Periodically the park site serves the region by detaining floodwaters when winter and spring rains overflow the steep banks of the Tickfaw River. These periods of occasional flooding offer a unique opportunity to educate visitors on the importance of periodic flooding in the cycle of life that makes wetlands an invaluable habitat and breeding ground for wildlife and fisheries.

Originally inhabited by the prehistoric Mississippian culture, the French were among the area's first European settlers. Springfield grew out of a trading post on the Old Spanish Trail and became a shipping center. The Natalbany and Tickfaw rivers were used to transport cotton and timber to New Orleans.

The contemporary agriculture character was created by logging operations which left virtually no area untouched. Early settlers utilized much of the cleared acreage to establish a rich agriculture community, providing a variety of fruits and vegetables to the surrounding urban areas. Truck farming crops such as strawberries, sweet corn, cucumber and peppers are area favorites. Pick-your-own berry farms are popular with tourists and residents beginning in December with Louisiana's famous strawberries, and continuing through early summer when blackberries and blueberries are in season. Logging and forest product industries remain an important part of the local economy.