Georgia is graced with water resources that would be the envy of much of the world. The Atlanta metro area hosts a subcontinental divide and watersheds that give rise to two of Georgia’s major rivers, the Ocmulgee and the Flint, as well as a portion of the 430 mile-long Chattahoochee River.

This year’s Eco-A Where the Water Goes series follows the Chattahoochee River from its headwaters in the North Georgia Mountains, down through Atlanta and South Georgia and on to Florida, where it becomes the Apalachicola River, creating an extensive estuary that supports one of the most important oyster fisheries in the US before finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Trip 5 – Friday through Sunday, November 13 – 15 – Apalachicola, Florida

Some Atlantans may not be aware that their special river – the Chattahoochee – returns its waters to the sea by way of Apalachicola Bay, at the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle. An extensive network of swamp and estuary precedes its final destination at the bay, which is one of the richest estuaries in Eastern North America.  The salt marsh is home to many species, including the shy American Bittern, pelicans and every type of egret and heron found in the Southeast, and even the occasional Roseate Spoonbill. Bald eagles are commonly seen fishing in the bay, which is also home to the endangered Florida Manatee.

 We’ll arrive at St. George Island at 3:00 pm on Friday and leave for home at 1:00 pm on Sunday. Our trip will include a special half-day bay and river tour up to Ft. Gadsden, hosted by the Appalachicola Riverkeeper, and visits to nature trails and natural beaches. Weather permitting, we may also have the opportunity to kayak in the bay along St. George Island. We’ll also walk through the picturesque streets of the small historic fishing town of Apalachicola, and of course sample some of the bay’s famous oysters.

And, we are extraordinarily fortunate to offer accommodations in a wonderful private, ocean-front rental home on St. George Island.

We’ll have one dinner out in town, perhaps another lunch, otherwise we’ll cook at our beach home.

Limited to 10 people.

Trip fee – $295  includes 2 nights of accommodations, programming and a group dinner on Friday, November 13.

(Other fees, park entrance or parking fees may apply)

To register (RSVP) click HERE – Details and directions will be sent to registered participants.

A suggested donation of $25 or more helps fund our high-quality programs.

Sister’s Painting at our beach house accommodations on St. George Island.