 A wonderful coastal treasure waits to be discovered at the DNR Coastal Resources Division (CRD) Headquarters ~~ the Earth Day Nature Trail! Take a journey through the Nature Trail and Marsh Walk and discover the wonders of our natural surroundings.
The Earth Day Nature Trail was designed be a self-guided educational activity. An Earth Day Nature Trail Brochure was developed by the DNR to familiarize coastal educators with the facilities and activities offered at the Trail and is available from the CRD Headquarters. This brochure provides information and recommendations to help prepare the teacher or group leader to serve as the trail guide. The prepared leader can create a greater understanding and appreciation by the students for Georgia's coastal marshlands.
 An orientation center located adjacent to the Earth Day Nature Trail entrance features benches and TV monitors for viewing videos. The pavilion, a 28 x 44 foot open sided shelter, is an outdoor classroom for students to learn about the nature trail and coastal Georgia. Benches may be moved to the side to provide an open area for crafts, demonstrations, or other educational activities. Use of the center must be scheduled in advance by contacting CRD at (912) 264-7218. Video films may be checked out by the group leader for use at the pavilion.
For an Earth Day Nature Trail information packet, to schedule a visit to the Nature Trail and/or Orientation Center Pavilion, or for additional information contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.
Recommendations
Don't forget, the nature trail is "self-guided" and well prepared adult leaders greatly enhance the overall student experience. To increase the number of qualified trail guides, each field trip assistant (i.e. teacher aides, parents, etc) should study the Earth Day Nature Trail brochure in advance of the trip so that the class may be divided into smaller groups. Small groups typically increase the attention span for individual students and increase the opportunity for the guide to teach or communicate with the students. Although a pre-designated movement pattern may be established, it is recommended to allow small groups to go in different directions and move about as independent groups with their guide. For example, several small groups may view a video while others visit the trail and/or aquarium display. Typically allow 15-30 minutes for the nature walk and 15-30 minutes for the marsh walk. The aquarium display area located on the first floor of the main office building will generally require 10 minutes. Also, restrooms and drinking water are available in this ara (available Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm only). Picnic tables are available along the trail for students having lunch.
 Nature Trail Rules
The Earth Day Nature Trail is open daily from daylight to dusk. Restrooms are available ONLY Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
1. NO Smoking
2. NO Fires
3. NO Pets
4. NO Alcoholic Beverages
5. Do Not Disturb Plants & Animals
6. Leave Only Your Footprints
Directions to the Earth Day Nature Trail
From the south:
- Take I-95 to Exit 29 (US Hwy. 17, US 82, South Georgia Parkway)
- Exit eastbound in the direction of Jekyll Island
- Continue on US 17 past the Jekyll Island turn-off
- Cross the Sidney Lanier Bridge
- Immediately after the bridge, turn left onto Conservation Way
- Follow Conservation Way into the CRH parking lot.
From the north:
- Take I-95 to exit 38 (Spur 25, Golden Isles Parkway)
- Exit eastbound in the direction of Brunswick
- Continue on Spur 25 to dead-end into US Hwy. 17
- Merge onto US Hwy 17 southbound
- Immediately before the Sidney Lanier Bridge, turn right onto Conservation Way
- Follow Conservation Way into the CRH parking lot.
For a printable map (PDF file), Click Here.
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