Hunter Barber, Director of Operations for Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures, recently shared an update on what’s ahead for one of our region’s greatest natural treasures with the Blackshear Rotary Club. Among the biggest news: the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the first in Georgia and, according to Barber, the first U.S. site to receive the designation in approximately 30 years. The recognition is already helping put the Okefenokee on a larger international stage, with the park seeing an uptick in international visitors since the designation. An economic impact assessment conducted in 2024 projected 4–8 percent growth over the next five to 10 years, with increased visitation expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses throughout the region. Okefenokee Swamp Park is preparing to celebrate 80 years at its Waycross location in October, along with the return of fall favorites including Swamp-Tacular, sunset tours and guided camping experiences. Visitors can also check out the park’s new alligator training program, which provides enrichment and exercise for its captive alligators while giving guests an educational look at these incredible animals. The UNESCO designation creates an opportunity to “share what we already know is special with the world,” Barber says. Pictured above are (l-r) Club President Steven Stipe, Rotarian Dr. Don Waters and Barber.
Rotary meeting gets swampy
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