May 9-11, 2017 | Savannah, GA

OPTIONAL FIELD TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

Thursday (May 11th) Field Trips (Afternoon Only)

  1. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Tour

Explore the beautiful maritime forests and coastal wetlands of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, abounding with interesting native plants and exciting wildlife.  Experience the interactive exhibit hall and refuge orientation video at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center.  Learn from the Refuge Manager about the invasive species threats to the Refuge and how they are addressing those problems along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.  View wildlife and habitat, including migratory birds, native mammals, and American alligators from the comfort of your vehicle by touring the 4-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive.  Take home a souvenir from the Gator Hole, a nature store operated by the non-profit Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges. 

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 12:30pm from the Clarion Hotel to take them to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge headquarters located north of downtown Savannah, GA -- about 45 minutes north of the Coastal Georgia Botanic Gardens.  Boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participants.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities, and bring bug-spray, binoculars, water, and a camera.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour.  Tour limited to 30 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Georgia Invasive Species Tour

Join with members of the Coastal Georgia Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, The Nature Conservancy, NOAA, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and others to visit several areas along the Georgia Coast to observe invasive species and hear about efforts to prevent and control them.  The region has a wide range of invasive plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, and other taxa invading terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.  Begin the tour at the MAREX Education Center located on Skidaway Island, and learn about the various educational programs they offer and their cutting-edge research facilities, hear presentations about the UGA Georgia Marine Extension Service citizen science and public awareness programs, and continue the tour to interesting upland and wetland locations in the nearby coastal region with local guides.  If time permits, participants may be able to take an excursion on the R/V Sea Dawg, a 43 ft. converted lobster boat, moored just outside of the facility for a short educational cruise.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel later in the evening.

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 12:30pm from the Clarion Hotel to take them to MAREX -- about 45 minutes east of the Coastal Georgia Botanic Gardens.  Boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participants.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities and bring bug-spray, binoculars, water, and a camera.  The shuttles will return participants to the Clarion Hotel later in the evening after the tour ends.  Tour limited to 25 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Plain Blackwater River Canoe Float

Experience the wild environment of a typical Georgia coastal-plain blackwater river by joining with local guides and wildlife experts for a four (4) hour long afternoon canoe trip to observe the largest virgin bald cypress and tupelo stand on the east coast.  Come see the forested wetlands, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a host of other native plants and animals found in the region.  Invasive species threaten these unique areas and you’ll have an opportunity to learn what can be done to prevent them from impacting Georgia’s slow and winding blackwater rivers that eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean.  Participants should expect to get wet, muddy, hot, and have close encounters with the region’s active biting insect populations (mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and bees); but have lots of fun during the afternoon adventure.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities and bring bug-spray, water, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera for this wild river experience.   

Shuttles will pick up participants at 12:30pm from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local canoe guides at the landing in Rincon, GA approximately 1:30pm.  Canoes, paddles, and other boating safety equipment will be provided.  A boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participants.  The canoe tour will end around 5:30pm.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour ends.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 20 People (minimum 4 people).  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  A fee of $55.00 will charged to each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday).

  1. Half-day Kayak Excursion in the Coastal Estuaries (3 Hours)

Join with your friends to take a guided sea kayak paddling trip deep within the coastal marshes near Little Tybee Island to experience the nature up close in these exciting marine environments.  Many opportunities to see dolphins, sharks, native coastal marsh plants, raccoons, invasive hogs, shellfish, and dozens of shorebirds, waterfowl, herons and egrets, wood storks, bald eagles, and other migratory birds,  Participants will be led by local kayak guides.  Kayaks and all boating safety equipment will be provided.  Participants should expect to get wet and muddy, and should wear appropriate shoes and clothing and bring water to drink.  Hats are a great idea and plenty of sunscreen.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 12:00 Noon from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local kayaking guides in the coastal estuaries to begin the orientation at 1:00pm.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour, approximately 5:00pm.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 12 People.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  A fee of $55.00 will be charged for each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Tuesday, May 9th).

 

Friday (May 12th) Field Trips

  1. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Tour (Half-day)

Explore the beautiful maritime forests and coastal wetlands of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, abounding with interesting native plants and exciting wildlife.  Experience the interactive exhibit hall and refuge orientation video at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center.  Learn from the Refuge Manager about the invasive species threats to the Refuge and how they are addressing those problems along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.  View wildlife and habitat, including migratory birds, native mammals, and American alligators from the comfort of your vehicle by touring the 4-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive.  Take home a souvenir from the Gator Hole, a nature store operated by the non-profit Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges. 

