Each hurricane season, residents of the coastal Southeast scan weather forecasts with a worried eye. But have you ever wondered why hurricanes hit the East Coast more often than other places, such as the West Coast? The answer lies in a complex combination of geography, ocean currents, wind patterns, and Read more
Beneath canopies of pine and oak across the Southeastern United States, the rugged, fan-leaved saw palmetto thrives. For centuries, this palm has played a central role in the region’s ecology, traditional medicine, and cultural lore. Below, we explore the saw palmetto’s story of resilience and healing. A Southern Native The Read more
Drive through any Southern neighborhood in the height of summer, and you will likely marvel at billowing blooms of pink, lavender, red, and white. These vibrant colors belong to crepe myrtle trees, a hallmark of Southern charm. However, these trees did not originate here; their journey to becoming an icon Read more
Visitors come from far and wide to visit Cumberland Island in the hopes of glimpsing its famed wild horses. As you take in the awe-inspiring sight of their grazing at Dungeness’ imposing ruins, you may wonder how they arrived on this island. Their background is connected with horses’ overall history Read more
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