Wilderness SoutheastNon-Profit Educational Organization
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May June | July | August | September

May 2008

May 3, 2008: 9:00am-11:00am
Alligators & Anhingas

There’s lots of life visible in the Refuge in Spring: alligators and turtles basking, egrets and herons fishing, birds of prey prowling the skies, and more. Learn secrets of species survival, both predator and prey. We’ll discuss adaptations, needs and habits of both resident and migratory species. Discover secrets of historic rice plantations, and understand the importance to wildlife of maintaining the old rice paddies. (And, if you don’t already know, find out what an anhinga is.) Meet at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Please call for directions. Fee: $15/person. Group size: 6-15. Reservations requested.

May 11, 2008: 9:00am-noon
Wild Island & Estuary

Aboard the covered 45-foot pontoon boat "Island Explorer" with licensed captain and naturalist guide, you'll journey through tidal creeks and marshes to go ashore on Williamson Island, Georgia's youngest barrier island. Discover how islands come to life. Exploring the estuary you'll see birds, dolphins and oysters and talk about their lives. Ashore, we'll walk the beach, looking for the wonderful and strange "washed ashores" that reveal more secrets of life beneath the waves. Meet at the Bull River Marina. Fee: $45/person. Group size: 20-35. Reservations required.

May 17, 2008: 8:30am-12:30 pm
Blackwater Paddle

After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past tall tupelo and cypress. Their spring green foliage and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. We'll be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and noisy kingfishers diving for their next meal. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to spot swallowtail kites soaring overhead. There’s beauty around every bend. Fee of $35/person includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Group size: 6-18. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

May 24, 2008: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Rookery Rambles and Tree Tales

Our coastal rookeries, virtual tenements for egrets, herons, ibis, and wood storks to raise their young, depend on trees over water. Join expert birding guide Diana Churchill and Master Naturalist and plant enthusiast David Moulder for this meander through the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Our focus will be the amazing spectacle of communal nesting of thousands of herons, egrets, ibis, anhingas & wood storks, as well as the trees and plants that make this prime real estate for birds and other wildlife. This is an unforgettable experience well worth the drive. Meet at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge entrance. Fee is $15/person. Group size 6-15. Reservations requested.

May 31, 2008: 10:00am – noon
Salt Marsh Walk

Explore this dynamic and fascinating ecosystem that has supported humans on this coast throughout history. Come learn the fascinating inner workings of this rich natural resource that shelters, cleanses, and protects. Alternately submerged beneath salt water and baked under the sun, the plants and animals of this unique wilderness are highly specialized. Discover the drama of life in the mud and salt. Meet on the grounds of Fort Pulaski; please contact us for specific directions. Group size 4-15. Fee is $15/person. Reservations requested.

 

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May June | July | August | September

June 2008

June 7, 2008: 9:30am-12:30pm
Salt Marsh by Land & Sea

Explore this dynamic and fascinating ecosystem that has supported humans on this coast throughout history. Walk then paddle with a naturalist guide to see the marsh from both sides. Group size: 4-16. $30/person fee includes canoe rental and instruction; $2 vehicle parking fee additional. Meet at Fort McAllister State Park. Reservations requested.

June 14, 2008: 10:00am-noon
Spineless Wonders

Our six-legged friends are fascinating to many, scary to others; they’re found in water and on land. Some spend part of their lives breathing underwater, and then emerge to breathe from land. On this program you'll join insect expert Bobby Moulis to learn how these oft-maligned critters play an integral part in the food chain, and discover their intriguing adaptations. Children should be over 10 to participate. Fee $15/person; group size 5-15. Meet at Savannah/Ogeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center. Reservations requested.