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 8:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge headquarters located north of downtown Savannah, GA -- about 45 minutes north of the Coastal Georgia Botanic Gardens.  A boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participants.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour.  Additional details on the tour to the Refuge will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 30 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Plain Blackwater River Canoe Float

Experience the wild environment of a typical Georgia coastal-plain blackwater river by joining with local guides and wildlife experts for a four (4) hour long afternoon canoe trip to observe the largest virgin bald cypress and tupelo stand on the east coast.  Come see the forested wetlands, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a host of other native plants and animals found in the region.  Invasive species threaten these unique areas and you’ll have an opportunity to learn what can be done to prevent them from impacting Georgia’s slow and winding blackwater rivers that eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean.  Participants should expect to get wet, muddy, hot, and have close encounters with the region’s active biting insect populations (mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and bees); but have lots of fun during the afternoon adventure.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities and bring bug-spray, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars, and a camera for this wild river experience. 

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 8:00am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local canoe guides at the landing in Rincon, GA approximately 9:30pm.  Canoes, paddles, and other boating safety equipment will be provided.  A boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participants.  The canoe tour will end around 1:30pm.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour ends.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 20 People (minimum 4 people). Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.   A fee of $55.00 will charged to each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday). 

  1. Downtown Savannah Historic Sites Self-guided Tour (Full Day)

Spend the whole day visiting the elegant and historic Savannah, Georgia established in 1733, the first colonial and state capital of Georgia.  It is known as America's first planned city and includes dozens of beautiful parks, squares and gardens; unique and historic architecture; diverse cultural and artistic communities; and is home to the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest black Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third-oldest synagogue in America), the Johnny Mercer home, the Ships of the Sea Museum, the world-renowned Savannah College of Art and Design museums, Historic River Street and Docks, Historic Colonial Park Cemetery (burial place of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and several heroes of the Revolutionary War), and was the backdrop for the Tom Hanks movie “Forrest Gump”.  Today, Savannah's downtown area is one of the largest and oldest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated in 1966). 

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 8:00am from the Clarion Hotel to take them into Downtown Savannah to begin the tour.  Upon arrival, participants will be free to walk on self-guided routes throughout the city the rest of the day.  Lunch and dinner on your own, and feel free to check out the attractions throughout.  There are dozens of options for food and beverage in the central areas of downtown historic Savannah that offer a wide selection of delicious food at reasonable prices.  The shuttles will be available to transport participants back to the Clarion Hotel from a designated location downtown, or participants can get back to the hotel on their own – Return Shuttle Pickup at 5:00pm.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to 60 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Marshes/Island Beach Tours (Full Day)

Take a trip from the mainland areas of Savannah and travel out across the vast coastal marshes to several of the beautiful barrier islands that buffer the Georgia coast from the Atlantic Ocean.  Visit interesting areas along the way such as the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Historic Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski (A National Park and very important battle site during the Civil War), Fort Screven (a more contemporary part of America’s coastal defenses since the War of 1812), and walk on the beaches of Tybee Island and climb up in the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse.  Tybee Island beaches are important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles, and the sea turtle nesting season will be just beginning during the week of the Forum.  The tour will be an all-day excursion, so bring comfortable shoes and clothes, bug-spray, binoculars, water, camera, and sunscreen.  If you forget something, it can be purchased on Tybee Island at the many shops.  A boxed lunch and drink will be provided to each participant.  Dinner on your own on Tybee Island and participants can hang out at any of the local attractions until the shuttle leaves the island. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 8:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them on the Coastal Marshes and Island Beaches tour.  The shuttle will stop at designated areas along the route to allow participants to take short self-guided excursions into each site.  Boxed lunch and drinks will be provided for all participants.  There are several food and beverage options in the Tybee beach area.  The shuttles will be available to transport participants back to the Clarion Hotel from a designated location on Tybee Island, or participants can get back to the hotel on their own – Return Shuttle Pickup at 8:30pm.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 30 People.   Participants will be required to pay the combined $25.00 entrance fee (for Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island Lighthouse), payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday. 

  1. Half-day Kayak Excursion in the Coastal Estuaries (3 Hours)

Join with your friends to take a guided sea kayak paddling trip deep within the coastal marshes near Little Tybee Island to experience the nature up close in these exciting marine environments.  Many opportunities to see dolphins, sharks, native coastal marsh plants, raccoons, invasive hogs, shellfish, and dozens of shorebirds, waterfowl, herons and egrets, wood storks, bald eagles, and other migratory birds,  Participants will be led by local kayak guides.  Kayaks and all boating safety equipment will be provided.  Participants should expect to get wet and muddy, and should wear appropriate shoes and clothing and bring water to drink.  Hats are a great idea and plenty of sunscreen.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 7:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local kayaking guides in the coastal estuaries to begin the orientation at 8:30am.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour, approximately 1:00pm.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum. Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to 12 People.  A fee of $55.00 will be charged for each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Tuesday, May 9th).

