WHAT'S NEW AT THE NATURE CENTER?

Amelia Island Plantation has been committed to nature since its beginnings in the 1970s. That
commitment developed into demand for a resident naturalist to come on board in 1996. Meet
Christina Nelson, who grew up in Ocala and majored in marine science at Jacksonville University.
Her popular programs on Amelia's natural beauties and beasts brought demand for more staff and
more space!

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The Nature Center at Amelia Island Plantation offers programs that are fun for the whole family.
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     The Nature Center has outgrown its original digs. Not only does it house the staff and a collection of books and materials, but nature itself comes in for rehabilitation and education. Right now you might get to see "Mr. Slithers," a brightly colored corn snake, or Bruce and Herman, two red-eared flyer turtles. Small fish and crabs and even a sea urchin hang out in the bubbling salt water tanks. Guests can also use the many books or actual shell specimens from the beach to help identify what species they've found.
     All of this and more will move pondside, to the former Coop restaurant (now in the Village Store), where fish, turtles and more await interested naturalists of all levels.
     Ms. Nelson and her staff have a variety of hands-on programs that are available to the public. These include off-site trips to the Okeefeenokee Swamp and Cumberland Island. And this year Audubon Magazine is sponsoring a week of nature festivities from August 30 to September 5.

To inquire about programs for adults or children during this special week or anytime, please call (904) 321-5082.