CCA February 9 Seminar

CCA Skidaway’s February 9 Seminar will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The seminar will feature Matthew Emmer (shown at right), president of The Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges (SCWR), a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting and enhancing the seven National Wildlife Refuges located near Savannah, Georgia. Join us on February 9 to learn about the amazing work this organization does.

Each of the below refuges offers unique environments and opportunities for wildlife conservation and public enjoyment. 

Pinckney Island is renowned for its diverse bird populations and scenic landscapes. Encompassing more than 30,000 acres of freshwater marshes and tidal rivers, the Savannah Refuge is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Tybee National Refuge is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds including gulls, terns, neotropical migratory songbirds, and shorebirds. Wassaw Island offers pristine beaches and densely wooded areas, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty.  Once a military airfield, Harris Neck now serves as a vibrant habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including alligators, wood storks, and deer. With its rich maritime forest and expansive salt marshes, Blackbeard Island is an essential stop for migratory birds and nesting sea turtles. Wolf Island is a designated wilderness area, protecting its diverse ecosystems and providing critical habitat for a variety of species.

Matthew holds a Master's in Film and Television from SCAD and a Bachelor’s in Audio Engineering from Clemson University. Passionate about storytelling and conservation, he brings creative vision to promoting the National Wildlife Refuge System. He twice served as artist-in-residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2018 and 2023), where he documented park rangers and captured oral histories.  

The Savannah Coastal Complex is a rich set of lands with a diverse collection of wildlife that call it home. Matthew will discuss the importance of these public spaces, the challenges they face in an ever-changing world, and how you can get involved and enjoy our wilderness backyard!

The CCA’s raffle prize for this month is a $100 gift card to What’s For Dinner located in Sandfly.

CCA is a nonprofit organization with chapters on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. For more information about CCA of Skidaway contact Jeff Harper (410-402-4003). For more information about    

CCA’s Georgia District, contact Tom Rood (912-598-9753). For information about January’s meeting and seminar, contact Richard Batten (203-858-9364). Area residents are invited to attend the CCA of Skidaway meetings and seminars held on the second Monday of the month at St. Peter’s Church.