  1. Wild Island Exploration Tour (4 hours)

Experience the Georgia coast for four (4) hours of wild island exploration by boat.  On the way look for dolphins playing and feeding, listen for the call of the clapper rail, experience Georgia’s unusual tides, and see the salt marsh food chain in action.  During the tour you can step ashore onto the wide, empty beaches of Wassaw Island (one of over 562 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States).  On this island, accessible only by boat, you’ll enjoy watching migratory birds and other wildlife, photography, or exploring the magnificent maritime forest and sheltering sand dunes.  As you cross the island to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll enjoy beachcombing - with your guide and captain there to explain the beautiful as well as the stranger items that have washed ashore.  Participants may get wet, muddy, hot, and have close encounters with the region’s active biting insect populations.  Bring comfortable shoes (no flip flops) and clothes, bug-spray, snacks, binoculars, water, camera, and sunscreen.

Shuttles will pick up participants at 7:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local guides at the docks on Skidaway Island approximately 8:30am to begin the offshore excursion.  After the tour ends around 1:30pm, the shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to only two (2) groups of 6 people per group (limit of 12 people on tour).  A fee of $90.00 will be charged for each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday).

  1. Savannah Port Authority Tour – Garden City Terminal

Enjoy special access to visit the Port of Savannah, Georgia along the Savannah River near the downtown area.  The Port of Savannah is managed by the Georgia Ports Authority and is the largest single container terminal in North America and the second busiest container exporter in the United States.  Learn about Port Operations, container examinations, and the shipping of goods and materials through the terminal, discuss invasive species prevention and management issues, and hear presentations from experts about the local invasion of the invasive Redbay Ambrosia Beetle in 2002, and the subsequent environmental and economic impacts along the low country of South Carolina, Georgia, and beyond….among other topics.

Shuttles will pick-up participants at 8:00am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to the Georgia Ports Authority Office at the Garden City Terminal located near downtown Savannah, GA -- about 45 minutes north of the Coastal Georgia Botanic Gardens.  Boxed lunch and drink will be provided for all participantsAll Participants will require proper identification for entry into the Port for security reasons.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour.  Tour limited to 30 People.   FREE

 

Saturday (May 13th) Field Trips

  1. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Tour (Half-day)

Explore the beautiful maritime forests and coastal wetlands of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, abounding with interesting native plants and exciting wildlife.  Experience the interactive exhibit hall and refuge orientation video at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center.  Learn from the Refuge Manager about the invasive species threats to the Refuge and how they are addressing those problems along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts.  View wildlife and habitat, including migratory birds, native mammals, and American alligators from the comfort of your vehicle by touring the 4-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive.  Take home a souvenir from the Gator Hole, a nature store operated by the non-profit Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 8:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge headquarters located north of downtown Savannah, GA -- about 45 minutes north of the Coastal Georgia Botanic Gardens.  Boxed lunch and drinks will be provided for all participants.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour.  Additional details on the tour to the Refuge will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 30 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Plain Blackwater River Canoe Float

Experience the wild environment of a typical Georgia coastal-plain blackwater river by joining with local guides and wildlife experts for a four (4) hour long afternoon canoe trip to observe the largest virgin bald cypress and tupelo stand on the east coast.  Come see the forested wetlands, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a host of other native plants and animals found in the region.  Invasive species threaten these unique areas and you’ll have an opportunity to learn what can be done to prevent them from impacting Georgia’s slow and winding blackwater rivers that eventually empty into the Atlantic Ocean.  Participants should expect to get wet, muddy, hot, and have close encounters with the region’s active biting insect populations (mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and bees); but have lots of fun during the afternoon adventure.  Participants should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for outdoor activities and bring bug-spray, binoculars, and a camera for this wild river experience.  Boxed lunch and drinks will be provided for all participants. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 8:00am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local canoe guides at the landing in Rincon, GA approximately 9:30pm.  Canoes, paddles, and other boating safety equipment will be provided.  A boxed lunch and drinks will be provided for all participants.  The canoe tour will end around 1:30pm.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour ends.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to 20 People.  A fee of $55.00 will charged to each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday). 