June 21, 2008: 9:00am-3:00pm
Summer Solstice Paddle

Celebrate the longest day of the year paddling easily up a lazy river. Become better acquainted with a mature cypress-tupelo swamp — some of these trees are 1.000 years old! After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past tall tupelo and cypress. Their bright green foliage and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. Bring your camera. We'll be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and noisy kingfishers diving for their next meal. The mystery of cypress knees will be revealed. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to spot swallowtail kites soaring overhead. There’s beauty around every bend. Fee of $40/person also includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Group size: 6-18. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

June 28, 2008: 9:00am-noon
Rookery Rambles and Tree Tales

Join expert birding guide Diana Churchill and Master Naturalist and plant enthusiast David Moulder for this meander through the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Our focus will be the amazing spectacle of communal nesting of thousands of herons, egrets, ibis, anhingas & wood storks, as well as the trees and plants that make this prime real estate for birds and other wildlife. This is an unforgettable experience well worth the drive. Meet at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge entrance. Fee is $15/person. Group size 6-15. Reservations requested.

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May June | July | August | September

July 2008

July 5, 2008: 8:30am-10:30am
Alligators & Anhingas

Observe Alligators, anhingas, moorhens, egrets and more. Learn their secrets of surviving together in their Refuge home. We’ll discuss adaptations, needs and habits of resident and migratory species and discover the management tools that attract and maintain so many wild creatures. Meet at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Fee: $15/person. Group size: 6-15. Reservations requested.

July 12, 2008: 9:00am-noon
Wild Island & Estuary

Aboard the covered 42-foot pontoon boat "Island Explorer" with licensed captain and naturalist guide, you'll journey through tidal creeks and marshes to go ashore on Williamson Island, Georgia's youngest barrier island. Discover how islands come to life. Exploring the estuary you'll see birds, dolphins and oysters and talk about their lives. Ashore, we'll walk the beach, looking for the wonderful and strange "washed ashores" that reveal more secrets of life beneath the waves. Meet at the Bull River Marina. Fee: $45/person. Group size: 20-35. Reservations required.

July 19, 2008: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Beach Birds at Sunset

Watching those lounging on the beach is always fun. Join a Wilderness Southeast expert birding guide to discover the feathered loungers of a midsummer beach – gulls, terns, skimmers, and more. Timed to maximize shorebird concentrations, you’ll learn bird habits and life stories as you watch them feed, rest, and socialize. We’ll provide binoculars if you don’t have your own, and a spotting scope to help you see eyeball to eyeball with our feathered friends. Fee: $15/person. Group size: 5-16. Meet on Tybee’s river beach; call for directions. Reservations requested.

July 26, 2008: 8:30am-12:30pm
Blackwater Paddle

After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past tall tupelo and cypress. Their bright green foliage and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. We'll be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and noisy kingfishers diving for their next meal. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to spot swallowtail kites soaring overhead. There’s beauty around every bend. Fee of $35/person also includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Group size: 6-18. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

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May June | July | August | September

August 2008

August 2, 2008: 9:00am-11:00am
Tidal Creeks by Boat

Join a Wilderness Southeast naturalist guide for a new angle on the coast. Your open boat will meander the watery twists and turns between walls of bright green marsh grass. Discover the life that depends on the rich estuarine waters as you observe dolphins, egrets, crabs, and even oysters – all hard at work. $45/person fee. BOAT SPACE IS LIMITED; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

August 9, 2008: 10:00am-noon
Snakes Alive!

Meet, at a safe distance, some of the reptiles and amphibians that call this area home. Join herpetologist Bobby Moulis at the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum for a close look at the native turtles and snakes. How do they eat, sleep, meet a mate, and protect their babies? You’ll see creatures you wouldn't see otherwise, and hear their life stories. You may also amble the paths and boardwalks through lush cypress swamp. The fee of $15/person ($10 for children under 12 accompanied by a parent) includes admission to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center. Group size 6 - 20. Reservations requested.

