Shelby Farms

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Scenic view in Shelby Farms park

Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, located in Memphis, TN. Lakes, forests, and wetlands provide natural habitats for many smaller species close to an urban metropolitan area. Wildlife can be observed from one of the many trails in the park.

1 Geography
2 Wildlife
3 History
4 Recreation
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Geography

Encompassing about 4,500 acres (18 km²) of land, Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.^[1] Several lakes, natural forests, and the wetlands of the Wolf River are situated in hilly surroundings.

[edit] Wildlife

Wildlife like beavers, deer, turtles, tortoises and different species of birds can be observed in their natural surroundings. Although the park is surrounded by routes used by commuter traffic, smaller species can still find habitats large enough to survive.

Shelby Farms park is home to a bison herd and to a few Texas longhorn (cattle).

[edit] History

Remaining headstone of the Mann family burial

At the eastern end of Shelby Farms park remains of a settlement from the late 19th century can be found. The family burial site of the Mann family exists with just one grave marker remaining. The last two documented deaths, as indicated on that remaining gravestone, date back to November 1891 for Robert W Mann and and December 1891 for Mary S Mann. Five or more graves are marked only by their base stones.^[2] How and when this formerly private property was incorporated into what is now Shelby Farms park is unknown.

Until the 1960's Shelby Farms was used as a penal farm^[1], in which the prisoners of the Shelby County Jail were involved in agricultural labor to provide food for inmates and staff, or to sell overproduction for profit on behalf of the state of Tennessee.

In the 1970's the Shelby County Commission opened the area for recreational purposes.^[1].

[edit] Recreation

Hiking and biking trails meandering through the park allow visitors to observe wildlife and nature. Catch'em Lake is a designated artificial fishing lake, and on two other lakes rowing boats are allowed. On one of latter two lakes, Patriot Lake, pedal boats can be rented. There is a 1.67 mile (2.7 km) paved trail around Patriot Lake.

Horseback riding is allowed in parts of the park and on a few trails, horses can be rented as well. A designated runway to start and land miniature radio control aircraft is present in the park for public use.

Shelby Farms also has the Agricenter Showplace Arena and a Farmers' Market.