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Footprints & Paddledrips
Volume 3 Issue 3
Newsletter of the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association
March, 2001
March Meeting
The next meeting of the Georgia Nature- based Tourism Association will
be held on Tuesday, Mar. 20 at General Coffee State Park near Douglas.
The host will be Park Manager Sim Davidson who will provide a special
tour of park. In the afternoon, those attending the meeting will be given
a chance to take an educational tour of the nearby feature called "The
Rocks" with noted local botanist Frankie Snow of South Georgia College
as guide. Both events are offered free-of-charge to GNTA meeting
attendees. Lunch will be at a local restaurant which offers buffet-style
food.
Directions
Follow GA Highway 32 to reach the park which is on the north side of
the road. It is located 8 miles east of Douglas and 8 miles west of Nicholls.
From the entrance, go past the park office (on your right) and follow
the signs to the family group shelter which will be past Heritage Farm.
For further information contact Gen. Coffee State Park (912-384-7082).
Gen. Coffee State Park
Seventeen Mile River flows through the park and creates small lakes as
it winds through a cypress swamp. Many species of wildlife are found here,
including the threatened gopher tortoise and indigo snake. The woods are
a mecca for colorful songbirds during migration. Heritage Farm serves
as a living history site with cabins, outdoor exhibits and farm animals.
The Rocks
One of Georgia's most unique natural features consisting of sandstone
ravines, caves, waterfalls, and pine and hardwood forests. Several species
of rare plants, many found only here, cover the rocky ground. Springtime
brings out the best in flowering shrubs, including beautiful pink wild
azalea and delicate grancy greybeard. A world-class wonder now under the
protection of the Nature Conservancy and located near Broxton.
March Agenda
*note new times*
9:00 a.m. Committee Meeting
9:30 a.m. Refreshments/Social Period
10:00 a.m. Introductions & General Meeting
11:30 a.m. Park Tour
12:00 p.m. Lunch (Douglas)
1:00 p.m. Field Activity (The Rocks; Frankie Snow)
Note: some walking-wear comfortable shoes
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
Member Renewals
A reminder that dues are payable-in-full on an annual basis based upon
the month that each member joined the GNTA. Please contact Pres.
Sheila Willis with your payment and updated member information form upon
receipt of your renewal notice. Your support is vital to the growth and
success of the GNTA. Note that at the end of your grace period
non-payment of dues will result in removal from the membership roll.
Directory Updates
The Membership & Resource Directory has been updated and is included
in this mailing. Please note changes made for various members and the
new member information. This lists those members who were on the roles
as of Jan 2001 or who joined by March.
POGOFEST
Vickie Leverette of the Waycross Tourism & Conference Bureau announces
that POGOFEST will be held in Downtown Waycross on March 23rd
and 24th. The event will begin with an evening parade in which
‘POGO’ will be the Grand Marshall. On Saturday a variety of arts &
crafts will be on display in the downtown area. The ‘POGO’ character was
created by Walt Kelly in the 1950’s, and represents one of the first cartoon
environmentalists. ‘We have met the enemy and it is us!" became a
famous slogan which called attention to the need for protection of our
natural resources. For further information contact (912) 283-3744.
Moody Swamp
The Nature Conservancy of Georgia and the Georgia DNR are working together
to protect several thousand acres of unique longleaf pine forest and Altamaha
River bottomlands (Moody Swamp). The area is rich in species diversity
and includes many 300 year on trees and several threatened wildlife species.
A management plan is currently being devised which will include habitat
restoration as well as wildlife recreation activities, thus combining
eco-tourism opportunities with protection of natural resources. You may
support this project by purchasing a wildlife vehicle tag and/or donating
to the following:
The Nature Conservancy
Attn:Moody Project
P.O. Box 484
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-2161.
Wildlife Projects Grants
GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division is accepting proposals for nongame
educational and watchable wildlife projects. These should contribute to
education about nongame wildlife conservation or appreciation of nongame
wildlife through wildlife viewing opportunities. Deadline is April 6.
For information call (770) 761-3035.
Every Blooming Thing
Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Society will host a Nature Festival on Mar. 24
which features Gardening Workshops, Birding Experts, Arts & Crafts,
Snake Shows, & more. Call 912-748-8068 for more information.
Association Schedule
GNTA General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of selected
months. If you would like to host a future meeting please contact the
current President no later than the 15th of the month proceeding
the appropriate gathering.
2001 (date/location/host)
- May 15—Woodbine Waterfront Pavilion, Woodbine—Kingsland Convention
& Visitors Bureau
- July 17 – Site to be announced, Savannah—Tootsy Tours
- Hosts Needed – There are still vacancies for September and
November.
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