Children Under 12:

 

August 16, 2008: 8:30am-12:30pm
Blackwater Paddle


After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past tall tupelo and cypress. Their bright green foliage and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. We'll be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and noisy kingfishers diving for their next meal. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to spot swallowtail kites soaring overhead. There’s beauty around every bend. Fee of $35/person also includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Group size: 6-18. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

 

August 23, 2008: 9:00am-11:00am
Tidal Creeks by Boat

Join a Wilderness Southeast naturalist guide for a new angle on the coast. Your open boat will meander the watery twists and turns between walls of bright green marsh grass. Discover the life that depends on the rich estuarine waters as you observe dolphins, egrets, crabs, and even oysters – all hard at work. $45/person fee. Group size 6 or 12 only. BOAT SPACE IS LIMITED; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

August 30, 2008: 9:30am-12:30pm
Salt Marsh by Land & Sea

Explore this dynamic and fascinating ecosystem that has supported humans on this coast throughout history. Walk then paddle with a naturalist guide to see the marsh from both sides. Group size: 4-16. $30/person fee includes canoe rental and instruction; $2 vehicle parking fee additional. Meet at Fort McAllister State Park. Reservations requested.

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May June | July | August | September

September 2008

September 6, 2008: 8:30am-12:30pm
Blackwater Paddle

After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past tupelo and cypress. Their foliage and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water. We'll be on the lookout for turtles, herons, and noisy kingfishers diving for their next meal. We'll sample the life beneath the lily pads, too. We may be lucky enough to spot a shy alligator in the shallows. There's beauty around every bend of this peaceful, wild creek. Fee of $35/person includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Group size: 4-18. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

September 13, 2008: 10:00am-noon
Savannah’s Silent Natives

Even lowly plants speak to those in the know. Your WiSE naturalist guide leads you on an entertaining and informative ramble through Savannah’s green spaces. You’ll discover the trees, vines, shrubs, and even weeds that offered early inhabitants food, clothing, medicine, and more. $10/person; Group size: 6-15. Meets in downtown Savannah; ask for specific directions. Reservations requested.

September 20, 2008: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Refuge Reptiles

Join local herpetologist and reptile expert Bobby Moulis for this two hour exploration of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This is your chance for close observation of fascinating animals. Learn everything you always wanted to know about the amazing American alligator, as well as some of our native turtles and snakes. Group size: 4-15. Fee is $15/person. Meet at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge; ask for specific directions. (Web maps don’t work for this.) Reservations required.

September 27, 2008: 9:30am-11:30am
Native Medicinal Plants

Useful plants abound in the sheltered zone along our coastal rivers. Find out what Native Americans, settlers and soldiers found to feel better and cure their ailments. Savannah’s specialist in naturopathic healing, Peter Brodhead, will lead your walk to forage for and learn both historical and current medicinal uses for native plants. Fee $15/person includes admission to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center. Group size 5-15. Reservations requested.

 

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Walks On the Wild Side (WOWS)
Scheduled Explorations

For those wishing the savings and convenience of joining others on a nature program, we offer an expanding schedule of coastal mini-expeditions. Designed for, but not limited to, Savannah residents, these weekend programs present a fun and easy way to get to know the wild things that live near you. WOWS are "soft adventures" which focus on several natural communities, and provide an opportunity to gain new understanding about things you may have walked right by for years. Most involve walking, some add paddling. None are strenuous.

Reservations are requested. Walk-ins are welcome on a space available basis. We keep a waiting list. For information and reservations, leave a voicemail message at 912-236-8115, or email.

Programs will run in a drizzle, cancel in a downpour. Scheduled programs are designed for from 4 to 20 participants; see individual "WOWS" descriptions for minimums, maximums and fees. Most scheduled "WOWS" are two hours long; some need a whole day.

You should wear sneakers and outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year. Bring insect repellant and sun screen, water, rain gear if rain is a possibility. Hats and sunglasses are recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them; cameras are optional. Let us know if you need to borrow a day pack. When fewer than our minimum number are reserved we reserve the right to cancel the program.

"Simply Terrific!"
     S. D. & B. D., Washington, DC
 

"Excellent Location; knowledgeable guide. What an enjoyable afternoon!"
     L.V., Falls Church, VA
 


"The tour guides were fabulous, wonderful people! The scenery was the best. If I lived in Savannah I'd come here every weekend."
     B.J., Indianapolis, IN

P.O. Box 15185, Savannah, Georgia 31416
Phone:  912-236-8115    Email:  info@wilderness-southeast.org

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