Florida
History & Ecology: Okefenokee Swamp, Amelia & Cumberland Islands
Program No. 11603RJ
Alongside naturalists, discover the idyllic landscapes and unique wildlife of the barrier islands and Okefenokee Swamp. Plus, visit historic towns and learn about Civil War history.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 4L, 4D
)
3 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
D
Stay:
Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the conference room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your an up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and to learn when and where the Orientation session will take place. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
2
Amelia Trolley, Amelia Museum, Ft. Clinch, Beach Ecology
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a trolley at select points of interest. Fort Clinch was built for war, not for safety! Stairs are steep and narrow, railings are absent, and walkways are uneven with many trip hazards. Two large ramps give visitors access to the rampart and gun deck with its 10-inch smoothbore cannon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today will be a day of fascination and historical adventure. On our trolley field trip, we will explore the downtown historic district of Amelia Island as our expert shares the story of the visionary whose exhilarating dream so stirred his neighbors that they agreed to move their entire town to the site of a plantation he owned, thereby creating "New" Fernandina in the 1850s. From the "giant" Timucua Native Americans, to Spanish and French explorers, to the lawless spirit of pirates, to the dignified air of Victorian-era residents, Amelia Island has been home to diverse cultures that have left a truly exciting heritage. Expect the rare privilege of observing the uniquely gracious and historic homes of another century. Afterwards, on a visit to the Amelia Island Museum of History, allow yourself to get in touch with efforts to preserve the nearly extinct, pristine architectural styles within a small, gifted American town struggling to retain its fragile sense of family and community as well as its birthright and historical integrity.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We'll board the trolley for Fort Clinch. Fort Clinch State Park is a 1,086-acre outpost of pristine beaches and dunes, nature trails, ponds, and salt marshes, and the island's only campgrounds. Named for General Duncan Lamont Clinch, an important figure in Florida's Seminole War of the 1830s who also fought in the War of 1812, the fort is one in a system of permanent coastal fortifications. Construction began in 1847; it was occupied briefly by the Confederate forces while it was still being built until it was eventually overrun by the Union troops. It has been meticulously preserved and will provide us with a glimpse as to what life was like over 150 years ago. While here, a re-enactor dressed in period uniform will take us back in time on a field trip around the fort while vividly describing what our ancestors may have experienced here. Inside Fort Clinch, visitors can see five bastions, guard rooms, a prison, enlisted men’s barracks, a bakery, a blacksmith shop, storehouses, a hospital, kitchens, lumber sheds, and galleries. Every room inside Fort Clinch is furnished to recreate a depiction of the site as garrisoned by the 1st New York Volunteer Engineers in 1864. Close your eyes for a moment and you can almost hear the roar of the cannons!
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
In the hotel meeting room, we’ll meet for a presentation by a naturalist on island ecology.
Day
3
Okefenokee Swamp Day Trip
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a boat; the covered boat ride is approximately 1.5 hours into the swamp; vessel is wheelchair accessible. Walking about 1.5 miles roundtrip in the afternoon. Sunscreen, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks are recommended for everyone. Plan to wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Officially identified as a “Wetland of International Importance”, the Okefenokee Swamp is composed of a wealth of various habitats including a multitude of black-water lakes, pine and oak forests, and freshwater marshes (locally called “prairies”) with floating flowering islands amid flooded lowlands covered by cypress, black gum, and shrubs. This enormous peat bog is host to a lively human history of “swamp culture” as well as to an infinitely beautiful and complex ecosystem of flora and fauna with perhaps the most notable residents of which being Florida black bears and American alligators. An expert will lead our field trip into the Okefenokee Swamp, one of America's most famous national wildlife refuges. If you are a birder, don't forget your binoculars as there are sure to be opportunities for viewing red-cockaded woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, owls, and others. Whatever your interest, have a camera with you as Okefenokee is one of the most picturesque and photographic places!
Lunch:
At the swamp.
Afternoon:
We’ll then take a drive on the motorcoach along Swamp Island Drive to explore the 19th- to early 20th-century farmhouse located deep in the swamp that was home to a family for several generations. Fortunately, the property was saved from the fire of 2011 and has survived the constantly wet conditions of the environment, thereby sustaining the legacy of the “swampers” who once lived there. The boardwalk is 1.5 miles roundtrip; there will be a few benches to rest along the way.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Shrimping Industry, Amelia Island River Cruise, Free Time
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a boat; vessel is wheelchair accessible; the boat is covered and may be closed to protect guests against inclement weather. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the conference room, start the morning off with a presentation by a local shrimper whose family goes back generations in the industry. He shares his knowledge of shrimp farming and the future of the shrimp industry in the U.S. Travelling by trolley, we will meet our captain for a morning boat cruise. As we cruise the backwaters of Amelia Island and Cumberland Island on a covered pontoon boat, we’ll enjoy the spectacular views while watching for rare birds, dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife. We’ll glide back in time along the rivers, creeks, and marshes that surround Amelia Island. Commentary along the way will be provided by a local expert.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You may wish to venture to the Amelia Island Museum, the historic village, or just relax on the beach. The beach is 0.3 miles from the hotel. The hotel also has a shuttle to town.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Cumberland Island Day Field Trip
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 60 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a ferry via a ramp; approximately 1 hour riding time. Be sure to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes. Walking about 4.3-5 miles on Cumberland Island; the terrain is flat with crushed seashell.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Before leaving for Cumberland, we'll watch a video about the island. We will travel approximately 30 miles by motorcoach to the Cumberland Island National Seashore located at St. Mary's, GA. We'll then board a ferry for a 45-minute boat ride to Cumberland Island, the state's southernmost and largest barrier island. We may even see dolphins and other wildlife on the way! Each person will have to carry their picnic lunch that is provided so bring a backpack. At the end of the day, we will board our ferry at 4:45 p.m., and our motorcoach will meet us once again in St. Mary's. We will need to take everything with us that we might need for the entire day. There are no stores on Cumberland Island and all trash brought on must be taken off. The day hike with an expert will take us along the river road and across the maritime forest onto the beach. It is a slow hike with one bathroom stop along the way.
Lunch:
Box lunch will be on the boat as we travel to Cumberland Island.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our field trip on Cumberland Island, then board the ferry at 4:45 p.m. for our return trip to Fernandina Beach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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