MSU's Murphy's Pond protected by state as a nature preserve (cont.)

Murray State University's unique Murphy's Pond will be dedicated as an addition to the adjoining Obion Creek State Nature Preserve on Thursday, Oct. 13, by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Murphy's Pond, located in Hickman County, Ky., has been owned by Murray State since 1975, and will continue to be the property of the university.

The bald cypress swamp of Murphy's Pond helps to make it one of the most important ecological areas in Kentucky. Perhaps best known to locals as a veritable haven for venomous cottonmouth snakes, the area harbors a rich variety of wildlife, boasting 45 species of mammals, 40 of reptiles, 30 of amphibians and 200 of birds.

An isolated remnant of wilderness, Murphy's Pond has managed to stay in its pristine state for more than two centuries, largely due to the fact that it is unsuitable for development. That perceived uselessness has made it a research laboratory to be envied. This "classroom" has put students in touch with nature since 1966, when Murray was granted permission to use the area for research from its former owner, The Nature Conservancy. In 1975, the university acquired the property through the generosity of the Conservancy and a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
"Murphy's Pond appears to be a thick tangle of cypress trees with low knobs that obstruct canoeing, but a little exploring will bring you to some open pools with beautiful scenery," said Dr. Tom Timmons, chairman of the department of biological sciences at Murray State University.

"A visit to Murphy's Pond takes you back to how much of the lowland of western Kentucky appeared when the first settlers came [it] has many species of plants and animals that are found at the northernmost limit of their range," Timmons continued. "I can take my ichthyology class to Murphy's Pond and observe fish that are common to southern Alabama and Mississippi."

Murphy's Pond is an old oxbow of Obion Creek, according to Timmons. The area continues to yield valuable information on the delicate balance between nature and man.

"Biology faculty from Murray State take their classes to Murphy's Pond to examine the organisms that live in this unique cypress swamp. A trip to the pond is never forgotten by students," Timmons said.

"Research, scholarly and creative work are the hallmarks of great universities and are also the foundation upon which high-quality educational programs are built," said Dr. F. King Alexander, MSU president. "It is important that we engage our students in these important educational experiences."

Murphy's Pond will receive the highest form of land protection possible under Kentucky law, ensuring that the one-of-a-kind study opportunities it offers will always be available.

The availability of Murphy's Pond for research by both MSU students and faculty pleases Alexander. "Throughout the year, our students work closely with excellent faculty to develop and foster new research. This kind of scholarly collaboration between students and faculty produces new knowledge that can shape the career paths of our students, as well as our environment," he noted.

"Murray State University greatly appreciates the interest the Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission has shown in this unique natural resource. We are very excited about this new collaboration and look forward to many years of mutually beneficial developments at Murphy's Pond," said Dr. Neil Weber, dean of the MSU college of science, engineering and technology.

The ceremony which formally dedicates the wetlands area as a state nature preserve is being held in conjunction with the quarterly meeting of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the Regional Special Events Center on Murray's campus.

The commission's goal is to protect Kentucky's natural heritage. "We are extremely excited to be adding Murphy's Pond to the state nature preserves system," said Don Dott, director of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. "Murray State has done a wonderful job protecting the area during the past 30 years and making the most of the research and teaching opportunities it provides. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the university to ensure the continuing health of this natural treasure well into the future."