CCA June Meeting -The Incredible Biodiversity of Our Coastal Area 

The incredible biodiversity of our coastal area is the topic of the CCA of Skidaway’s June meeting and seminar on Monday, June 14, at St. Peter’s Church, beginning at 7 p.m. The presenter is popular coastal area ecologist and former Senior Naturalist John “Crawfish” Crawford. He also is the Operations Supervisor for the Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Skidaway Island. 

The June meeting will be held in person at St. Peter’s Church and via Zoom for those who prefer to continue in this format. Registration is required for both methods of attendance, due to the limited capacity of socially distanced seating in the church and to provide a link to the online venue. Registration is available through the CCA of Skidaway website (www.ccaskidaway.org). A link to the Zoom feed will be distributed prior to the meeting. 

Crawfish will share how our coastal area developed and will present the exciting biology of the specimens he will bring to the event. Local flora and fauna, such as snakes, turtles, lizards, horseshoe crabs, and other marine life, may be a part of the menagerie. His presentation will include hands-on time with the “critters.” 

Crawfish is a native of Savannah, where he grew up spending time outdoors more often than not. Since early childhood, he has combed the extensive local wild places for every kind of “creepy crawler” he could find to study. He brought home an endless stream of specimens, to the delight of his very supportive family. His nickname “Crawfish” was acquired in the third grade, as a result of his avid interest in nature. A professional naturalist and teacher since age 14, he has made a serious and lifelong study of the natural history of the southeastern wild islands, rivers, marshes, swamps, and forests. Through a variety of field trips, lectures, and photography, Crawfish introduces all levels of students to the wonders of ecology and the natural world. 

In 1988, he joined The University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island as resident naturalist, a marine educator, and research vessel captain. There, he spent most days out in the field, teaching visiting students about the wonders of our subtropical ecosystems. He has an infectious and easily shared enthusiasm for the natural world. Following his retirement from UGA on December 1, 2020, Crawfish developed a biological consultancy, sharing his knowledge as a Subtropical Naturalist focusing on the coastal and inland ecology of our area. Through his broad knowledge of natural history, extensive field experiences, and observant eye, he gives students an appreciation and understanding of the unmatched beauty and natural wonders of our southeastern wild places. 

Each CCA of Skidaway meeting attendee will receive one free raffle ticket, compliments of CCA, as a thank you to all who supported the organization during the challenges of 2020 and 2021. Additional tickets can be purchased in quantities of one ($5), three ($10), or seven ($20) through the website. All raffle proceeds will go to support CCA programs. The June raffle prize will be a half-day inshore fishing charter with Captain Josiah Riffle of Southern Saltwater Charters, valued at $400. 

CCA is a nonprofit organization with chapters on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. For more information about CCA of Skidaway call Dave Devore (330-329-6457). For more information about CCA’s Georgia District, call Tom Rood (912-598-9753). For information about the June meeting and seminar, call Paulette Hamilton (610-509-0279).