Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge

This ancient geologic lake is thought to have been shaped by ocean tides. In more modern times it was dammed to power a grist mill and became a popular stage coach stop. The Nature Conservancy in 1980 purchased the land and it became part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife system in 1985. Today it serves as a valued conservation area that includes 3,500 acres of marsh land, cypress swamp, and open water. Migratory and native wildlife flock to the refuge, providing ideal photography and nature watching opportunities. Facilities include a boardwalk, fishing dock, boat ramp, and short trails. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the concession. Open year round it is situated in Lanier County one mile west of Lakeland, GA on Highway 122. Phone 912-496-7366.

Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area

This 13,000 acre wetlands is the second largest natural blackwater system in Georgia's Coastal Plain. Shallow peat filled areas resemble those in the Okefenokee Swamp and provide a treasure for nature watchers. Plant communities include wet savannas, shrub bogs, cypress gum ponds, prairie, and black gum cypress swamps. Uplands provide mature longleaf slash pine flatwoods with some areas of oak-pine mix that at home to gopher tortoises and indigo snakes. A 2,600 foot boardwalk ends at a 54 foot tall observation tower that overlooks open prairie, heron and wood duck rookeries. From Valdosta take US221 north 10 miles and turn left on Knights Academy Road. Entrance is 1.5 miles ahead on the right. Activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and freshwater fishing. Phone 912-423-2988.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

A jewel in the nation's conservation system, this refuge was established in 1936 and encompasses nearly 400,000 acres. Approximately 354,000 acres were designated a National Wilderness Area in 1974. In terms of mileage, the 700 acre fresh water swamp measures 38 miles from north to south and 25 miles wide, encompassing both the Suwannee River and the St. Mary's River. Its indigenous name, spelled and pronounce eight different ways since the 1700s, translates to "quivering earth" or "land of trembling earth" which refers to the boggy terrain which undulates with the slightest footfall. Opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and boating are as vast as the refuge. One highlight is Chesser Island, a 592 acre plot on the swamp's eastern edge, settled by W. T. Chesser and his family in the 1800s. The family's last homestead, built in 1927, is maintained and provides a fascinating glimpse of island life. The Chesser home as well as a boardwalk and observation tower are reached via Swamp Island Drive, a nine mile loop that may be driven, biked, or walked. The Richard Bolton Visitors Center is at the park's east entrance, 11 miles southwest of Folkston off Highway 121/23. Stephan C. Foster State Park is the refuge's west entrance. A North entrance is 8 miles south of Waycross, GA off US1. Phone 912-496-7836.