|
 
Footprints & Paddledrips
Volume 4 Issue 9
Newsletter of the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association,
December, 2002
Nov. Meeting Highlights
The GNTA met on Nov. 19 at the Baxley-Appling Co. Board of Tourism (www.baxley.org) building in Baxley where Director Lynn
Carter served as hostess. The round-table discussion session centered
around a variety of current happenings in South Georgia.
Lynn Carter gave the most current information on the development
of the Woodpecker Trail, a special designation for Highway #121 as it
connects Augusta and Folkston. The idea is to focus on the smaller communities
along scenic routes through the state and highlight their unique offerings
for the nature-based tourist. Chip Campbell of Okefenokee Adventures gave
an update on the work of the St. Marys River Water Management Committee.
Two major concerns are the proposed paddle trail & the impact it
might have for the landowners along the river, and the extent of state
and/or federal involvement in management of the area.
New GNTA Officers Elected
The GTNA held its 2003 officer elections with members voting in person
at the Nov. 19 meeting in Baxley or by e-mail.
Those elected are currently serving as the Southeast Chapter’s officers.
In addition, they are also heading up the GNTA’s State executive positions
while the other chapters of the GNTA are being formed and choosing their
own leaders. At the Sept. 2003 Annual Meeting a new slate of state officers
will be chosen from candidates from across Georgia in order to give the
Association a more representative leadership base.
Chip Campbell of Okefenokee Adventures in Folkston was
elected as President. Karen Arms of Tootsy Tours returned
as Vice-President. Joy Campbell, wife of Chip Campbell,
continued her service under the newly-combined office of Secretary/Treasurer.
Out-going President Sheila Willis of Native American-Naturalist
Talks & Tours was thanked for her contributions over the past
years.
A Message to the GNTA
Years ago, a small group of people gathered to develop a new way of
protecting, promoting, and learning about the natural areas that were
so dear to their hearts. The Georgia Nature-based Tourism Association
was born out of a desire to show lawmakers, developers, the general public,
and others that there can be a successful marriage of commerce and conservation.
The foundation was to be one in which the members would take a cue from
nature & overlook the artificial, man-made boundaries of city and
county lines; federal, state, and local agencies; conservation organizations
and business and industry; and large cooperatives and private citizens.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of being both a general member
and an officer of that Association. Through the meetings, field trips,
conferences, and working sessions I have met some of the most wonderful,
talented, dedicated, and generous individuals that a person could ever
hope to know. It has also been a tremendous learning experience as new
insights into conservation efforts, nature-based tourism, the natural
world, websites & newsletters, and a host of other topics were routinely
gained.
Challenges have been many. However, the benefits of belonging to this
organization as described above are what I have taken with me. I wish
to use this last edition of 2002 to wish the many members and associates
of the GNTA the best in the years to come. And to thank all those who
have provided their assistance and support.
Finally, I wish to say that the GNTA is getting an outstanding communicator
in Chip Campbell. We could do no better than to have him as our most
eloquent spokesperson. And two officers, Karen Arms, and Joy Campbell,
will continue to serve the members as only they can---with unique insight
and dedication to the organization’s goals.
Take care one and all. Sincerely, Sheila Willis
Website Additions
The GNTA now has additional informational pages on its website (www.Georgianature.org). Sheila
Willis has been working with Webmaster Chip Evans of Lenz
Design & Communications in Decatur over the last several months
in order to provide more information on the GNTA for those who surf
the web as well as making the previously-existing pages more user-friendly.
Also, a variety of photos taken from past GNTA events were inserted
into the site, and Lydia Thompson—GNTA member & owner of Artworks
by Lydia (www.artworksbylydia.com)
-- donated the use of some of her outstanding paintings of Georgia birds.
The following sections were either added or revised:
“HOME PAGE” (increased information about the organization & its
officers)
“ABOUT NATURE-BASED TOURISM” (an overview of the history of tourism
with a focus on the nature-based aspects; tourism components; a tourism
code of ethics; & comments on the value of tourism);
“HOW TO PARTICIPATE” (revises the “Become a Member” section to allow
for a variety of ways to contribute to the GNTA)
“MEMBERS BY REGION” (a map of the GNTA districts & chapters with
a membership listing)
“MEMBERS BY CATEGORY” (an arrangement of the members based on specific
functional categories, i.e., Natural Areas Management, Board of Tourism/Chamber
of Commerce)
“ISSUES” (highlighting some of the various general issues facing tourism)
“RELATED LINKS” (connections to other sites)
If you haven’t visited the GNTA website in a while, please check out
this new appearance.
GNTA Contacts
Newsletter Items (by last Monday of each month)
Editor: Current President
President
Chip Campbell
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-7156
Vice-President
Secretary/Treasurer
Treas. Joy Campbell
Rt. 2, Box 3325
Folkston, GA 31537
912-496-7156
GNTA Fall Excursion
The GNTA held its annual Fall Excursion in Baxley at the A. Randall
Tuten Environmental Park where Lynn Carter of the Baxley-Appling
Co. Board of Tourism acted as guide.
