WILDERNESS SOUTHEAST JULY 2010 PRESS RELEASE

This is your chance to safely get close to our native reptiles. Close enough to learn about them, and close enough for those who want to touch. Our herpetology expert will provide his collection of live native reptiles to illustrate their life stories, and to show you their special adaptations for living in their particular habitat. Do snakes climb trees? How? Why? What protection does a soft shell turtle have? Weather and time permitting, our herpetology expert may also lead a short walk along the nature trail, looking for some of the animals you’ve just seen. Fee is $20/person ($10 for children under 12 accompanied by an adult). Tour size is 6 – 20 people. Reservations requested.

So many birds find food, safety, and nesting places in the quiet waters of a broad river swamp! Diana Churchill, local birding maven and author of the bi-weekly newspaper column, Birders Eye View, will guide us by both sight and sound to locate the birds of the swamps among the tall trunks of tupelo and cypress. This beautiful and quiet river swamp is home to one of Georgia’s most beautiful but seldom seen birds, the prothonotary warbler (aka swamp canary). We’ll also expect to see flycatchers and perula warblers, as well as kingfishers, herons, and egrets. Plus we’ll scan the skies for early visits by the well-named swallowtail kites. You’ll want both binoculars and camera because this is a beautiful little creek. Managing a canoe is easy here because there is almost no current this time of year. Fee of $45/person includes canoes and basic paddling instruction, plus binoculars for those who don’t have their own, as well as the real treat of birding with Diana! Tour size is 4-12 participants; meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

Enjoy your motorboat ride through the estuary to the pristine wilderness of Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge. As your official naturalist guide gives you 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 on your boat ride, then hike the spectacular beach and forest of this gorgeous island. $55/person fee includes motorboat transportation. Tour size 6 people. BOAT SPACE IS LIMITED; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

After basic canoeing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past stately 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 a shy alligator sunning in the shallows. Whether shady when trees are close, or sunny when the channel widens, there's beauty around every bend. Fee of $45/person includes canoe, paddle, and basic instruction. Tour size 4-16 people. Meet in Rincon, GA. Reservations required.

Join your naturalist guide aboard a small motorboat for a journey back in time. Beginning just above the bustle of the harbor, you’ll travel through the narrow back channels of the Savannah River exploring the serene expanse of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll see more of the 28,168 Refuge acres than can be seen from the Wildlife Drive, while your guide describes the historic uses of the river and its tidal wetlands. We may step ashore on one of the few spots of high ground. Fee: $75/person includes use of binoculars. Tour size 5 to 12 people. BOAT SPACE IS LIMITED; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

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Our Mission: To develop appreciation, understanding, stewardship, and enjoyment of the natural world.

For reservations call 912-236-8115 or sign-up on our website www.wilderness-southeast.org.

Note: A portion of fees from private programs help fund science enrichment education, both in-school and related educational field trips, for Savannah's under-served public school students.

Wilderness Southeast July 2010 Wilderness Southeast July 2010Wilderness Southeast July 2010Wilderness Southeast July 2010Wilderness Southeast July 2010 Wilderness Southeast July 2010

Wilderness Southeast July 2010

July 2010 Schedule