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The GNTA is composed of a variety of individuals, organizations, businesses,
& agencies who all believe that conservation and commerce are inter-connected.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of Nature-based Tourism.
There is a shared sense of responsibility to our communities and our natural
resources.
Also, GNTA members believe in the importance of looking past artificial
boundaries of city, county, & state limits and those that separate
various agencies & organziations.
Each of us can reap benefits by examining the work & ideas of others.
In order to learn more about the individual members of the GNTA &
the focus of their work, a "Members' Spotlight" column is presented
here with excerpts taken from the members' brochures, flyers, and other
information sources. Additional members will be highlighted on a regular
basis.
2001
2002
December 2001: Albany Tomorrow
 Albany Tomorrow
A non-profit organization charged with developing the RiverCenter &
revitalization of downtown Albany... "Building today for Albany Tomorrow"
"Our future is riding on the river" "It's not surprising
that the health of Southwest Georgia is directly connected to the artery
running through it."
"The waters of the Flint have carried bark canoes, paddle-wheels
and ski boats...sustained cypress swamps as well as orderly rows of cash
crops...and echoed with the calls of birds & fervent cries of "Amen"
as the newly baptized are born again."
"The Flint River is the source of our community's rebirth. It is
bringing Albany and South Georgia back to life"
"For children, the river environs is a magical territory where they
can experience the wonders of the natural world & discover their place
within it. That experience will shape the rest of their lives. It can
instill within them a love for learning, a respect for the land, and a
sense of responsibility toward each other & other living beings."
"As our community begins to embrace the Flint River, we are also
discovering new depths in ourselves. Bonds are being forged between young
& old, wealthy & needy, businesses & individuals. The appeal
of the river transcends race, gender & education. Architecture &
arbors...high-technology & historic preservation... recreation &
education...spiritual refreshment & economic opportunities...what's
good for people & what's good for nature...the Flint River is the
thread that weaves them all together in a single, harmonious fabric."
The Flint River Center---a center to interpret the geologic,
hydrologic, ecologic, & climatic conditions of the Flint River basin.
An innovative, interactive facility that combines education, recreation,
& economic development--and other riverside projects like outdoor
classrooms, parks, & nature trails. With a RiverCenter as a unifying
factor, Albany's facilities and museums could work together, creating
more energy, learning opportunities and interest than they can alone.
The architect...absorbs the energy inherent in a site & discharges
it in a design that reveres the nature & celebrates the culture of
the land. The exhibit designer...specializes in developing living ecosystems
that entertain, educate, & allow visitors to explore & experience
habitats.
"On Albany's riverfront, people & nature can come together without
barriers and without causing harm to each other. The benefits are vast.
Albany's new riverside development allows South Georgia to expand its
economy while protecting its natural resources. It enables residents to
enjoy the Flint River without disrupting its ecology."
January 2002: Ashton, Ashton, & Associates
Ashton, Ashton, &
Associates
A company that has been “working with ecolodges and developing ecotours
since the late 1970’s”
The Ashtons “used their unique backgrounds of being biologists, educators,
and nature tourism experts to begin a new consulting service”
They have more than 25 years experience in “using, evaluating, developing,
and establishing lodges, tours, guides, and operators.”
Projects have included: “ecotourism feasibility studies, environmental,
wildlife & program planning surveys, and sustainable tourism and protected
area management training programs.”
Work is done to “create methods of monitoring programs and facilities
and (evaluating) their sustainability both environmentally and economically.”
The company “understands the need to establish proper facilities and
management strategies to sustain the natural and cultural attributes that
attract visitors that are so important to economic sustainability.”
March 2002: Baxley-Appling Co. Board of
Tourism
Baxley-Appling Co.
Board of Tourism
The Board of Tourism is charged with promoting the cultural, historical,
& natural features of Appling County and also with helping to preserve,
develop, & renovate these areas.
In order to accomplish these goals, the Director works with multiple
cultural, environmental, & educational organizations.
Brochures proclaim: "Discover the Difference...a relaxed lifestyle
in a community proud of its progressiveness".
The majestic Altamaha River is the key feature in the area and has been
called "One of America's Last Great Places, Georgia's Natural Treasure".
