Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association

Member Directory

Membership and Resource Directory for October 2002

Key

Co.: county;
Is.: island;
N.W.R.: national wildlife refuge;
R: river;
S.P.: state park;
w/: with;
( ): physical location of member

Note

For complete/detailed information about a member, please contact them directly. The GNTA web site directory provides free links to current members. For information about a natural resource, contact the member with ties to that area.

Membership Listing

Dues are payable-in-full at time of application and due annually thereafter; those members who fail to pay by their renewal date will be dropped from all GNTA listings; directory revisions are provided monthly on the GNTA web site and by e-mail (regular mail users get monthly updates and a twice-yearly printed issue). Please contact the GNTA with your updates as soon as possible.

Albany Tomorrow

P.O. Box 423
Albany, GA 31702
(212-1/2 West Broad Ave., Albany, GA)
Contacts: Tina Mitchell
229-430-3910
229-430-3926 fax
info@albanytomorrow.com
www.albanytomorrow.com
Primary: riverwalks, parks, greenspaces, hiking/biking trails, Flint River Center, revitalize downtown
Resources: Flint R., Oxford Environmental Park

Ashton, Ashton, & Associates, Inc.

14260 W. Newberry Rd. #331
Newberry, FL 32669
Contacts: Ray Ashton, Pat Ashton
352-495-7449
352-495-7433 fax
tortfarm2@aol.com
www.geocities.com/ashtonbiodiversity
Primary: consulting on sustainable tourism development & protected area & species management; monitoring tourism impacts; tour guide training; creation of economically & environmentally sustainable facilities & programs.
Resources: worldwide

Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism

P.O.Box 537
Baxley, GA 31515
(305 West Parker St., Baxley, GA)
Contacts: Lynn Carter
912-367-7731
912-367-2073 fax
lscarter@baxley.org
www.baxley.org
Primary: destination-marketing (tourism promotion); special events
Resources: Baxley; Appling Co.; Altamaha R.; Moody Swamp; A. Randall Tuten Environmental Park; River Landing County Park

Bull River Cruises

8005 Old Tybee Rd.
Savannah, GA 31410
Hwy #80 East
Contacts: Michael Neal
912-897-7300
912-897-0668 fax
800-311-4779 toll-free
brmarina@aol.com
www.bullriver.com
Primary: eco-adventure cruises (private & public); specialized trips; watercraft rentals
Resources: Savannah & Bull R.; Little Tybee & Ossabaw Is.

Center for a Sustainable Coast

221B Mallory St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Contacts: David Kyler
912-638-3612
912-638-3615 fax
susdev@gate.net
www.sustainablecoast.org
Primary: assessment, documentation, & advocacy of nature-based business & resource conservation
Resources: coastal GA

City of Fargo

P.O. Box 387
Fargo, GA 31631
(78 City Hall Drive., Fargo, GA)
Contacts: Patricia C. Oettmeier
912-637-5597
912-637-5344 fax
cityoffargo@hotmail.com
Primary: municipal government
Resources: Fargo, Clinch Co., Upper Suwannee R., Okefenokee NWR, Okefenokee State Park (Stephen C. Foster, Suwannee River Sections)

Coastal Georgia Greenway

P.O. Box 21181
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Contacts: Melissa Ippensen
912-258-3527
912-877-2021 fax
mippensen@hotmail.com
Primary: coastal GA system of outdoor recreational trails (hiking, biking, equestrian, water); demonstration projects linking historical, natural, & cultural sites in each county (trail currently under development)
Resources: coastal GA counties (Chatham, Bryan, (Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn, & Camden) including barrier islands, marshes, & area rivers & creeks; Savannah Historic District, Lake Meyer Park, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal, JF Gregory Park, Richmond Hill City Hall, Sapelo Island Visitor's Center, Darien HIstoric District, Darien River Waterfront Park, Ft. King George, Ashantilly, The Ridge Historic District, North Glynn Co. Recreation Park, Brunswick-Altamaha Canal, Crooked River State Park, St. Marys Waterfront Park, Woodbine Waterfront Park; lighthouses, Bartram Trail; East Coast Greenway

Eastman/Dodge Co. Chamber of Commerce

P.O.Box 550
Eastman, GA 31023
(116 Ninth Ave., Eastman, GA)
Contacts: Ronna Janssen
478-374-4723
478-374-4626 fax
chamberofcommerce@eastman-georgia.com
www.eastman-georgia.com
Primary: destination-marketing (tourism promotion); special events
Resources: Eastman; Dodge Co.; Cypress Lake Plantation; Ocmulgee R.; JayBird Springs; Dodge Co. Public Fishing Area

