Special Events
Sugar Cane Grinding and Syrup Boil - November 21, 2009; 10am-4pm
Take part in a traditional sugar cane boil. Cut your own sugar cane from the garden, grind it using a traditional mule operated grinder, and sample the sweet cane juice. Watch as staff and volunteers boil down a vat of sugar cane juice and produce authentic pure cane syrup.
Christmas on Chesser Island - December 12, 2009; 6pm-8pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Chesser Island Homestead with a hayride, luminaries, refreshments, caroling, and live music! Discover the region's traditions as you tour a swamp homestead decorated with traditional homemade decorations. Stay warm by the bonfire while enjoying homemade cookies and cider.
Earth Day/National Wildlife Week - April 17, 2010; 8am-2pm
Join refuge staff and volunteers to help clean up the environment and learn how Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge protects, conserves and enhances habitat for fish and wildlife. The day begins with a litter pick-up on the refuge and adjacent Highway 121. Drop in the visitor center to learn ways to make a difference in your community. Then take off on a bicycle tour of Swamp Island Drive and stop at many staffed exhibits along the way. Learn about red-cockaded woodpeckers and their habitat needs. Discover how fire can benefit the Okefenokee Swamp. Find out which animals call Okefenokee their home.
International Migratory Bird Day - May 8, 2010; 8am-8:30pm
Join the nation in celebrating and learning about migratory birds. Activities include an early morning bird walk, exhibits, and a night time Owl Prowl.
Banks Lake NWR Youth Fishing Derby - June 5, 2010; 8am-1pm
Show off your fishing skills! Have fun in a Fishing Derby for children age 3 – 15 and a CastingKids contest. Attend a knot tying demonstration and discover which knots are best for different test lines. Find out how folks “grunt worms” for bait. Bring a plain t-shirt and get free fish art to wear home. Take home free fishing information and fun gifts. Free refreshments will be available.
National Public Lands Day Celebration - September 25, 2010; 8am-12pm Join us for a day set aside for service to our nation’s public lands. Activities include maintenance on the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Free hot dogs and refreshments for participants!
Okefenokee Festival/National Wildlife Refuge Week - October 9, 2010; 11am-4:30pm
Visit the Chesser Island Homestead to discover how people once lived in Southeast Georgia at the time the refuge system was established. Learn how settlers made soap, brooms, butter, quilts, baskets, and other everyday items. Examine how settlers washed clothes, smoked meat, made pickets, and survived in and around the swamp. Sample boiled peanuts, soup, biscuits, and other items cooked on a wood-burning stove. Listen to the sounds of bluegrass music, stories, and four-note singing. Enjoy horses, mules, and other livestock. Join in the games your grandparents played - musical chairs, wheelbarrow races and more!
