Field Trip: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Folkston, GA)

Leader: Pat Murphy (904-608-7860)

The great Okefenokee Swamp is the largest intact, fresh-water and black water wilderness swamp in North America. Endangered species and endangered habitat often go hand-in-hand. Okefenokee’s longleaf pine forests shelter gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, Bachman’s sparrows, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Trees with white paint rings indicate cavity trees of these endangered woodpeckers, and are visible along the entrance road and Swamp Island Drive. Gopher tortoises dig burrows under or near the entrance road as well, where they graze in spring and summer. Where there’s water, there are alligators. If you look closely you may even hear or see babies. Keep your distance – Mama Gator is a very protective parent!

We will be looking especially for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Blue-headed Vireos, and Rusty Blackbirds.

Bring binoculars, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat if desired.

Location Okefenokee NWR Main Entrance, 2700 Suwannee Canal Road Folkston, GA 31537

We will meet at the main entrance, located 11 miles southwest of Folkston off US 1. Fee: $5 per vehicle for daily pass (good for 7 days).

Exact change required.

Field Trip: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, Jan 11, 2020, 8:00 AM

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
2700 North Suwannee Canal Rd Folkston, GA

9 Subscribers Attending

Leader: Pat Murphy [masked]) The great Okefenokee Swamp is the largest intact, fresh-water and black water wilderness swamp in North America. Endangered species and endangered habitat often go hand-in-hand. Okefenokee’s longleaf pine forests shelter gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes, Bachman’s sparrows, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Tree…

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