Georgia Wildlife Federation-Folkston Office
Okefenokee Swamp Education and Research Center
(OERC)

C/O City Hall
103 N. FIrst St.
Folkston, GA 31537
Contacts: Roger Wangsness
912-496-2563 (via city hall)
912-496-3844 fax (via city hall)
rwangsness@gwf.org
www.gwf.org
Primary: Environmental education;Okefenokee Swamp Research
Resources: Okefenokee Swamp Area

Hazelhurst-Jeff Davis Co. Board of Tourism

P.O. Box 546
Hazelhurst, GA 31539
(95 E. Jarman St., Hazelhurst, GA)
Contacts: Wanda Marchant
912-375-4543
912-375-7948 fax
hjdtour@altamaha.net
www.hazlehurst-jeffdavis.com
Primary: destination-marketing (tourism promotion); special events
Resources: Hazelhurst; Jefferson Davis Co.; Ocmulgee, Oconee, & Altamaha R.; Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area

Jekyll Island Convention & Visitors Bureau/Welcome Center

901 Jekyll Island Causeway.
Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Contact: Debra Wilkes
912-635-4080
912-635-4073 fax
877-453-5955 toll-free
dwilkes@jekyllisland.com
www.jekyllisland.com
Primary: destination-marketing (tourism promotion); convention center; special events; bike & hiking trails; campground; fishing pier, Historic District tours; convention center; golf course; tennis courts; picnic areas
Resources: Jekyll Island; Jekyll Creek; Atlantic Ocean; Jekyll Island Historic District; bike trails; campground; fishing pier

Kayak Amelia

2701 LeSabre Pl.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Contacts: Ray Hetchka, Jody Hetchka
904-321-0697
904-261-7591 fax
888-305-2925 toll-free
hetchka@net-magic.net
www.kayakamelia.com
Primary: guided kayak tours
Resources: FL: Amelia Is., Talbot Islands Geo Park, Timucuan Preserve; GA: St. Marys R. Delta

LaRoque, June

601 Ava St.
Waycross, GA 31501
(701 Magnolia Ct., A-1, Waycross, GA)
Contacts: June LaRoque, Martin Eaves
912-338-9648
912-284-1099
osley@planttel.net
Primary: retired teacher, citizen activist
Resources: Ware Co.

Lenz, Inc.

119 E. Court Square
Suite 201
Decatur, GA 30030
Contacts: Richard Lenz; Pam Holliday
404-373-2021
404-371-0293 fax
chip@lenzmarketing.com (Web site)
richard@lenzmarketing.com
www.lenzmarketing.com
www.sherpaguides.com
Primary: web site & publications design; printing; natural history writing (articles, newsletters, books, magazines, brochures); marketing; PR

Little St. Simons Island

P.O. Box 21078
Little St. Simons Island, GA 31522-0578
Contacts: Bo Taylor
912-638-7472
912-634-1811 fax
888-733-5774 toll-free
lssi@mindspring.com
www.LittleStSimonsIsland.com
Primary: private nature preserve (extended visits & day trips); lodges & cabins with meals; naturalist programs & activities; special children's programs; outdoor recreation equipment free usage for guests
Resources: Little St. Simons Is.; Hampton R.

Marsh Tours

310 Magnolia Ave.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
(Dock: Hampton Point Marina, St. Simons Island, GA)
Contacts: Jeanne Pleasants, Jim Pleasants
912-638-9354
912-267-1966 fax--weekdays only
jeanne@marshtours.com
www.marshtours.com
Primary: boat tours of salt marsh; natural history, birding & dolphin quests; sunset cruises
Resources: St. Simons & Little St. Simons Is. marshes; Hampton R.; Altamaha R. Delta; Pelican Spit

Melon Bluff

2999 Islands Highway
Midway, GA 31320
Contacts: Don Devendorf
912-884-5779
912-884-3046 fax
888-246-8188 toll-free
melonbluff@clds.net
www.melonbluff.com
Primary: natural & heritage preserve; hiking trails; lodging w/ breakfast; wagon rides; group boating & tours; equipment rentals; gift shop; museum gallery; group meals & retreats; special programs & events
Resources: Liberty Co., Dickenson Creek, Medway R.

Millar, Francis

Route 1, Box 1335
Folkston, GA 31537
Contacts: Francis Millar
912-496-2750
Primary: retired; environmental conservation activist (private citizen)
Resources: Charlton Co.

National Wildlife Federation, Inc.