Participants enjoyed a leisurely walk along the various sections of
the hiking trail which wound through a Black-gum swamp, along a small
creek, and past several small ponds with Wood Duck nest boxes. There
was even a tiny “waterfall” that trickled its black water down a cut
in the creek.
Freshly fallen leaves were scattered on the surface of the path which
included short boardwalks over damp areas that were filled with ferns
and mosses. Autumn wildflowers such as Lobelia, Goldenrod, & Baccharis
were seen at intervals and the bright red berries of the Greenbrier were
quite noticeable.
Birds such as Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flicker, Carolina Chickadee,
and Yellow-rumped Warbler were observed or heard flitting about the branches
of the maples, sweet gums, & wax myrtles.
Those present commented on the beauty of the scene and mentioned that
such areas, though small in size, can still be a source of serenity for
those in need of a brief period of relaxation from the day’s work.
GNTA Group List-Serve Coming
The GNTA will soon be getting a group list-serve established so that
members of the Association can more readily communicate with each other
on the various nature-based tourism concerns between meetings. Existing
similar sites are being studied & one which is unique to the GTNA
mission and needs will be created.
Okefenokee Swamp Book Reviews
The following recently-released books on the Okefenokee Swamp are now
available in a variety of South Georgia sites, including the Okefenokee
National Wildlife Refuge.
Both are seen as contributing to our knowledge and appreciation of this
most unique wetland that is a popular destination for nature-based tourists
from around the world.
“Okefenokee” by Lucian Neymer & George Folkerts from
University Press of Mississippi in Jackson.
Just browsing through the panorama of a primeval swamp that is shown
through the stunning pictures of Lucian Neymer creates in one a feeling
of peace and wonder. You come to realize that the Okefenokee Swamp isn’t
a place to rush through, and neither is this book.
You will want to take your time savoring each impression of majestic
Sandhill Cranes, Alligators with their piercing eyes, the deep purples
of Swamp Iris, the rusty-orange needles of Pond Cypress trees in the
Fall, and the thousand-and-one shades of green from this botanist’s paradise.
Then begin slowly uncovering their secrets by reading the text penned
by George Folkerts. There are descriptive overviews of the swamp ecosystem,
its wildlife & plants, and its rich history with Seminoles, piney-woods & swamper
pioneers, loggers, and many others contributing in their own way to the
legends and landscapes of one of our county’s largest wetlands and its
surrounding pinelands.
Next, look into “windows on the wilderness” as mini-essays highlight
a particular bird, amphibian, individual, or issue.
Anyone who has ever been enchanted by this mysterious and magical swampland
in the corners of Southeast Georgia and Northern Florida will find much
to enjoy in this welcome addition to the literature on the awesome Okefenokee
Swamp.
“A Naturalist’s Guide to the Okefenokee Swamp” by Taylor Schoettle & Lynn
Van Couvering.
Another excellent volume in his much-needed field guides series on South
Georgia’s natural areas, this edition by author Taylor Schoettle proves
beyond a doubt that the great Okefenokee Swamp is one of America’s---and
the world’s---most valuable treasures.
As described by Mr. Schoettle, the plants, animals, & people of
the area become familiar friends, and he reveals how the intricate patterns
of their lives are woven together in amazing ways. Scientific facts share
space with local folklore and compliment each other in a perfect blend.
The book is divided into three parts. The major section provides the
latest data on the creatures of the Okefenokee, including Black Bears,
Diamond-back Rattlesnakes, the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Dragonflies,
and as always, the Alligator. Plants such as the rare Climbing Heath,
abundant White Water Lily, the multitude of orchids, and intriguing carnivorous
plants are all featured. Geology, climate, habitats, the fire regime,
history, and many other topics are described in easy-to-understand paragraphs.
Another section focuses on the various entrances to the Okefenokee and
its uplands with a sampling of the many trails (both water & land-based)
open to the public. The last part includes a glossary of terms and concepts
for quick reference.
The black-and-white drawings by artist Lynn Van Couvering are captivating
and a perfect accompaniment to this story of the swamp. The challenge
of illustrating everything from towering cypress domes, Saw Palmetto
clumps, and delicate Rose Pogonia orchids to tiny Pinewoods Tree frogs,
fluffy Wood Duck chicks, and turpentine workers was met and then some.
If your wish is to “dip your feet” into the ebony waters of the mighty
Okefenokee Swamp from the comfort of your lounge chair, then this book
is for you. But be forewarned, once you enter that world as described
by Taylor and Lynn, you will soon want to make a journey to the “Land
of the Trembling Earth” and experience it for yourself.
Members’ Spotlight
The GNTA is composed of a variety of individuals & entities 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 & organizations.
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' various information
sources. Additional members will be highlighted on a regular basis.
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
|
