Sapelo Island, situated about sixty miles south of Savannah, lies in the center of coastal Georgia’s well-defined chain of barrier islands. The 16,500-acre island is Georgia’s fourth largest and, excepting the 434-acre African American community of Hog Hammock, is entirely state owned and managed. The island comprises various entities in addition to Hog Hammock, including the University of Georgia Marine Institute, the Richard J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area, and the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. Georgia State Parks is offering two short tours of this beautiful island:
Sapelo Island Birding Adventure
May 1 and 2, 2015
Location: Sapelo Island, Ga.
Join beginner and expert birders for this ferry ride and overnight in the historic Reynolds Mansion. During the day, look for gulls, terns and other birds that call this barrier island home. Sapelo is the only place in the Southeast to see the plain chachalaca, which was introduced in the 1920s. Birders may also see Painted Buntings and Roseate Spoonbills. Full schedule is online. Register by April 1.
$349 includes birding guides, meals and lodging.
912-485-2299
http://gastateparks.org/ReynoldsMansion
Coastal Georgia Kayak Camp
May 28 – June 1, 2015
Locations: Sapelo Island, Crooked River and S.C. Foster (Okefenokee Swamp) state parks
Join park rangers on this family-friendly adventure paddle through the Okefenokee Swamp, along Crooked River and on Sapelo Island’s Lighthouse Creek. You’ll explore freshwater swamps, salt marsh and brackish rivers while camping in scenic parks. Reservations required by May 7.
$649 per adult; $549 per child (12 and under) includes kayak gear, guides, campsites and meals.
912-882-5256
http://gastateparks.org/CrookedRiver