The BOT Director recognizes the need to work beyond the local boundaries
of the county in order to secure this waterways' protection.
Thus connections have been made with the Altamaha Riverkeepers to restore
& protect the entire river system, the Altamaha River Corridor Group
to partner with other neighboring counties tied to the river & working
for its natural environment, and the Nature Conservancy to acquire protection
for the unique Moody Swamp.
Additional on-going projects include assisting with the development of
the Altamaha River Canoe Trail, improvement of selected River Landings
that will include nature trails, and work towards creation of an Altamaha
River State Park.
Recognizing the importance of instilling concern for nature at an early
age, the A. Randall Tuten Environmental Park & Outdoor Classroom was
developed with nature trails, ponds, interpretive signs, and outdoor amphitheater.
In the cultural arena the BOT has been a supporter of local writers such
as Janisse Ray, author of "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood" that
describes her life growing up in Baxley, GA while depicting the beauty
of the Coastal Plains' longleaf pine forests and calling for their preservation.
"Nature-based Tourism is our focus" is a slogan used by the
BOT. The marriage of conservation and commerce is evident in the many
annual festivals which have an outdoor connection with a preservation
message.
Prime examples would be the twice-yearly, family paddle called the Altamaha
River Rat Run (a "Keep America Beautiful" project) and the April
Baxley Tree Fest ("Celebrating the Pines of South Georgia")
Both events have an educational as well as a recreational bent.
Baxley-Appling Co. Board of Tourism
Bull
River Cruises
In 1999 Michael Neal created Bull River Cruises in order to carry
out his vision "to share the natural beauty of Coastal Georgia's
waterways with others" and to "provide quality educational opportunities
to explore Georgia's Coastal nature and history".
He accomplishes his mission through the use of the "Island Explorer",
a 45 ft., 49-passenger excursion vessel from a base at the Bull River
Yacht Club Marina in Savannah.
Trips include tours of Savannah & Wassaw National Wildlife Refuges,
sunset and
dolphin cruises, a visit to the University of Georgia Marine Extention
Center (Skidaway Aquarium), and isolated Ossabaw Island.
History, culture, and local commerce (seafood & shipping) are featured
in ones such as the Thunderbolt Tour and Daufuskie Island Adventure.
Neal has stated that the more people know about how our environment works
and our connections to it, the more they will want to protect it, and
nature-based tourism business are in the perfect position to provide that
education in a professional and memorable way.
This method can even be an effective selling point, he says, as in their
slogan: "Bull River Cruises offers more than just a dolphin Cruise,
we offer a learning experience in the Coastal Georgia Ecosystem."
Each cruise takes into account the particular interests of the visitor,
provides opportunities for hand-on experiences, interactive discussions,
and always "there will be times of just enjoying the scenery".
In order to provide a quality tour for their clients, BRC has formed
partnerships with other area entities and businesses such as local restaurants,
aquariums, and cultural sites.
In addition, the staff has participated in many conferences and projects
that seek to protect the natural resources without which they could not
operate.
They have worked closely with the Girl Scouts in providing tours that
would help them earn the Coastal Georgia Patch and expose legislators
and business leaders from around the country to our irreplaceable
salt marshes and barrier islands.
Plus, it is not uncommon for the "Island Explorer" to be offered
for use in fundraising activities by charitable organizations.
A priority with Neal is that Bull River Cruises be staffed with caring
people who want to learn and who follow the highest standards-of-ethics
for nature-based tourism.
For more information:
Bull River Cruises
8005 Old Tybee Road
Savannah, GA 31410
912-897-7300
www.bullriver.com
Center for a Sustainable
Coast
The motto of this Center is: "conserving our natural heritage, investing
in our children's future on the Georgia coast".
It is a non-profit organization formed in 1997 and based on St. Simons
Island that "works to protect, preserve, and sustain coastal Georgia's
vital natural, cultural, and economic resources."
It takes as its definition of "sustainability" the following:
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generation to meet their own needs."
A five-tier plan of action includes education, collaboration, advisement,
advocacy, and legal activity.
