Road Park CBC, for the past three years. They have also sponsored annual butterfly counts and participated in many local festivals and activities. Future projects will include boardwalks and observation blinds, interpretive nature trails, and educational programs.

The Herberts are long time residents of Bolivar County. Both have been avid birders and have birded all over the United States. They have been members of the Mississippi Ornithological Society for decades, Nona having served as its President. It is certain that they have inspired and motivated many people to enjoy nature.

The dedication was attended by the Herbert’s family and friends as well as many Friends of Dahomey and Refuge officials. Refreshments were served in the butterfly garden following the dedication ceremony.