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Footprints & Paddledrips
Volume 3 Issue 7
Newsletter of the Georgia Nature-Based
Tourism Association,
August, 2001
Eco-tourism—Making it Work, Making it the Best
The July meeting of the Georgia Nature-based Tourism Associa-tion was
held near Savannah. Host Karen Arms of Tootsy Tours
(www.tootsytours.com)
led a panel discussion that focused on the nature-based tourism business,
eco-tourism ethics, & how to create an economically-viable operation
that meets the customers gen-eral needs while effectively presenting an
environmental message.
Karen Arms stated that the most effective way to promote con-servation
is to show that it is economically feasable because "money talks".
The legislature unfortuately does not focus on eco-tourism at a level
that is warrented by its proven importance to the state's economy.
She also commented that there are a number of eco-tourism "hobby
companies" that detract from the ones which truely live up to the
name "nature-based".
Michael Neal of Bull River Cruises (www.bullriver.com)
pointed out that there is an abundance of differing defini-tions of "eco-tourism"
which leads to confusion.
This area of tourism is signifi-cantly-different from other seg-ments
because of its conserva-tion aspect, and is more than just pointing out
birds or dol-phins.
Also, those wanting to wear the label of "nature-based" should
be expected to follow certain standards & ethics of operation.
He said there is also a need for all the nature-based entities to work
together in each of their regions of Georgia to promote & protect
their special areas of operation.
Joyce Murless & Diana Chur-chill of Wilderness Southeast
(912-897-5108) discussed the ways that nature-based organ-izations can
present an effective educational program that leads to a successful operation.
One challenge to overcome is the idea that learning must take place within
the walls of a schoolhouse. Also let it be known that you can have fun
& learn at the same time. Find yourself a niche & focus on quality.
It is important to realize that often multiple shorter programs can be
more effective for both the presentation & the financial aspect.
At the conclusion of the round-table discussion, it was noted that in
the past non-profits were seen as the only educational & socially-responsible
entities. But now the trend is for profit-based corporations with a social
con-cience.
July Activity Highlights
July's afternoon educational activity took place after the GNTA general
meeting and consisted of a tour of the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum
& Nature Center (www.georgianetweb.com/socanal) that was led by
Gerald Will-iamson & Dave Chafin.
Located along the banks of the mighty Ogeechee River near Savannah, the
popular site pre-serves a portion of the 19th Century barge canal that
con-nected the Savannah & Ogee-chee Rivers.
Each bend in the trail along the river swamp & upland areas brought
the hikers to another section where wildflowers, tow-ering trees, or native
animals could be enjoyed.
Color was provided by the Sum-mertime blooms of Pickerel-weed, Clematis,
Trumpet Creeper, & Lizard's Tail.
The woodland floor was cov-ered with masses of Royal Fern while a canopy
of green was provided by giant cypress, black gum, & swamp chestnut
oak.
In one area all the native species of palmetto could be examined side-by-side.
Low tide provided a chance to search for animal tracks, while all around
a variety of birds were calling. Announcing their presence were Acadian
Flycat-cher, Red-shouldered Hawk, Great Crested Flycatcher, & Red-bellied
Woodpecker.
A bit of excitement occured when the adventurers paused to admire the
beauty of the river, & an "anaconda-sized" water snake
was spotted sunbathing at the edge of the trail.
Everyone agreed that this amazing site is worthy of being on the Colonial
Coast Birding Trail & planned future visits.
GNTA Contacts
Correspondence & membership
President:
Sheila Willis
326 Pineview Dr.
Waycross, GA 31501
912-285-0419
Newsletter Items (by last Monday of each month)
Vice President:
Karen Arms
P.O. Box 10585
Savannah, GA 31412
912-232-0032
karms@tootsytours.com
Billing Statements
Treasurer:
Joy Campbell
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-7156
info@okefenokeeadventures.com
Nature-based Events
Laura S. Walker State Park
Nature-based Tourism Seminar
Come participate on Aug. 20 in a special session from 1-3:00 p.m.
at Laura S. Walker State Park near Waycross that high-lights the
nature-based tourism industry in Georgia through a slide program, featured
speak-ers, & exhibits. Members of the GNTA will be presenting
short segments on their respective areas of the industry & leading
a roundtable discussion on issues of concern. Topics include the Colonial
Coast Birding Trail, private nature tours, bed & breakfast inns, state
parks, and river corridors & canoeing fes-tivals. In addition, noted
artist Lydia Thompson will have on display her artwork of area birds that
showcases the beau-tiful creatures behind the bird-watching boom that
pours money into the local economy. Featured speakers are: Sheila
Willis (Native American- Natu-ralist Talks & Tours), Lynn
Carter (Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism), Lydia Thompson
(ArtworksbyLydia), Bob Boyne (Laura S. Walker State Park), & Genna
Wangs-ness (The Inn at Folkston Bed & Breakfast). Refreshments
will be served in the newly-renovat-ed Interpretive Center. A variety
of free handouts will be availa-ble. The park is located 8 miles south
of Waycross between U.S. #1 and Hwy 82.
Altamaha River Rat Run
Lynn Carter of the Baxley-Appling County Board of Tourism
announces that their Fall 2001 Altamaha River Rat Run Canoe & Kayak
Excursion will take place on Sept. 22.
The 8-mile family paddle along the beautiful Altamaha River will be from
Morris Landing to Eason's Landing with a stop for a picnic lunch at Davis
Landing. This is a "Beautify America" project that always delivers
a memorable experience for all who participate.
For furthur information check www.baxley.org
or call 912-367-7731.
Send Us Your News
If you know of any interesting nature news, conservation con-cerns, or
nature-based events & conferences, please help spread the word by
sending a notice to the GNTA. At each meeting member newsletters or other
informative documents will be available for display.
Association Schedule
General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of alternate months. If
you would like to host a future meeting, please contact the current president
no later than the 15th of the month preceding the gathering. 2001
(date/location/host)
Sep. 18—Cypress Lake, Eastman—Eastman Dodge Co. Chamber of
Commerce (GNTA Annual Meeting)
Nov. 20—Obediah's Okefenok, Waycross—Obediah's Okefenok
Newsletter Delivery
It was decided at the July meeting that future editions of the Footprints
& Paddledrips newsletter will be sent via e-mail where possible.
If you would like a hard copy instead, please contact Sheila Willis at
912-285-0419. It is vital that we have your current, correct e-mail address.
Please check the latest directory (June 2001) & notify us of any changes.
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