Attention is placed on "the conditions and trends of coastal Georgia's
environment, existing and potential economic value of nature-based businesses,
and improving the accountability and reliability of decisions significantly
affecting the coastal environment", as well as many other related
issues.
Executive Director David Kyler leads a team of talented and dedicated
professionals which "believes that it is time to reconsider how we
define progress before "progress ruins what coastal Georgians value
most."
In order to carry their mission, they have partnered with a variety of
organizations on special projects and organized or participated in multiple
environmental forums and workshops.
A successful union with the Conservation Resource Institute & the
Georgia Conservation Voters led to the development of criteria to help
guide the OneGeorgia Authority in rural economic development.
Also, they were there in the beginning for the creation of the Coastal
Greenway Project, which is the first state coastal trail plan in the Southeast.
This project provides alternative modes of transportation linking coastal
Georgia towns to major natural, recreational, educational, & historic
sites.
Additional areas of activity & issues of concern come under the headings
of: air quality & atmospheric deposition, water resources, fisheries
& nature-based businesses, development, environment (education &
value), and publications.
A few examples of recent topics on their agenda include: coastal marsh
hammocks, titanium strip mines, and air & water pollution.
The Center's web site contains a wealth of information on coastal concerns
and provides links to other agencies for further contact by concerned
citizens.
For more information:
Center for a Sustainable Coast
221 Mallory St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
912-638-3612
www.sustainablecoast.com
City of Fargo
Located in Southeast Georgia, Fargo offers itself as a gateway to both
the Okefenokee Swamp and the Suwannee River.
The western Okefenokee has always contained the largest trees found in
that wetland, and so visitors who wish to explore the classic swamp scenery
of towering cypress draped in Spanish moss use the border town as a "jumping-off
place" for their adventures.
From deep within the depths of the swamp, a slow-moving current of ebony
water gradually leaves the great basin, and provides paddlers with just
enough push to help them in their travels "way down upon the
Suwannee River".
Recognizing the need to insure that this incomparable waterway would
continue to flow unspoiled for future generations, Mayor Patricia Oettmeier
and her fellow Clinch Countians worked tirelessly on its behalf.
The town's motto is "We may be small but we think big", and
so they persuaded timber company Superior Pine to donate large areas of
land along the corridor, and the state legislature to appropriate funding
for development.
Thus, the ground was broken on the site of the future Okefenokee State
Park containing the existing Stephen C. Foster State Park and a Suwannee
River Section.
From the beginning, listening to residents who said "we don't want
a Disneyland", community leaders set out to have a facility developed
that would be built with the environment in mind--"minimum disturbance"--
and provide a center for both individual visitors and larger groups to
learn about the local ecosystem.
The diverse forests in both the swamp and on the uplands have always
attracted the timbermen. Likewise, the pure waters are home to many species
of fish, and sunny days entice anglers from all over.
Nearby Griffis Fish Camp has been the scene of many a fisherman's tale,
including those told by the legendary Lem Griffis himself.
Culture and history are not forgotten in this place that was "as
far as you could go".
Interpretive markers pay homage to Stephen C. Foster whose classic song
about the Suwannee River first drew the world's attention to this corner
of Georgia, and the state park that bears his name often holds "Man
in the Swamp" events that serve as both reunions for past inhabitants
and educational forums.
Plus, the new state park will have a living history village component.
Seeing the broader picture, the mayor routinely works with other area
leaders, conservation organizations, & stateagencies to designate
Scenic Highway routes, fight pollution, & promote regional culture.
Despite the fact that the City of Fargo doesn't have any paid employees,
Ms. Oettmeier has said that they all want to "work for a better quality
of life, and that includes preserving the environment."
For further information:
City of Fargo
P.O. Box 387
Fargo, GA 31631
912-637-5597
Eastman-Dodge Co.
Chamber of Commerce
Dodge County is centrally-located in the heart of Georgia and
gained attention in the
late 1800's as one of Georgia's premier rural-vacation destinations.
It's "quiet, relaxing atmosphere" is still seen as a valuable
attribute and touted as helping the city-dweller to “de-stress” after
hectic times in the urban areas.
