Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge – Suwannee Canal and Chesser Prairie, 10:00 am – 11:30 am (optional extended time)
NOTE: Preregistration is required. Registration link coming soon.
Field Trip Leader: Katie Antczak
Description: Join us for a journey into the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a biodiverse blackwater wetland teeming with over 850 different plant species. We’ll explore the Suwannee Canal and Chesser Prairie, showcasing iconic flora such as carnivorous pitcher plants, delicate bladderworts, towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, and a multitude of other species. Along the way, we’ll delve into the ecological significance of these plants and their adaptations to the swamp’s unique environment. This immersive experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the beauty and resilience of one of Georgia’s most treasured natural wonders.
Location & Directions: When you arrive inside the gates of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, Georgia, you will see our Okefenokee Adventures building in the parking lot next to the boat basin. When using a GPS to find our location, type in Okefenokee Adventures, Folkston, Georgia. You’ll want to ensure your map or GPS final destination includes the following information:
- Okefenokee Adventures is located inside the main entrance to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge around 8 miles South of downtown Folkston, GA, and 15 miles north of St. George, GA, off of GA Hwy 121.
- GPS address is Okefenokee Adventures 4159 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, Georgia 31537
Meet At: Upon arrival, check-in inside Okefenokee Adventures. Let customer service know you are with the GA BotSoc Group. We will gather at the breezeway area outside the Okefenokee Adventures building.
Bathroom Facilities: Restrooms are located in the breezeway area at Okefenokee Adventures. There are NO restroom facilities accessible once we are on the water.
Walking Difficulty: After the guided boat tour, there will be an optional tour of the Chesser Prairie Boardwalk (0.75 miles each way) and Owl’s Roost Tower (60 ft tall and only accessible by foot). There are no hills, but depending on weather conditions, the boardwalk may be slick.
Bring: Lunch, snacks, & water. Lunch is also available for purchase at Cornelia’s Café inside Okefenokee Adventures. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes in the temperature and your activity level. You may wish to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera.