Welcome to March's issue!
Welcome to our wildlife-themed issue! Our staff has been looking forward to this issue since we began planning for it last year.
Come along with us as we explore the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia on the Georgia-Florida border. This biodiverse swamp covers about 640 square miles and is home to 850 plant species and
more than 200 bird species in addition to many reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals.
This beautiful area is something special to behold—and area enthusiasts are advocating for the Okefenokee to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spotlight upon this Georgia treasure could mean a boost to the economies of Charlton, Clinch and Ware counties, growth for the region and an influx of visitors from around the world. The swamp would join other World Heritage Sites, such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Great Wall of China and Redwood National Park in California.
Read more in “‘The wild heart of Georgia’” on page 16.
Bird-watching is a popular pastime in our state. Check out “Bird by bird” on page 20 to learn about some of the birds you can observe in different parts of Georgia.
Scientists in Atlanta have been studying coyotes and how they coexist with humans in an urban landscape. Turn to “Decoding the coyote” on page 24 to see some of their findings.
Other wildlife-related stories in this issue are articles about the wild lemurs on St. Catherines Island (page 34), a storyteller and naturalist (page 36), a wildlife rehabber (page 42) and animal-themed festivals (page 28).
Let us know where you’re traveling this month and what wildlife you’ve observed. Email us a snapshot or two at magazine@georgiaemc.com.
Happy reading!
Jennifer J. Hewett
Editor