Nature-based tourism in the form of farm tours is a key feature for the
county with cotton fields, acres of watermelons, and pecanorchards (Eastman is the original home of Stuckey's Pecan Logs) being
visited.
The gently-rolling farmlands are surrounded by a variety of forests and
offer multiple opportunities for the birder in search of countryside species
unique to the South.
Waterways both large and small (Ocmulgee River, Gum Swamp Creek) stream
through the region on their way to the coast.
The county works with the Dept. of Natural Resources to offer visitors
access to Steve Bell Lake in the Dodge County Public Fishing Area while
an abundance of old grist mill sites turned farm ponds prove attractive
to fisherman and wildlife alike.
Brochures proudly announce that "traveling through Eastman and Dodge
County, its roads shaded with huge old oak trees, the singing of frogs
can be heard".
Scenic Cypress Lake Plantation is currently the preferred home for thousands
of nesting wading birds, dozens of Wood Ducks, and other bird species,
and walking or biking one of the trails brings you in contact with those
of the pinelands.
Dodge Co. Welcome Center Manager Ronna Janssen is providing assistance
to the Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Audubon Society as
they work to have it designated as an official "Important Bird Area".
Jay Bird Springs near Chauncey gained national attention when word spread
that an injured logger had followed a Blue Jay to a local spring where
its pure mineral waters healed his leg.
Americans flocked to the little town, and eventually Georgia's first
spring-fed swimming pool was built at the site in the early 1900's.
Further proof that healthy waters are good for the economy.
In the 1800's the county seat of Eastman acquired the nickname
of "The Paris of the Wiregrass" and developed a reputation for
attracting those early "snowbirds".
Historical tourism is alive and well there because "Eastman, although
focused on the future, has not forgotten its past".
Picturesque antebellum and Victorian homes can still be visited courtesy
of the efforts of the Dodge County Historical Society.
The motto "For every season there is a reason to visit Eastman and
Dodge County" can be recalled during the nature-themed Arbor Day
Salute, Spring Tour of Gardens, & Fishing Rodeo as these events are
celebrated.
For further information:
Eastman/Dodge Co. Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 550
Eastman, GA 31023
478-374-4723
www.eastman-georgia.com
June & July 2002: Georgia Wildlife Federation (Folkston
Office)
Georgia
Wildlife Federation (Folkston Office)
“Promoting the wise use and management of Georgia’s natural resources”.
These are the words that appear prominently on all the Georgia Wildlife
Federation’s publications and its website. They give the public a
clue as to what has driven this hard-working organization over the years.
Further details can be gleaned from their mission statement: “To
encourage the intelligent management of the life sustaining resources
of the earth - its essential water resources - its protective forests
and plant life - and its dependent wildlife - and to promote and encourage
the knowledge and appreciation of these resources, their interrelationship
and wise use, without which there can be little hope for a continuing
abundant life.”
The Georgia Wildlife Federation is the oldest and largest conservation
organization in the state, and an affiliate of the National Wildlife
Federation. It “speaks out on issues ranging from clean air and water
to wetlands preservation and wildlife management.”
Showing that they “put their money where their mouth is” where conservation
is concerned, a listing of their many accomplishments with relevance
to the Folkston area would include the following: “Led Nationwide Promotion
for Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program; Helped to Establish Conservation
Plan for Red-cockaded Woodpecker; Led Statewide Celebration for 20th
Anniversary of Earth Day; Created and Launched Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat
Program; Fought to Stop Proposed Mining Near Okefenokee Swamp; and Fights
to Re-establish Longleaf Pine Ecosystem in South GA.”
Some of the ways in which the organization carries out its mission to
educate the public is by providing informational materials and holding
special events. This pathway includes the Backyard & Schoolyard Habitat
Programs (designed to provide the basic elements for attracting & sustaining
wildlife); introduction of the “Georgia Wildlife: A Natural Georgia Series” magazine
that highlights the special natural areas of Georgia such as the Okefenokee
Swamp and is created by GNTA member Lenz Design and Communications;
and the “Georgia Wildlife Viewing Guide” that is a key to areas of the
state for wildlife viewing.
