Join us Saturday, October 10, for a free community celebration of OSP’s 80 years of stewardship, education, outdoor recreation, and connection to this extraordinary place and a remarkable new chapter for the Okefenokee as we celebrate its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the nature, wildlife, culture, and traditions of the Okefenokee.
Throughout the day, visitors can encounter wildlife — including, of course, alligators — take part in guided walks and demonstrations, discover traditional crafts and regional history, learn from conservation and education partners, enjoy music and food, and experience the swamp in new ways.
Designed for all ages, the day will be rooted in curiosity, wonder, exploration, and meaningful connection to the Okefenokee.
Explore, Discover & Celebrate
Spend the day exploring the people, wildlife, history and landscapes that make the Okefenokee extraordinary. Activities and demonstrations will be happening throughout the park from 10am–4pm.
Please note: OSP General Admission and 3-Hour Experiences will be full price. Local resident, military, and senior discounts are available.
Program Schedule
11:00 AM – Creatures of the Okefenokee
Join Okefenokee Swamp Park staff as we introduce you to some of the creatures that call the Okefenokee their home, featuring a couple of the park’s animal ambassadors. Presented by Jolie Hoyle, OSP Environmental Education Coordinator.
12:00 PM — Life on the Okefenokee: Pioneer Cabins, Swamp Geography, and Native History
Join us for an engaging look into life on the Okefenokee Swamp, featuring stories of childhood at Black Hammock, and the rich history of the Native Americans who once inhabited the swamp. Presented by Clint Bowman, Okefenokee Heritage Center.
1:00 PM — Meet the Animals: Up Close with Wildlife
Join Chehaw Park & Zoo for an up-close animal encounter featuring a variety of fascinating animal ambassadors. Presented by Bryce Phillips, Chehaw Park & Zoo Environmental Educator.
2:00 PM — Among Our Relatives, A Color Walk Collage Make & Take
Join Mvskoke multimedia artist Okcate Evita Smith McCommas for ‘Among Our Relatives’, a unique color walk workshop set in her Ancestral Homelands. Following the walk, she will guide the group in creating an interpretive collage inspired by the colors and visions experienced along the way.
3:00 PM — Flatwoods Fire Trail Nature Walk
Discover the plants and animals found in a fire maintained flatwoods ecosystem on a short hike with forester Matthew Mrizek. Matthew is a Staff Forester with the Georgia Forestry Commission and manages the neighboring Dixon Memorial State Forest.
Swamp Culture + Heritage
Explore Cherokee and Muscogee culture through hands-on objects, materials and demonstrations. See a traditional soap-making demonstration on Pioneer Island and explore art, history and culture with the Okefenokee Heritage Center.
Nature Education + Discovery
Meet snakes, birds of prey and other native wildlife. Search for mock frosted flatwoods salamander eggs, examine animal skins, skulls and other wildlife artifacts, learn about falconry and meet a live bird.
Outdoor Recreation + Exploration
Try your hand at archery, explore paddling and canoe camping in the Okefenokee, identify native trees and plants, and explore the Flatwoods Fire Trail.
Stewardship + Conservation
Measure water salinity with a refractometer, discover the connection between bobwhite quail and prescribed fire, and learn about invasive species including flathead catfish, yellow-legged hornets, tegus and cane toads.
Music + Gathering
Enjoy regional musicians and food vendors. Simply Dell’licious will be on site selling donut holes, pretzels, popsicles, hot dogs, and iced lattes. Okefenokee Swamp Park Snack Shack’s menu includes burgers, hot dogs, and BBQ. Soft drinks, lemonade, and water will also be available for purchase.
We hope to see you on October 10th!
