New Biennial Symposium to Explore Research and Conservation in the Okefenokee

The dynamic state of the Okefenokee Swamp ecosystem will be the focus of the College of Coastal Georgia’s inaugural Biennial Okefenokee Science Symposium on Oct. 16-17. Researchers, students, conservation professionals, and community members are invited to come together to explore and discuss one of the nation’s most renowned wetlands.

The symposium aims to advance understanding of the Okefenokee through collaboration, dialogue, and shared discovery. It will highlight cutting-edge research across a variety of disciplines, with an emphasis on hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, and human interactions within the Okefenokee’s wetland system.

“The primary goal of the Biennial Okefenokee Science Symposium is to showcase the current state of scientific knowledge about one of the largest wetland mosaics in the Southeast,” said Dr. James Deemy, associate professor of environmental science. “We hope attendees gain a deeper understanding of the Okefenokee through the best available science while becoming inspired to further engage with and support this iconic wetland.”

The first day of the symposium, Oct. 16, will feature research posters and presentations at the Center for the Arts on the College’s Brunswick campus. The event will also include keynote presentations from Dr. Reed Noss of the University of Florida; Dr. Ania Truszczynski, deputy director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division; and Johnny Sabo, director and state forester of the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The second day, Oct. 17, will be dedicated to field excursions at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Attendees may sign up for a guided boat tour or kayak tour, or rent kayaks and canoes to explore the refuge independently.

The symposium and field excursions are ticketed events. Visit www.ccga.edu/biennial-okefenokee-science-symposium to register, view the event schedule, and learn more.

The Okefenokee Science Symposium is hosted through a collaboration between the College of Coastal Georgia Environmental Science program, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.