Roger Wangsness is Project Coordinator for the GWF in the Folkston
Office. He oversees all renovation and new construction at the Okefenokee
Swamp Education and Research Center in Folkston, GA and serves as the
liaison between the GWF, the city of Folkston, and the state of Georgia.
Plans for the Okefenokee Swamp Education and Research Center evolved
out of efforts to protect the uplands surrounding the eastern Okefenokee
Swamp from a proposal by the DuPont Corporation to strip-mine the area
for titanium.
The idea was to create a center where scientists could be based in order
to conduct their studies of this unique ecosystem. In addition, another
goal was to develop interpretive displays that explain the ecology, natural
resources, and cultural history of the area. The staff would offer special
Okefenokee Swamp-based programs and field trips, and a library would
also be available for those interested in delving more into various topics.
Georgia Wildlife Federation
1160 Hazelbrand Rd.
Covington, GA 30014
770-787-7887
www.gwf.org
Georgia Wildlife Federation/Folkston Office
c/o City Hall
103 N. First St.
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-2563 (via City Hall)
rwangsness@gwf.org
August & September 2002: Hazelhurst-Jeff Davis Co. Board of Tourism
Hazelhurst-Jeff Davis Co. Board of Tourism
The Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers merge on the border of Jeff Davis County
to form the Altamaha River, and thus “Jewel of the Altamaha” is one of the
titles chosen by the Hazelhurst-Jeff Davis Co. Board of Tourism to
describe this centrally-located Georgia county.
The Altamaha River is one of the state’s most picturesque waterways and
the other major rivers near it are no less spectacular. Go to that board’s
website for a description of the area and you read “Lining those river systems
are thousand of acres of swampy lowlands. Ideal habitat for wild game. These
lowlands are dotted with hundreds of fish-filled rivers and lakes…a sportsman's
paradise”.
According to reports, “The three river's natural beauty is largely undisturbed. At
least 130 species of rare or endangered plants and animals exist in and
along the river system. The river lowlands and swamps are popular areas
for hunters.”
Nature-based tourism and protection of these natural resources is a high
priority for the leaders of Jeff Davis County. They state “We are proud
to claim some of the best facilities in the state located in a scenic and
protected environment” and have taken as their motto “Come enjoy the great
outdoors”.
One of the most popularly-visited sites along its boundaries is Bullard
Creek Wildlife Management Area that is described as “covering approximately
fourteen thousand acres of river flood plain with pine and hardwood adjacent
uplands - housing a wide variety of wildlife” with multiple opportunities
for fishing, hunting, hiking, & primitive camping.
The local website gives one a guide to the many ways to explore a region
rich in waterways and picturesque farmlands and “experience southern hospitality
up close and personal”. Major offerings include ECO-TOURS: “Enjoy the great
outdoors and in all of its natural glory. Reconnect with nature by scheduling
a guided canoe tour” and AGRI-TOURS: “Learn about southern heritage by taking
a farm tour offering authentic southern meals. Retreat from the hustle and
bustle for a while and get the feel for the slower paced lifestyle of the
countryside. Our community epitomizes the rural, farm country that is the
backbone of the South.”
Some of the nature-based tourism events that highlight and emphasize the
uniqueness of this area include for Spring the Farm-City Day (participate
in rural lifestyle activities) & the Altamaha Wilderness Adventure Challenge;
for Summer the Altamaha River Canoe Run (leisurely scenic tours of wildlife
habitats); and for Fall other River Canoe Runs on the Altamaha & Ocmulgee,
the Dixieland Cotton Tour (visit area farmland attractions), & the Cotton
Harvest Festival and Fly-in (farm tours & airplanes).
The town of Hazelhurst got its start in the late 1800’s as an important
base camp during the building of a network of railroads across the South.
History buffs who want to learn more about this special community can get
a glimpse into its fascinating past when Cotton was King by visiting the Hazlehurst-Jeff
Davis Historical Museum, a turn-of-the-last-century cottage built entirely
out of heart pine.
Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis Co. Board of Tourism
October & November 2002: Jekyll Island Convention & Visitors
Bureau/Welcome Center
Jekyll Island Convention & Visitors Bureau/Welcome
Center
In recognition of the value of Jekyll Island, a state law was
passed in the 1950’s concerning future development that decreed
that “65% will remain a nature preserve for future generations
to enjoy.” This formerly privately-owned island is now leased
by the state to the Jekyll Island Authority, which is comprised
of a board of individuals from the business, government and
education arenas.
The Mission Statement for the Authority is revealing. It includes
the phrase that the Authority “shall provide trustworthy stewardship
and conservation of our natural and cultural resources.” And
again in its Vision Statement the Authority builds-in as its
standard a commitment to “progressive stewardship”.
From the beginning, the focus was on showcasing to the world
the natural beauty and cultural heritage of one of Georgia’s
Golden Isles. Interestingly, this familiar nickname is a reference
not to pirate’s gold or the gilt of millionaire era, but to
the hue taken by the salt marsh vegetation in the Fall. So the
visitor is encouraged to “Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities
to experience the diverse coastal ecosystems. From richly preserved
maritime forests to ever-changing dune systems, you are surrounded
with nature's miraculous beauty.”
The Jekyll Island Convention and Visitors Bureau was
established to help visitors enjoy their experience while in
South Georgia and a Welcome Center located on the causeway
west of the island serves as a necessary starting point by being
both a source of information about the area and as well as a
unique wildlife viewing area. Their website provides an overview
of the many ways that that branch of tourism called “nature-based” can
be experienced. And at each step the connection to conservation
is featured.
Some of the sections featured and their ecological messages
are: Shelling (“ample opportunity to collect a variety of shells….Some
whelks are homes to hermit crabs, so please take home only the
memory of watching these interesting creatures scurry across
the sand. Sand dollars are abundant but also living creatures.
You can help preserve our shoreline by limiting your catch.”);
Bird watching (“one of 18 sites along the Colonial Coast Bird
Watching Trail… In addition to abundant year-round population,
Jekyll serves as a resting place in the spring and fall for
migrating species on the Atlantic Flyway”), and Sea Turtles
(“Loggerhead sea turtles have found a safe haven on Jekyll…The
Jekyll Island Turtle Project is committed to ensuring that nature's
routine is undisturbed… and join the "adopt A Loggerhead" program.”).
The nature-based tourist can find many environmentally-friendly
ways to learn more about the plants, animals, and natural cycles
of Jekyll Island. Guided Nature Walks are “held year-round and
explain Georgia's coastal environment.” Weekly, those offered
by GNTA member Lydia Thompson are centered on the task
of locating the many bird species that can be found here. Sea
Turtles are another featured creature as during the “nights
from June into early August, the Turtle Walk Program allows
interested visitors of all ages to learn about Loggerheads and
have an opportunity to actually see a mother turtle nest.”
Specialty boat tours abound and “dolphin tours, charter
fishing, birding and coastal marsh tours are offered throughout
the year.” Miles of bike trails and walking paths have been
created to provide other ways of exploring, and a riverside
fishing pier is popular with anglers. For a change of pace,
horseback rides can also be taken through the maritime forest
and on the beach and narrated horse-drawn carriage tours make
their way through the famous Historic District.
At the Historic District history & architecture buffs can
join one of the regularly-scheduled walking tours of the fabulous
homes built by millionaires of the Gilded Age who recognized
the beauty of the island and claimed it as their own.
TIDELANDS NATURE CENTER on the lower east side houses
a variety of exhibits on barrier islands and features an aquarium
with fish, turtles, alligators, and other animals native to
coastal Georgia. They also allow you to “Get up close and personal
with hermit crabs, whelks, and other marine life in the touch
tanks.” Plus, kayaking and canoeing are available seasonally.
Those connected with Jekyll Island are always looking for more
ways to involve the public in the conservation efforts to protect
them. At the Jekyll Island Campground, located underneath the
majestic live oaks on the northern end, a special “Bird Sanctuary” has
been created to allow campers and other visitors to sit and
enjoy the feathered residents. Each May the Turtle Crawl (swim,
walk, run, bike or triathlon relay) is held. “The event will… help
fund the sea turtle facilities on St. Catherines and Jekyll
Islands.”
