AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – The 2008 Wild Amelia Nature Festival, May 16-18, is an exciting and memorable way for residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Florida’s Amelia Island. The three-day festival offers something for everyone, with more than 25 seminars and outdoor experiences designed to showcase the natural beauty and wonder of the popular barrier island destination.
Among the 2008 Wild Amelia eco-adventure offerings is a Segway tour of Ft. George Island, a kayak trip through the marshes along Ft. Clinch State Park, and exploration of bird habitats by bike or golf cart on the seldom traveled path to Sound Point Place. Other options include a marsh walk through an aquatic preserve, a guided walk through the maritime hammock at sunset, and much more. The festival also offers programs for children, such as nature photography for kids, and children’s discovery, in which kids learn the secrets of when and where to find the best shells, sharks teeth and other beach bounty.
Now in its third year, Wild Amelia has become a popular an effective way to share the island’s wilder side through a wide variety of fun and educational activities. Just 13-miles long and two-miles long, the small Amelia Island is big on natural assets, including two state parks and several preserves covering more than 2,000 acres. Adding plenty of wet to its wild, Amelia Island is embraced by three dynamic marine features: the Atlantic Ocean, Cumberland Sound, and Nassau Sound. Among the island’s many notable features are 40-foot, sea oat dappled sand dunes, which are some of the highest in Fla., and remarkable examples of Maritime Hammock habitat, which is now home to forest that has grown on what was once an ancient beach.
“In just a few short years, the Wild Amelia festival has grown to become one of the island’s favorite events,” said Gil Langley, Managing Director of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council. “Everyone enjoys Amelia Island’s breath-taking scenic beauty, but this festival offers a fun way to develop a much deeper appreciation for our unique and beautiful natural surroundings.”
The Wild Amelia Nature Festival was started two years ago by local naturalists and residents who wanted to create a fun and exciting way to educate people on the island’s place in our unique bioregion, and to encourage stewardship of the area’s natural resources.
“Everyone is talking about ‘going green’ these days, and it is in that spirit that Wild Amelia helps people learn to enjoy nature while increasing awareness about protecting those very natural resources we treasure,” said Ray Hetchka, Wild Amelia Natural Festival board member.
The cost to participate in Wild Amelia activities ranges from $5 to $45, making the festival an affordable option for families and nature lovers. To learn more about the Wild Amelia Festival, for a full list of tours and activities, or to pre-register for seminars, visit www.wildamelia.org.
Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Its long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining, blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.org.