1330 W. Peachtree St.
Suite 475
Atlanta, GA 30309
Contacts: Vicki Seastrom, Andrew Shock
404-876-8733
404-892-1744 fax
Seastrom@nwf.org
www.nwf.org
Primary: advocacy of wildlife & habitat conservation; environmental education; Backyard Wildlife & Schoolyard Habitat Programs; Naturelink school clubs; teacher workshops
Resouces: Southeastern US Region; USA

Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours

326 Pineview Dr.
Waycross, GA 31501
Contacts: Sheila Willis
912-285-0419
swillis@wayxcable.com
Primary: natural history, bird & wildflower programs & tours; biological surveys (birds, reptiles, plants); Native American programs & tours; natural history writing & photography
Resources: Okefenokee Swamp (Okefenokee Adventures); barrier islands & coastal marshes; Altamaha River; farmlands; Savannah N.W.R., Appalachian Mountains

Obediah's Okefenok

5115 Swamp Road
Waycross, GA 31503
Contacts: Billy Brantley
912-287-0090
912-283-3557 fax
obediahs@okefenokeeswamp.com
www.okefenokeeswamp.com
Primary: Okefenokee Swamp pioneer homesite (Obediah Barber); nature trails, museums & zoo; educational tours; facilities for meetings, reunions, etc.; gift shop & seasonal food services; special events
Resources: Obediah Barber home; Okefenokee Swamp uplands

Okefenokee Adventures

Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
(Okefenokee NWR East Entrance/Suwannee Canal Rec. Area)
Contacts: Chip Campbell, Joy Campbell
912-496-7156
866-843-7926 toll-free
912-496-7991 fax--via O.N.W.R. Visitor Center
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
www.OkefenokeeAdventures.com
Primary: Okefenokee N.W.R. cooperating partner (East Entrance/Suwannee Canal Recreation Area); natural & cultural history boat, canoe & kayak tours;watercraft, bike, & camping equipment rentals; outdoor recreation equipment sales; food service; gift shop; shuttles; special events
Resources: Okefenokee N.W.R.; South Georgia/North Florida rivers (Suwannee, St. Mary's, Satilla); Okefenokee State Park (Stephen C. Foster, Suwannee River sections)

Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 756
Folkston, GA 31537
(202 W. Main St., Folkston, GA)
Contacts: Sheila Stidham
912-496-2536
912-496-4601 fax
folkston@planttel.net
www.folkston.com
Primary: destination-marketing (tourism promotion); special events
Resources: Charlton Co.; Okefenokee N.W.R.; St. Marys & Satilla R.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Route 2, Box 3330
Folkston, GA 31537
(Headquarters & Visitor Center: East Entrance)
Contacts: Jim Burkhart, Skippy Reeves
912-496-7366 ext.233
912-496-3332 fax
james_burkhart@fws.gov
www.okefenokee.fws.gov
Primary: preservation of Okefenokee Swamp; wildlife & habitat management; natural & cultural history interpretation; recreational services & guided boat tours (thru concessionaires at East/West Entrances); driving, hiking, & water trails; Native American & pioneer homesites; interpretive center; special events; managed deer hunts; fishing
Resources: Okefenokee Swamp & adjacent uplands

Okefenokee Pastimes

RR 2 Box 3090
Folkston, GA 31537
(GA Hwy #121/23)
Contacts: Jo Knight
912-496-4472
912-496-4472 fax
swamp@okefenokee.com
www.okefenokee.com
Primary: lodging (cabin rentals) & camping (RV & tent) for individuals & groups; guided nature tours (day & overnight) by kayak, canoe, or motorboat; nature-based Art Gallery; outfitting; canoe & kayak rentals; shuttle services
Resources: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; St. Marys River, coastal marsh, Cumberland Island & inshore waters

Okefenokee State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park Section

Route 1, Box 131
Fargo, GA 31631
(Hwy 177)
Contacts: Superintendent, Jackie Clay
912-637-5274
912-637-5587 fax
scfost@planttel.net
Primary: state park & Okefenokee N.W.R. cooperating partner (West Entrance); natural & cultural history programs, walks, & pontoon boat tours; museum; nature trails; watercraft rentals; cottages & campground; picnic area; special events
Resources: Okefenokee N.W.R., upper Suwannee R.

