Snug Barrier Islands: Amelia, Cumberland, Talbots
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November happens to be a great time to learn about coastal nature and wildlife on barrier islands with Florida State Park programs at the nearby Talbot Islands and Fort George Island. See below the November schedule of upcoming free events focusing on coastal nature: coastal critters, salt marsh ecosystems, and coastal ecology. Note that EcoMotion Tours offers Segway tours of Little Talbot Island and Fort George Island (read more about Segways at end of this article...)
For those unfamiliar with the area, Little Talbot Island offers over five miles of lovely beachfront. This gem of an island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Hike through maritime forest, see magnificent sand dunes, and enjoy undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island. This is outdoor, in the field, nature study at its best, and relaxing, too. The park's natural habitat is rich with coastal wildlife for viewing. There's opportunity to glimpse a large variety of native and migratory birds, and possible sightings of river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, gopher turtles, armadillos and more.
"The Boneyard," Tree Skeletons, Big Talbot Island
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GET AN APPRECIATION OF THE SCENIC BEAUTY AROUND THE WATERWAYS AND TALBOT ISLAND AREA BY WATCHING VIDEO FEATURING AERIAL VIEWS FOR NAVIGATING THE BARRIER ISLAND AREA BY BOAT.
THE NOVEMBER 2009 SCHEDULE OF NATURE EVENTS HAPPENING IS BELOW:
ANIMAL SIGNS: Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a presentation and leisurely guided hike through different Florida ecosystems on a quest to characterize tracks left by an assortment of critters. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
SECRETS OF THE SALT MARSH: Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
Join a park ranger and discover the importance of estuarine systems that surround the inshore sides of barrier islands like those of the Talbot Islands State Parks complex. This ranger-guided hike along the salt marsh will help point out why these areas are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, the many roles the salt marsh plays, the plant and animal life found in this natural community, and the impacts humans have on this system. This program will take place at the Ribault Club on Fort George Island Cultural State Park. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
BARRIER ISLANDS: Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Join one of our knowledgeable park rangers for an informative talk on the natural history of sea islands and their important role in coastal ecology. The topics addressed will include beach erosion, island migration, island formation and the natural communities present on such barrier islands today. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
TALBOT CRITTERS: Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger to learn about the many common species that inhabit the natural communities of the undeveloped barrier islands of northeast Florida. The program will take place at pavilion one on Little Talbot Island. No reservations are necessary and the program is free with regular park admission. Contact: For more information, call 904-251-2320.
SEGWAY TOURS AVAILABLE WITHIN TALBOT ISLAND STATE PARKS, FLORIDA
Rather not walk? How about a cool ride? Visitors can now explore the beauty of these barrier islands as never before — on Segways®. EcoMotion Tours is one of Talbot Islands State Parks’ visitors service providers operating on Little Talbot Island and nearby Fort George Island. For those who are unfamiliar with a Segway, it's a two-wheeled, battery-powered device that you step onto and drive around, responding to the way you lean. "These eco-friendly transporters are quiet and easy on the trails, providing a wonderful way to explore nature without disturbing its inhabitants, " according to Florida State Parks. The tours are narrated, and Segway riders are equipped with a wireless headset so the guides can point out the fascinating plant and wildlife life.
EcoMotion Tours provides helmets, orientation and training to ensure everyone has a relaxed and safe experience. While no experience is necessary, there is a minimum age requirement (13 years old) and a weight requirement (between 100-250 pounds) to participate on a Segway tour. Also, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guided trips include instruction, interpretation, bottled water, and a snack. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. One hour Segway tours are $55, 2-hour Segway tours are $85 (prices subject to change -- Call EcoMotion Tours for further information 904-251-9477).
ABOUT VISITING CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA
A ferry, the "Cumberland Queen," provides round trip service from St. Marys, Georgia to Cumberland Island (get further Cumberland Island ferry info by calling 912-882-4335). According to the National Parks Service, Cumberland Island, GA (located just across the Cumberland Sound from Amelia Island, Florida) is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands in the world. Cumberland Island has one of the largest maritime forests remaining in the United States and one of the largest wilderness areas in a National Seashore on the east coast. Daily visitors are limited to 300 per day (this is a 17.5 mile long island -- it's bigger than Amelia Island).
You really have to see Cumberland in person to fully comprehend this island's beauty and serenity. If you have the time, devote a full day just for Cumberland Island, one of the best experiences available to those visiting the area (weather permitting), but most suitable for those physically fit who can easily walk around to explore (or able to ride a bicycle). When you arrive via the Cumberland Queen Ferry, you will be walking around the island and will have to walk across the island from the ferry dock if you wish to see the gorgeous beachfront. Be sure to pack your own food and drinks, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent (no public vehicles, no stores, no restaurants on Cumberland Island).
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About the author: W.B. Lawson of Florida Fine Living Media, Inc., writes lifestyle, tourism and community articles, published in Amelia Island Living eMagazine and also blogs on the social network AmeliaIslandLiving.NET, “Life in an island town…”. SUBSCRIBE TO AMELIA ISLAND RSS FEEDS. Follow on TWITTER, user "FLORIDA32034".