Nature in Savannah, GA
Savannah is a beautiful and charming city in the state of Georgia that abounds in great, manicured parks and natural attractions. Since its beginnings, it has been one of the most picturesque cities in the United States, one of the most impressive and attractive, partly due to its rich and colorful nature. It doesn’t come as a surprise then that there are more than 50 million tourists every year that come enjoy all of the perks that the city has to offer.
Here is a list of some the best and most capturing natural attractions and sites that you should not miss during your stay in this lovely city of Savannah, GA.
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens
The beautiful Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens are located just south of Savannah, spreading over a 51-acre land area. It is a botanical garden that was previously a USDA plant introduction station, and it is located at Bamboo Farm.
The garden has its origins all the way back in the 1880s when the first bamboos were planted by Mrs. H. B. Miller. She started by planting three great Japanese timber bamboos, and by 1915 it developed into a great and extensive bamboo grove. The USDA noticed its significance and leased it in 1919, using it in the following years, and throughout the 20th century as a plant introduction station.
Over the years, as the number of plants increased, and the facility, as well as its significance, grew, it developed into a great botanical garden. In 1983 it came under the management of the University of Georgia and is since a part of its Agricultural and Environmental Sciences College.
Today, the botanical garden has one of the biggest bamboo collections in the United States, with more than 60 types of bamboo. Apart from that, it also includes around 40 palms species, more than 36 camellia species, trees such as China fir, southern magnolia, Japanese evergreen oak, Chinese pistachio, Oliver Maple, live oak, and many different gardens such as water garden, rose garden, Mediterranean-style garden, Woodland Shade Garden, Georgia Trustees Garden, etc.
Oatland Island Wildlife Center
The Oatland Island Wildlife Center is situated just outside of Savannah, a few miles east of its Historic District, and it is operated and owned by the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. It features a wide range of different wildlife from coastal Georgia and South Carolina.
There you can see over 50 different species of animals including wolves, flying squirrels, bison, bald eagles, armadillo, bobcats, and reptiles, as well as some farm animals such as rabbits, sheep, cows, and goats. Apart from the animals, you can also enjoy taking a long and relaxing stroll along the two-mile trail.
Skidaway Island
Skidaway Island is a great suburban community in Savannah that is home to two great natural attractions and sites. It includes the Skidaway Island State Park and the University of Georgia’s Aquarium and Marine Education Center.
At the Skidaway Island State Park, you can enjoy the lush maritime forest and salt marsh, walking through long trails that lead to a picturesque boardwalk and the observation tower that offers an amazing view. It is a great spot for birdwatchers, and it also has a campground for those who would like to spend a night under the stars.
At the Aquarium and the Marine Education Center, visitors can see and learn all about the 50 species of marine life, or visit the fossil and artifact museum. Here you can also enjoy the beautiful trails in nature, as well as have a picnic.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a great tourist destination and a very popular resort town on the Atlantic that no one should miss while in Savannah. It is located just 17 miles east of the city and is home to numerous beautiful beaches, as well as to its most popular attraction, the Tybee Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse was first built in 1736, and it is one of the very few lighthouses from the 18th century that are still in operation in North America.
When it comes to the beaches, one of the best ones, and with the most amenities, is the South Beach. Tourist can swim or take walks along its long beachfront, among the dunes, enjoying the nature. Apart from that, there is a great variety of restaurants and shops to explore after a fun day at the beach.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge spreads over 3 counties in two states, Georgia and South Carolina, over more than 29,000 acres, and is managed by the Savannah’s Coastal Refuges Complex. It was founded in 1927 as a forest and nature preserve on a former rice plantation from the 18th century.
This wildlife refuge has more than 40 miles of trails to be explored, experiencing and enjoying all the perks of its rich and beautiful nature. It is intersected by miles of creeks and rivers and made up of palustrine, bottomland hardwoods, and freshwater wetlands, with a diverse and rich wildlife such as geese, ducks, alligators, salamanders, bald eagles, etc.
Enjoy the Nature of Savannah
We at Harper Special Services in Savannah, GA can prove that Savannah is a great place for all those who love to be outdoors, who are active, love nature, and love to observe its diversity and rich wildlife. Whichever of these sites you choose to visit, you cannot go wrong, as you will undoubtedly have a good time. There is a lot of interesting facts about Savannah and we highly recommend you come and visit it.