GSU opens wildlife expansion Saturday

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By Dal Cannady bio | email

STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) - Georgia Southern's bald eagle has long been the star of the university's wildlife center. But it now shares the stage with ducks and other birds. Crews are putting the finishing touches on the center's 12 acre expansion.

"The expansion was already in the plans when we opened in 1997," explained executive director Steve Hein. "We're are opening Saturday in what is the culmination of 9 years of hard work."

They created what many schools would try to destroy, ponds, creeks and wetlands, from what was a developed area right in the middle of the campus. Guides can show visitors a part of nature many take for granted. The original raptor portion of the center has focused on eagles, hawks and reptiles. The expansion will highlight habitats and ecology.

"People will come here and see some 15 to 20 species of indigenous birds, water fowl. We're talking about ducks and others that are dependent on Georgia's ecosystem and waterways," he noted.

He and the university were also dependent on private donors to raise the two million dollars to make this happen and they know they need more to keep it going. One change that goes into effect Monday will be a two dollar admission charge for adults and a dollar for children, but visitors can save money and buy a one year adult pass for just eight.

Hein hoped guests will understand how important and practical conservation can be.

Grand opening events include behind- the-scene tours at 3:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., an Outdoor Classroom wildlife program at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., and a lecture and tour of the new indoor Frog Exhibit hosted by John Jensen at 4 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

A Wetland Preserve tour and feed the ducks activity at the waterfowl pond will take place at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Other activities include crafts, scavenger hunts, geocaching and wetland conservation experiments in the new Outdoor Classroom.