  1. Downtown Savannah Historic Sites Self-guided Tour (Full Day)

Spend the whole day visiting the elegant and historic Savannah, Georgia established in 1733, the first colonial and state capital of Georgia. It is known as America's first planned city and includes dozens of beautiful park squares and gardens, unique and historic architecture, diverse cultural and artistic communities, and is home to the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (one of the South's first public museums), the First African Baptist Church (one of the oldest black Baptist congregations in the United States), Temple Mickve Israel (the third-oldest synagogue in America), the Johnny Mercer home, the Ships of the Sea Museum, the world-renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, Historic River Street and Docks, Historic Colonial Park Cemetery (burial place of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and several heroes of the Revolutionary War), and was the backdrop for the Tom Hanks movie “Forrest Gump”.  Today, Savannah's downtown area is one of the largest and oldest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States (designated in 1966). 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 8:00am from the Clarion Hotel to take them into Downtown Savannah to begin the tour.  Upon arrival, participants will be free to walk on self-guided routes throughout the city the rest of the day.  Lunch and dinner on your own, and feel free to check out the attractions throughout.  There are dozens of options for food and beverage in the central areas of downtown historic Savannah that offer a wide selection of delicious food at reasonable prices.  The shuttles will be available to transport participants back to the Clarion Hotel from a designated location downtown, or participants can get back to the hotel on their own – Return Shuttle Pickup at 5:00pm.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 60 People.  FREE

  1. Coastal Marshes/Island Beach Tours (Full Day)

Take a trip from the mainland areas of Savannah and travel out across the vast coastal marshes to several of the beautiful barrier islands that buffer the Georgia coast from the Atlantic Ocean.  Visit interesting areas along the way such as the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Historic Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski (A National Park and very important battle site during the Civil War), Fort Screven (a more contemporary part of America’s coastal defenses since the War of 1812), and walk on the beaches of Tybee Island and climb up in the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse.  Tybee Island beaches are important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles, and the sea turtle nesting season will be just beginning during the week of the Forum.  The tour will be an all-day excursion, so bring comfortable shoes and clothes, bug-spray, binoculars, camera, and sunscreen.  If you forget something, it can be purchased on Tybee Island at the many shops.  Boxed lunches and drinks will be provided.  Dinner on your own on Tybee Island and participants can hang out at any of the local attractions until the shuttle leaves the island. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 8:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them on the Coastal Marshes and Island Beaches tour.  The shuttle will stop at designated areas along the route to allow participants to take short self-guided excursions into each site.  Boxed lunch and drinks will be provided for all participants.  There are several food and beverage options in the Tybee beach area.  The shuttles will be available to transport participants back to the Clarion Hotel from a designated location on Tybee Island, or participants can get back to the hotel on their own – Return Shuttle Pickup at 8:30pm.  Details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Tour limited to 25 People.   Participants will be required to pay the combined $25.00 entrance fee (for Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island Lighthouse), payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday. 

  1. Half-day Kayak Excursion in the Coastal Estuaries (3 Hours)

Join with your friends to take a guided sea kayak paddling trip deep within the coastal marshes near Little Tybee Island to experience the nature up close in these exciting marine environments.  Many opportunities to see dolphins, sharks, native coastal marsh plants, raccoons, invasive hogs, shellfish, and dozens of shorebirds, waterfowl, herons and egrets, wood storks, bald eagles, and other migratory birds. Participants will be led by local kayak guides.  Kayaks and all boating safety equipment will be provided.  Participants should expect to get wet and muddy, and should wear appropriate shoes and clothing and bring water to drink. Hats are a great idea and plenty of sunscreen. Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives. 

Shuttles will pick up participants at 7:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local kayaking guides in the coastal estuaries to begin the orientation at 8:30am.  The shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel after the tour, approximately 1:00pm.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum. Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to 12 People.  A fee of $55.00 will be charged for each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Tuesday, May 9th).      

  1. Wild Island Exploration Tour* (4 hours)

Experience the Georgia coast for four (4) hours of wild island exploration by boat.  On the way look for dolphins playing and feeding, listen for the call of the clapper rail, experience Georgia’s unusual tides, and see the salt marsh food chain in action.  During the tour you can step ashore onto the wide, empty beaches of Wassaw Island (one of over 562 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States).  On this island, accessible only by boat, you’ll enjoy watching migratory birds and other wildlife, photography, or exploring the magnificent maritime forest and sheltering sand dunes.  As you cross the island to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll enjoy beachcombing - with your guide and captain there to explain the beautiful as well as the stranger items that have washed ashore.  Participants may get wet, muddy, hot, and have close encounters with the region’s active biting insect populations.  Bring comfortable shoes (no flip flops) and clothes, bug-spray, snacks, binoculars, water, camera, and sunscreen.

Shuttles will pick up participants at 7:30am from the Clarion Hotel to take them to meet with local guides at the docks on Skidaway Island approximately 8:30am to begin the offshore excursion.  After the tour ends around 1:30pm, the shuttle will return participants to the Clarion Hotel.  Additional details on the tour will be provided during the Forum.  Trip will be canceled if inclement weather arrives.  Tour limited to only two (2) groups of 6 people per group (limit of 12 people on tour).  A fee of $90.00 will be charged for each participant (payable to NAISN by 5:00pm Wednesday).