Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve Sapelo Island is the fourth largest Georgia barrier island and one of the most pristine. The reserve is made up of salt marshes, maritime forests and beach dune areas. Not only is the island rich in natural history, but also in human history dating back 4,000 years.With broad-based community support and interaction both on Sapelo Island and the mainland, the reserve conducts Coastal Decision-maker Workshops and actively participates in the System-wide Monitoring Program. In addition to ongoing research at the reserve, research is also conducted at the University of Georgia Marine Institute, which is located on the island.
Allatoona Lake Allatoona Lake is one of the most frequently visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. Located only 30 miles from Atlanta, more than 13 million visitors each year enjoy picnicking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming and other water sports, and observing the abundant wildlife along the shores of this beautiful lake. The visitor center features video exhibits and displays about the area's history, ranging from the time of early Indians to the gold mining and iron making days, from the Civil War up to the present.Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the oldest Corps lake in the southeastern U.S. Camping, hiking, marinas and cabins are available, and historic Civil War battlefields are nearby.
Andersonville National Historic Site Andersonville, or Camp Sumter as it was officially known, was one of the largest of many Confederate military prisons established during the Civil War. It was built early in 1864 after Confederate officials decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners kept in and around Richmond, Virginia, to a place of greater security and a more abundant food supply . During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements.
Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is the only park in the National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation's history. The 495-acre park consists of the historic prison site and the National Cemetery. Congress stated in the authorizing legislation that this park's purpose is "to provide an understanding of the overall prisoner of war story of the Civil War, to interpret the role of prisoner of war camps in history, to commemorate the sacrifice of Americans who lost their lives in such camps, and to preserve the monuments located within the site". In 1998 the National Prisoner of War Museum opened at Andersonville, dedicated to the men and women of this country who have suffered captivity. Their story is one of sacrifice and courage.
Banks Lake NWR The 3,500-acre Banks Lake NWR is thought to be Georgia's largest example of a Pocosin or Carolina Bay. The 1,000 acres of open water contained there is a popular sport fishing hole and home to a wide variety of fish, reptiles and marsh and wading birds. Major program aspects include the Fishery Resource and its associated sport fishing program. The 2,500 acres of marsh/wetland provide habitat for a variety of reptiles and marsh and wading birds. An upland area of about 100 acres offers some opportunity for forest manipulation including thinning and prescribed burning.Â
Blackbeard Island NWR Blackbeard Island NWR is one of the oldest refuges in the country, having been in continuous federal ownership since 1800 when the island was acquired by the Navy. The 5,618-acre refuge is situated approximately 18 miles off the coast of McIntosh County, Georgia. Blackbeard Island was named for Edward Teach, alias Balckbeard the Pirate. The island is comprised of interconnecting linear dunes thickly covered by oak/palmetto vegetation. Wildlife habitat include open freshwater and freshwater marsh, salt marsh, forest, and sand beach.
Carters Lake Carters Lake Project is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District. Carters Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in the Southeast. Located at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its sparkling waters and rugged shoreline provide a beautiful surrounding for a variety of recreational opportunities which includes: camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and hunting. Want to learn more about recreation at Carters Lake? Click on the Carters Lake Web Site link.
