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Footprints & Paddledrips
Volume 3 Issue 10
Newsletter of the Georgia Nature-Based Tourism Association,
November, 2001
November Meeting
The next meeting of the GNTA will be held at Obediah’s Okefenok
(www.okefenokeeswamp.com)
in Waycross on Tuesday, November 20. Billy Brantley, owner, will be the
host. The morning program will center around the work being done on behalf
of conservation and nature-based tourism through the efforts of the offices
of Sen. Max Cleland. Thomas Williams, Director of Special
Projects, will be the guest speaker. In addition, Kitty Sikes will
provide the Association with the latest information from the Georgia
Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism (www.georgia.org)
Lunch will be at the Walt Tatum pavilion. The afternoon’s educational
activity will be a tour of the historic Okefenokee Swamp site.
Directions
Obediah’s Okefenok is 8 ½ miles south of downtown Waycross. From the
east, west, or south take the Gilmore St. Exit off Hwy 82 (South Georgia
Parkway or Corridor Z).
(Note: those using U.S. #1 will need to take Hwy 82 West at the
Parkway Junction). Gilmore will end at Swamp Road. Take a left, and follow
the signs.
From the north, go south in downtown Waycross on Hwy 84 at the junction
of Memorial Drive(U.S.1), passing the Waycross Chamber of Commerce in
the old Railroad Depot. Turn left on Jenkins St., cross the railroad tracks,
and turn right onto Haines Ave. Continue south and follow the signs (Haines
will also become Swamp Road).
Obediah’s Okefenok
This attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites
due to its being the homesite of Obediah Barber, legendary "King
of the Okefenokee". The original cabin from the 1800's, and the many
rustic outbuildings display the lifestyle of the Swampers, residents of
the world-famous Okefenokee Swamp. In addition, there are nature trails
through the pine and blackgum-cypress forests, and enclosures where a
variety of animals are on display. A new gift shop is on site. Additional
information is available at 912-287-0090.
November Agenda
- 9:00 a.m. Committee Meetings
- 9:30 a.m. Refreshments/Social Period
- 10:00 a.m. Introductions, Announcements, & General Meeting
- 11:00 a.m. Program: "Working for Conservation & Nature-based
Tourism"
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch (catered)
- 1:00-3:00 p.m. Afternoon Activities (tour of Obediah’s Okefenok)
GNTA Contacts
GNTA Web site
www.georgianature.org
Correspondence & Membership
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
Directory Updates
Reminder, please check your GNTA directory periodically & note any
revisions. Please notify Sheila Willis (see above listing) of any changes
as soon as possible. Updates will be made monthly by e-mail or regular
mail where desired.
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)
- Nov 20–Obediah’s Okefenok, Waycross–Obediah’s Okefenok
- Note: Hosts are needed for 2002, excluding January
GNTA Fall Excursion (Salt Marsh Style)
Members of the Georgia Nature-based Tourism Association were treated
to an exemplary outing on the Georgia Coast by Jeanne Pleasants of Marsh
Tours (www.marshtours.com). The
excursion was part of the week’s events that were being held by a variety
of organizations in order to show how protection of our natural resources
benefits not only the wildlife, but the local economies as well.
Individuals traveled to St. Simons Island on Nov. 3 where they cruised
along the waterways that wind through the famous Marshes of Glynn. Relaxing
on a most-comfortable pontoon boat, the participants witnessed Great Egrets
fishing for a meal, colorful American Oystercatchers running about on
a small sandbar, Brown Pelicans huddled together on mudflats, and Wood
Storks soaring gracefully over cedar hammocks. An adult Bald Eagle startled
several as it burst into flight from its hiding place.
Capt. Pleasants drew on her years of experience guiding guests in the
coastal zones in order to entertain her audience with fascinating stories
on local history and ecology. She pointed out the ruins of 19th
Century plantations that were barely visible in the live oak thickets
while describing the variety of industries which have provided a livelihood
for area residents. Collecting sturdy oak limbs for the ship construction
was first, and was followed by the large-scale production of cotton and
rice. The seafood industry became then king, and has been joined by the
nature-based tourism industry as a major source of income. She is one
of the few which provide the opportunity to experience the joys of birding
the famous roosting & rookery sites of Pelican Spit and Egg Island
Bar.
A highlight of the tour was when she edged the boat into the marsh grasses
(Spartina) and gave everyone a close-up view of the area that produces
more food per acre than any other habitat on earth. The life cycle of
the salt marsh was detailed, and the intricate relationships of its inhabitants
with each other and their surroundings was found to be amazing. For example,
the Spartina is known to covert the iron that is washed into the rivers
from Georgia’s clay hills into a form that can be used by coastal plant
life. Thus, the estuaries were shown to be the ideal area to illustrate
how everything impacts on everything else. Conservation for one, is conservation
for all.
The GNTA wishes to thank Marsh Tours for providing such an enjoyable
and educational outing for our group. For additional information, call
912-638-9354 or click on www.marshtours.com.
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