And touting the proven soothing effects of a nature-based vacation,
they emphasize that “When you arrive, you'll find the hustle
and stress of everyday life seem to drift away through the moss-draped
live oaks and swaying pines.”
Jekyll Island Convention & Visitors Bureau/Welcome
Center
December 2002: Kayak Amelia
Kayak Amelia
When you come across the term “eco-tourism” for the first time,
the word doesn’t have to conjure up images of a formal classroom
attitude by trip leaders. Showing a sense of humor that is an
integral part of their company’s atmosphere, the founders of
Kayak Ameila chose as their slogan “You deserve a good paddling!” to
indicate that nature-based adventures can be fun as well as
educational and recreational.
When you view their website, and click on the Photos Page that
provides a Trip Log of past experiences, you see broad smiles
on all the faces. It’s clear that Jody Hetchka has followed
through on her pledge to “make her guests feel comfortable and
'at home' while kayaking…by listening to their wishes and concerns.”
Another slogan, “Come…paddle and discover history, nature,
and tranquility from a kayak”, provides a summary of the focus
of the activities that the company offers. Their guides “take
you from the island's prehistoric beginnings to a deeper understanding
of the delicate balance between man and the coastal environment”.
The central core of programs includes half-day trips such as
a Marsh Paddle through the spartina salt marsh, “the most productive
ecosystem on the planet”; Bar Hopping that in outdoor terms
means a paddle out to a sand bar for an afternoon’s birding;
and a visit to Kingsley Plantation by navigating the Fort George
River to “get the same view that river traders got”.
In order to illustrate that “Bio-regions know no political
boundaries”, Kayak Amelia has partnered with Okefenokee Adventures at
the Eastern Entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp to introduce their
guests to “two distinct eco-systems, the salt marsh of NE Florida
and the fresh water Okefenokee Swamp in SE Georgia, to give
you a more complete understanding of the natural and human history
of our region.”
Recently awarded the Kayak & Canoe Concession in Talbot
Island State Park, the Hetchkas have now added Canoe & Kayak
rentals, Kayak Instruction, and additional special tours such
as Sunset and Moonlight. There’s even one that features TaiChi,
a nod to the way that a visit to a natural area helps produce
a feeling of serenity.
The couple proclaims that “We never know who we will meet on
a kayak trip – (finned, furred or feathered)”. And because they
are always “enthusiastic about giving visitors a deeper appreciation
of the critters that inhabit the marsh”, their website includes
a Critter News page with the latest information on manatees,
right whales, etc. Highlighting endangered marine reptiles,
one section provides detailed information on the Amelia Island
Sea Turtle Watch.
From including nature-based poetry to describing how plastic
pollution in the form of garbage such as fishing lines and balloons
are drowning and maiming turtles, dolphins, manatees, and other
animals in the oceans, their website shows the many ways that
people interact with their environment.
Most revealing, this award-winning company’s website’s home
page begins with a listing of what they feel the basics of nature-based
tourism must involve. This includes: “RESPECT for the critters,
people, and natural communities that we encounter; A desire
to EDUCATE our guest about the basic processes, interactions
and histories of those communities in our Bioregion; Commitment
to the PROTECTION of the areas we visit and Adherence to a code
of ETHICAL BEHAVIOR for our staff and guests when in those areas.
To do less would be a disservice to both our neighbors (human
and non-human) and You! And hopefully......What you see with
your eyes, you will treasure with your Heart!”
Co-owner Ray Hetchka believes that "In this age
of the burgeoning Eco-Tourism boom in Florida it is vitally
important that we protect the natural communities we choose
to showcase." And “to make that commitment real, he served
on the FLA/USA NE Region Eco/Heritage Tourism: Education, Ethics
and Protection Committee”.
Certified Eco-Heritage Tourism providers, the Hetchkas also
were asked to teach the “How to Operate an Ethical EcoHeritage
Tourism Business” advanced workshop. Ray says “Courses such
as this will help to ensure the safe and ethical use of our
natural resources and aid in protecting local ecosystems for
future generations to enjoy.”
Kayak Amelia
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