Scientific Excursions

​Tuesday, April 28

1:30PM - 5:00PM

Botanizing at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia | $45 - Snack included

• Enjoy a guided tour of a few of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia's hotspots including the Native Flora Garden, Children's Garden, and other curated gardens, led by Conservation Research staff and garden Director. Trip will include free time to explore the many aspects of the property including glasshouse with tropical plants, gift shop, porcelain museum, children's garden, hiking through deciduous woods, floodplain and restored Piedmont prairie. Restrooms and ADA accessible paths. 

1:30PM - 5:00PM

Birding at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia | $45 - Snack included

• Richard Hall from UGA Odum School of Ecology, will lead a birding trip to the grounds of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (https://botgarden.uga.edu/) which will include breeding and migratory birds in deciduous woods, floodplain and restored Piedmont prairies. Please bring your own binoculars. We will be hiking through deciduous woods, floodplain and restored Piedmont prairie. We will also have mist nets set up and may get lucky and see some local birds in hand. Restrooms will be available. Closed-toe shoes recommended. eBird hotspot description (species list and map): https://ebird.org/hotspot/L164554

1:30PM - 5:00PM

Sandy Creek Nature Center | $45 - Snack included

• ​Take a hike through Athens' history, exploring how farming, mining for clay, and the old road connecting Athens to the north have shaped the landscape.  Today Sandy Creek Nature Center features 255 acres of protected woodlands and wetlands with over 4 miles of trails. Because of the many wetlands on the property, it wasn't ideal for business growth but instead was a great place to preserve natural habitats for animals and plants as well as providing recreation opportunities. Bring your binoculars and hiking shoes as we will explore along the wetlands that were created from clay mining, the remains of a brick factory, and the old pump house that provided water to a burgeoning town.

​Thursday, April 30

7:00AM - 4:00PM

Phinizy Swamp | $50 - Box lunch included

• We will travel ~2 hours east of Athens to the Phinizy swamp where we will explore the trails through wetlands and cypress swamp with coastal plain species (wading bird rookery, Painted Bunting, American alligators, cottonmouth) that we don't see in Athens. Participants should wear closed toe shoes and bring sun protection (hat/shirt/sunscreen) as well as insect repellent. There's no elevation gain but the terrain could be slightly uneven underfoot. We'll be walking up to two miles slowly as we look for birds and other wildlife, so it won't be super strenuous. Participants will have the option to self-guide or hang out near the visitor center.