This is my favorite beach in Georgia, characterized by pristine dunes and miles of “no people”.
It’s also the nearest beach to Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest near-shore live-bottom reefs in the Southeast. It’s located sixteen miles east of Sapelo Island.
In early spring, broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) and coreopsis are widespread and a colorful sign of life in roadside ditches throughout South Georgia.
Helianthemum corymbosum
Swamp Sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) are symbols of autumn in South Georgia and can be seen in ditches and roadside bogs all over the region. I have some in my yard that are nearly 9 feet tall.
Nanny Goat Beach, as well as nearby Cabretta Beach, are among the most isolated and pristine in the United States. Other than an occasional visitor from the nearby Reynolds Mansion or a group of students from the University of Georgia’s Marine Institute, you’re almost guaranteed complete privacy here.
Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) are abundant, and while they seem ubiquitous along the Georgia coast, they’re an endangered species and vanguard of the fragile dune environment so associated with the Southeastern shoreline.
Grand Bay is located within a 13,000-acre wetlands system which is said to be the second largest natural blackwater wetland in the state, after the Okefenokee Swamp. It is of the type of land features known as “Carolina bays” which, according to one theory were created by meteor showers. Dudley’s Hammock, a rare example of a mature broadleaf-evergreen hammock community, is found in the area. Strolling leisurely along the boardwalk which provides easy access to the wetland, one of the most beautiful plants likely to be encountered in late spring and summer is the Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), pictured below.
At the end of the half-mile boardwalk is the 54-foot Kinderlou Tower, which served as a fire lookout in nearby Kinderlou Forest from 1939-1993. It was donated to the state by Harley Langdale, Jr., a prominent Valdosta businessman.
Be advised in summer that the walk up the tower can be exhausting and that numerous red wasps nest on the structure. The view from the top, though, is worth the effort.
To reach Grand Bay WMA from Valdosta take U. S. Highway 221 North approximately 10 miles and turn left on Knight’s Academy Road. Go 1.5 miles to the entrance sign on the right. The entrance road leads 1 mile north to a “T”. The boardwalk is to your left, the interpretive center and canoe trail entrance to your right. A Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass, or GORP, is now required for access; for more information, call the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division at 229-426-5267.
An aside: My good friend Jan Stokes, who had a long career with DNR at Bowens Mill, pointed out to me in an email just how difficult a task it was to build the boardwalk in 100-degree and freezing weather over several years, battling snakes and alligators at every turn. Their dedication to the project mirrored the enthusiasm of Tip Hon, who was the guiding force behind the state’s vision for Grand Bay WMA.
For nearly a mile along this road was the largest wild display I’ve ever seen of Cherokee Roses (Rosa laevigata), the state flower of Georgia. A beloved harbinger of springtime, the Cherokee Rose is actually an invasive species, brought to the Southeast in the 1780s and deriving its English name from its association with the Cherokee tribes.
Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) can be seen throughout Coastal Georgia. This shot was made in a particularly large population near the Altamaha River delta on US 17.
This bog near Ashburn is one of the most abundant in the area and has had good stewards.
Yellow pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava) is the dominant species.
This photo was taken May, when the Yellow pitcher plants were blooming. The first two images were made in July.
Hooded pitcher plants (Sarracenia minor) are also present in the bog.
Gopher Apple (Licania michauxii) is sporadically common in sandy roadsides and waste areas throughout South Georgia. It’s a food source for Gopher Tortoises (hence the name) and favored by many creatures that occur in their range. These were photographed in an area near Big Creek (Alapaha River) just outside Irwinville on Georgia Highway 32.