Oke Trail Masters

Route 1 Box 123
Fargo, GA 31631
(HWY 441 North)
Contacts: Lisa Johnson, Marty Johnson
912-637-5163
866-538-7245 toll-free
OkeTrlMstr@aol.com
Primary: guided day/overnight nature trips by boat/canoe/airboat; river-camping outfitting (setups, shuttle, equipment rentals); canoe rental; shuttle service
Resources: Okefenokee NWR; Northwest FL/South GA rivers; specializing in Suwannee (FL), Santa Fe, Alapaha, Withlacoochee; Okefenokee State Park (Stephen C. Foster, Suwannee River sections)

Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center

681 Ft. Argyle Rd.
Savannah, GA 31419
(Hwy #204 West)
Contacts: Dave Chafin, Nancy Read
912-748-8068
912-748-0805 fax
socm@csam.net
www.socanalmuseum.com
Primary: historic site (Savannah-Ogeechee Barge Canal); museum & nature trails; environmental education; historical & natural history programs; riverbank fishing; canoe & pavilion rentals
Resources: Savannah-Ogeechee Barge Canal; Ogeechee R.

Southeast Adventure Outfitters

313 Mallory St.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
(Second location & dock: Hwy 17 South, Brunswick, GA)
Contacts: Michael Gowen
912-638-6732
912-638-6334 fax
sea@coastalgeorgia.com
www.southeastadventure.com
Primary: guided educational kayak tours & camping trips; equipment rentals and sales; customized tours; area map and chart sales
Resources: Okefenokee NWR; Altamaha & Satilla R.s; coastal islands (Blackbeard, Sapelo, St. Simons, Jekyll, Ossabaw, Cumberland)

Stephen C. Foster State Park Section
See Okefenokee State Park

The Georgia Conservancy

1776 Peachtree St.
Suite 4005
Atlanta, GA 30309
Contacts: Susan Kidd
404-876-2900-ext. 33
skidd@gaconservancy.org
www.georgiaconservancy.org
Primary: working for preservation of natural areas, clean air, and water, establishment of community greenspaces; developing stategies to combat urban sprawl; environmental education programs & workshops
Resources: Georgia

The Helmstead Bed and Breakfast

P.O. Box 61
Homerville, GA 31634
(One Fargo Rd., Homerville, GA)
Contacts: Jane Helms, Jerome Riley
912-487-2222
912-422-6213 fax
888-224-3567 toll-free
helmstead@aol.com
Primary: lodging w/ breakfast; shuttles; area tours
Resources: Clinch Co.; Okefenokee N.W.R.; upper Suwannee R.; Okefenokee State Park (Stephen C. Foster and Suwannee R. sections)

The Inn at Folkston Bed and Breakfast

509 West Main St.
Folkston, GA 31537
Contacts: Jenna Wangsness, Roger Wangsness
912-496-6256 phone & fax
888-509-6246 toll-free
info@innatfolkston.com
www.innatfolkston.com
Primary: lodging w/ breakfast; Okefenokee Swamp tour-packages
Resources: Charlton Co.; Okefenokee N.W.R.; St. Marys R.

Thompson, Lydia C.

1912 First Ave.
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Contacts: Lydia C. Thompson
912-634-1322
artworksbylydia@thebest.net
www.thebest.net/artworksbylydia
Primary: coastal birding walks & programs; bird artwork: etchings, watercolor prints (limited editions, commissions); Glynn Co. birding articles & booklet guide; coastal birding ambassador; bird bander
Resources: coastal Georgia (St. Simons Is.; Jekyll Is.; Altamaha State WMA)

Tootsy Tours, Inc.

140 Johnny Mercer Blvd., Suite 12
P.O. Box 30279
Savannah, GA 31410
Contacts: Karen Arms, Beth Nunley
912-898-3111 ofc
888-736-3828 toll-free
geninfo@tootsytours.com
www.tootsytours.com
Primary: guided natural & historical walking & van tours (including black heritage and Jewish history); SE US Coastal Region; Okefenokee Swamp tour packages; specializing in group tours (Girl Scout, etc.) & group tour organization services
Resources: GA; Savannah Historic District, coastal marshes & barrier islands;National Wildlife Refuges: Savannah, Harris Neck, Okefenokee; SC: Carleston, Beaufor; SE Region: Cape Hatteras to Cape Canaveral

Trowell, Chris

1302 Old Bell Lake Rd.
Douglas, GA 31535
Contacts: Chris Trowell
912-384-2624
ctrowell@surfsouth.com
Primary: historian (retired); historical writer (articles, books, & booklets)
Resources: Coffee Co.; Okefenokee Swamp

Wilderness Southeast, Inc.

PO Box 15185
Savannah, GA 31406
(9521 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, GA)
Contacts: Joyce Murlless, Diana Churchill
912-897-5108
912-355-3357 home & fax (J.M.)
info@wilderness-southeast.org
www.wilderness-southeast.org
Primary: environmental education activities & special programs; wildlife & nature tours
Resources: The Georgia Coast, including National Wildlife Refuges, barrier islands, the estuary, salt marshes, and river swamps