In Georgia, we have a hidden treasure – 100 miles long – the Georgia coast. Our coast has nearly one-third of the Eastern Seaboard’s remaining salt marsh, more than any other state. It includes the calving waters of right whales, summer grazing for manatees and nesting beaches for sea turtles and shorebirds. Our coast is rich in the history of our people, from the Creek and Oconee Native American tribes, to the first English settlement in Savannah, to the African-rooted Gullah Geechee culture and the birth of the New South.
As more and more people discover the treasures of the Georgia coast, its rich natural resources and unique culture have become threatened by its very popularity, which has increased development and population pressure. Our panel will lead a discussion on efforts underway to ensure that the coast’s popularity does not destroy its natural beauty. The coast comes alive with stories of nature and culture, and with good stewardship, we’ll be telling these stories for generations to come.
