Wildlife Viewing Guide
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Wildlife Viewing Guide |
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General
Coffee State Park
Description:
Located in the lower Coastal Plain, this site exhibits habitat ranging from
sand ridges to gum and cypress river swamps. Containing 1,510 acres, it is the
tenth largest state park in land mass. Water features include a number of small
lakes through which the Seventeen Mile River winds. The park occupies some of
the highest ground in the area, and it is not unusual to find natural rock outcrops,
locally called "soap stone outcrops". Approximately 400 acres of prime
gopher tortoise and indigo snake habitat have been identified and are actively
managed to protect these species and the wildlife community of which they are
a part. The Seventeen Mile River swamp boardwalk offers many opportunities to
witness endangered and protected plants in their habitats located along the
nature trail. The site is well-interpreted with signs, but tours are conducted
on request.
Viewing
Information: The park is a welcome home to beavers, bobcats, white-tailed
deer, black bears, hawks, owls, a variety of songbirds, bald eagles, foxes,
herons, kingfishers, gopher tortoises, and indigo snakes. Visitors can actually
walk among the burrows of the gopher tortoise and witness these amazing and
docile creatures firsthand during warm weather, usually April through early
November; they hibernate during the cooler months. Visitors can get up-close
and personal with birds of prey at the Christopher L. Morris Raptor Rehabilitation
and Education Center located on the park. Some birds must stay here in captivity
because their injuries prevent them from surviving in the wild. Others are released
when they have recovered.
Directions: From Douglas, travel east 6 miles on GA Hwy. 32 to the park entrance.
Management: Georgia DNR, Parks and Historic Sites Division, 912-384-7082 (Park Office)
Closest Town: Douglas, GA
Site Notes: observation platforms, tours, interpretive programs, pioneer village, archery range, cottages, group shelter.
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