Nothing says Americana like root beer. This beverage, with origins in Native American traditions, is uniquely North American. In Southeast Georgia, we have an even deeper connection to this drink: the local Timucua tribe named nearby Cumberland Island “Missoe,” or “sassafras,” the key ingredient in root beer, which they brewed Read more…
At Cumberland Island’s Dungeness Mansion, a bird’s shrill cry pierces the silence. The ospreys have returned to their nest atop the ruins’ lofty chimney. Maybe you have heard ospreys’ calls in your neighborhood, too. Let us learn about these majestic birds, their superior hunting skills, and their fight for survival Read more…
Strength. Pride. Determination. What does America’s symbol of the bald eagle mean to you? Let us discover the bald eagle’s significance to the Founding Fathers and its importance to Georgians today. Symbolism That Runs Deep Since ancient times, eagles have been symbols of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality. For instance, Read more…
Summer is here, which means slow, relaxing days at the beach. Storm season, too, has arrived, resulting in plenty of shells washing onto our beaches and making for rewarding beach combing. A particularly prized shell is the elegant knobbed whelk, but did you know it has a deeper significance to Read more…
As we drift into summer with days’ becoming longer and steamier, a tree which has lain dormant begins to unfold its elegant blooms: the Southern magnolia. With its glossy green leaves, creamy white blossoms, and intoxicating fragrance, the magnolia is more than just beautiful – it possesses fascinating history, biology, Read more…
This time of year, we cough, we sneeze, and our eyes itch. The culprit is live oaks’ yellow pollen, which envelopes our cars and anything else to which it can cling. As inconvenient as the pollen is, it tells a fascinating story. Here, we will explore live oak catkins, or Read more…
We are now in the midst of spring, when the azaleas flaunt their bright colors, the trees resprout their neon-green leaves, and the marshes’ cordgrass gain new life. It is a time of rebirth. On Cumberland Island, it is also a time of birth, with foals’ being born to the Read more…
It’s a pink balloon! It’s a flamingo! No, it is a roseate spoonbill. This time of year, we are likely to see a flash of pink in the sky or along our marshes as roseate spoonbills travel to our area to nest. How do these avians get their distinctive plumage, Read more…
I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe last night. So I decided to do some digging – not into who exactly this Santa Claus was or why Mommy was kissing him, but into the object that spurred their smooch: mistletoe. In this article, we will discuss this locally-found Read more…
It is that time of year again. The olives are ripening and turning bright green or black. Very soon they will be harvested before being transformed into a deep yellow olive oil. Maybe you think I am referring to harvesting season in Italy, Spain, or even California, but did you Read more…