Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs

The staff of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge encourages people of all ages to learn as they explore the Okefenokee, “The Land of the Trembling Earth”. A variety of interpretive and environmental educational activities and programs are offered for individuals and groups. To help you find your way to the east entrance of the refuge, an Okefenokee Area Map and Directions is available for printing. Trip Tips are also available for teachers and chaperones. Listed below are many of the activities and programs available.

Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center- “The Outpost”

At the visitor center:

• Experience the sights and sounds of the refuge during an award-winning 14-minute orientation film.
• Learn through exhibits about the formation of the Okefenokee Swamp, its five habitats, the importance of wilderness, and the National Refuge System.
• Enjoy hearing stories about the many different inhabitants of the Okefenokee from an animatronic storyteller.
• Listen to a jukebox that plays natural sounds heard in the refuge.
• Climb to the top of a tower to look at animals that live in the cypress canopy.
• See an underwater view of the swamp.
• Use interactive computer stations to view information and test their refuge management skills.
• See wildlife from the visitor center’s back patio.
• Shop at our bookstore.
• Time required: 30–60 minutes

Swamp Island Drive Self-guided Tour
Leading from the refuge entrance road is the Swamp Island Drive, a 9-mile scenic driving loop that winds its way through different habitats with wildlife openings, wetlands, and hardwood plots. Numbered posts correspond to paragraphs within a written guide that explain what can be seen along the drive. The drive also leads to the start of several walking trails, the Homestead, and the Boardwalk and Observation Tower.
Time required: 30-45 minutes

Chesser Island Homestead
Located four miles down the Swamp Island Drive from the Visitor Center is the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Rangers and volunteers lead individuals and groups through an authentic 1920's era homestead and out buildings as they explain how "swampers" once lived in the Okefenokee. Time required: 15-45 minutes

Swampwalk Boardwalk and Owl’s Roost Observation Tower
View wildlife and plants up close on a ¾ mile boardwalk that winds its way through dense swamp growth, ponds and open prairie before reaching a 40-foot observation tower that overlooks Seagrove Lake. A variety of song and wading birds can be spotted throughout the year. An accompanying brochure is available. Time Required: 30-120 minutes

Walking and Hiking Trails
There are almost 10 miles of walking and hiking trails that allow visitors to see different habitats within the refuge. A trail guide is available that briefly explains each trail. A pamphlet for the Canal Diggers Trail explains the failed attempt by a group of investors to drain the Okefenokee Swamp in the late 1800's. Time required: 15-240 minutes

Boat Tours
Okefenokee Adventures Inc., a cooperating partner at the refuge, offers guided boat tours for a fee on the east side of the refuge. These tours give visitors a memorable opportunity to travel in a part of the swamp that is inaccessible by car or foot. Knowledgeable guides provide information about the swamp's varied flora, fauna and rich human history. Okefenokee Adventures has a gift store and restaurant and can provide meals to groups. They also rent canoes, kayaks, motorboats, and bicycles. Guided half day, full day, and overnight swamp trips are available by arrangement. Time required: 60-75 minutes

Interpretive Programs
During the year a variety of interpretive programs about the wonders of the refuge are offered to individuals and families. Time required: 10-120 minutes

Environmental Education Activities and Programs
Educators may print activity sheets for their students to complete before, during, and after visiting the refuge. A series of brochures and informational handouts about various refuge topics are also available. Time required: 10-30 minutes

Rangers also offer short introductory talks and longer curriculum-based environmental and cultural programs for students age 4 to 15. Time required: 15-90 minutes

Ranger-led programs for scouts are also available. Time required: 15-90 minutes

Special Events
Special events are offered throughout the year.

How to Schedule a Group Visit
Please contact a Refuge Ranger at the Visitor Center to let them know your group will be visiting the refuge. Reservations for programs and tours must be made at least two weeks in advance of arrival. Call (912) 496-7836 from 9AM -5PM ET to make arrangements for your group’s visit. There is no charge for activities and programs except for boat tours. To schedule boat tours or to rent equipment for your group, please make reservations as early as possible by calling Okefenokee Adventures at (912) 496-7156.

Fee Waivers
Entrance fees are required at each entrance to the refuge. Groups visiting the refuge for educational or scientific purposes that meet all requirements may receive a fee waiver. To obtain a fee waiver, a group’s leader must complete an official fee waiver form and submit it and other required material to the refuge Environmental Education Coordinator at least two weeks in advance.