WILDERNESS SOUTHEAST OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2010 PRESS RELEASE

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 from your boat, then stroll the spectacular beach and forest of this gorgeous island, learning the ecology and human history as you go. Meet on Wilmington Island, Savannah. Fee is $55/person; Tour size is 5-6 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

After basic canoing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past stately tupelo and ancient cypress. The beginning of fall colors and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water as you watch 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. 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!

As you drive and stroll through Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge you’ll enjoy enlightening commentary by local birding columnist Diana Churchill. This time of year you never know what you’ll find, but Diana will be able to tell you about everything you find! Possibilities include late-to-depart purple gallinules and lingering fall migrants, as well as early winter waterfowl headed to warmer climes. You’re certain to find an eyeful of resident waders, maybe even spotting a shy rail among the reeds. Meet at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge entrance. Fee of $30/person includes use of binoculars and a spotting scope. Tour size 4-10 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

A Halloween special! What better day could there be to celebrate the creepy, the crawly and the slithery? Superstitions abound about some of these much feared and maligned creatures. Others are much loved. Here’s your chance to learn and get as close as you want (as long as our expert says it’s safe!) Fee: $20/person; $10 for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Fee includes admission to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum and Nature Center, so you can explore the “spooky” swamp, too. Tour size 5-15 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

November 2010

After basic canoing instruction, your WiSE naturalist will lead the way downstream past stately tupelo and ancient cypress. The beautiful fall colors and dark trunks reflect perfectly in the mirror-dark water as you watch 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. 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.

The Refuge is full of life: alligators and turtles basking, egrets and herons fishing, birds of prey prowling the skies, and more. With local birding columnist Diana Churchill leading us, we’ll stroll some of the lesser-used areas of the Refuge as we learn about adaptations and secrets of survival for both predator and prey species. Discover the importance to wildlife of maintaining the old rice paddies as the Refuge prepares for the annual influx of winter waterfowl. Meet at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Please call for directions.. Fee: $25/person; $10 for children under 12 accompanied by an adult. Tour size 6-15 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

The fall migration of songbirds brings many species to our Southern Coast. Near Savannah, yet accessible only by boat is Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge. Wassaw provides the perfect resting place for these weary travelers. Venture off the beaten path, explore a wild island, and join our birding interpreter to locate and observe these brave migrants, as you learn about their lives. Depending on weather and species available, we may spend more time in the forest than on the beach on this program. Appropriate for novice and expert birders alike. Fee of $50/person includes use of binoculars and boat transportation. Tour size: 6 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

Bring your holiday guests! Here’s your chance to get outdoors and enjoy meeting some fascinating creatures. Our herpetology expert brings his collection of reptiles – turtles, snakes, and more to look at, learn from, and, for some, even hold. Join our WiSE specialist at the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Museum for this interesting morning. With luck and some skill, you may be able to sneak up to see the endangered gopher tortoise, too. After you hear these life stories, you’ll have the chance to stroll the trails and boardwalks, as your fee includes admission to the Nature Center. Fee: $20/person ($10 for children under 12 accompanied by an adult). Tour size 6-20 people. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

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.

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