DESCRIPTION:Crooked River State Park is located atop the Crooked River Bluff. It is approximately 500 acres and is home to several unique plant communities. Showcased are the gum-pine pond, bay swamp, marsh, longleaf pine/palmetto, and mixed hardwoods environments. The aquatic habitats are veritable storehouses of animal life and focal points for the animal communities of the surrounding pinelands and palmettos. There are large movements of life in cyclic waves across the forests to other water sources. The ponds maintain their own food webs and also the life web of the park’s surrounding forest areas. They provide the only breeding opportunity for many vertebrates, including a number of tree frogs, toads, the gopher frog, and various salamanders. They are watering and nesting places for many birds, mammals, and reptiles. Specialty birds include the white pelican and wood stork, as well as a variety of warblers. This trip is great for beginners who want an overall look at birds and the natural areas they depend on. Lunch will not be provided, but there are several good restaurants in the area.
Trip Rigor: Fairly easy – some walking on several trails around a mile or less.
Recommend
Needs: Insect repellent, long sleeves and pants, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, water and snacks, binoculars.
Your
Leaders:
Jessica Aldridge is currently the Assistant Manager for Crooked River State Park. She has been a naturalist for six years, five of which were on the Atlantic coast from Florida to Georgia. Her degree is in Animal Ecology with emphasis on interpretation of natural resources from Iowa State University. She studied marine science at the University of New Castle in Australia and has been involved in the Sea Turtle Project on Sea Island. She loves birding, kayaking and most of all educating others about our natural resources!
Robert Smith is the Forest & Wildlife Biologist for Cabin Bluff Land Management in Camden County, Georgia. Robert has worked to help manage habitats for a wide variety of game and non-game wildlife in the southeastern US. Robert enjoys birding, wildlife photography, and other outdoor activities in his spare time.
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