The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to its World Heritage List. The refuge, which spans southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida, is the largest of its kind in the world, covering 400 acres.
Wildlife and Geography
The Okefenokee is home to 48 mammal species, 238 bird species, 856 plant species, and 90 reptile and amphibian species, including American alligators. Its geography ranges from ancient peat bogs to dense wetland forests, where savannas of endangered species like the longleaf pine thrive.
Michael Lusk, who manages the wildlife refuge, said, ‘The Okefenokee is truly wild. It’s a place for animals and plants to be able to roam free and do what they do without the influence of mankind.’
Economic Boost
The designation is expected to bring a big economic boost to the area, with more visitors from abroad coming to see the natural wonder. Josh Howard, president of Friends of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, said, ‘We welcome them, and we want people to see how amazing this place is. We want to be able to share it with them.’
Long-time visitor Alice Keyes agrees, saying, ‘I came here for the first time 30 years ago, and I’ve been coming ever since. Now I bring my kids. We fish, we kayak, we camp quite a bit, and it’s just magical.’
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
