By Leigh Baumann Jekyll Books at the Old Infirmary, located at 101 Old Plantation Road in the Landmark Historic District, will be hosting the first annual “Eco Book Festival” coinciding with the island-wide Mother Nature Festival to be held on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. The juried selection of authors will include nationally-known and local best-selling authors from the genres of nature and environmental writing, naturalists guides, environmentally-related fiction, living “green” titles, and children’s books that have an ecological theme. The majority of authors at the “Eco Book Festival” are represented by national/international publishers, but regional authors with national recognition are also included. A full schedule of author events is available at Jekyll Books at the Old Infirmary.

A celebration of The Georgia Review, a quarterly publication of essays, short fiction, poetry, reviews, and art, will also be featured during the event. The Georgia Review celebrates publication of the Spring 2009 issue and its Focus on Culture and the Environment, featuring essays from five contemporary writers on the practice of living simply. Winner of two National Magazine Awards, The Georgia Review is a nationally respected, award-winning literary quarterly published at UGA since 1947.
In addition to the numerous authors signing throughout the day, a representative from Burt’s Bees, which is known for their earth-friendly personal care products, will also be at the store from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. doing product demonstrations and providing product samples.
 
Leigh Baumann, Proprietor of Jekyll Books, adds, “We are excited to be able to bring to together such a unique group of talented authors whose works help us to focus on environmental awareness and a renewed appreciation for ecological issues. Both adults and children alike will be delighted to be able to meet and interact with this wonderful group.”

In the spirit of Earth Day and to promote the recycling of used books, Jekyll Books will be collecting gently used books during the “Eco Book Festival” that will be donated to the Jekyll Rotary Lending Library located on the terrace level of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Donations of used fiction and non-fiction titles will be accepted, though encyclopedia sets are not able to be utilized.

Tags: Beachscape, book fest, burt's bees, earth day, earth-friendly, eco book festival, geocaching on jekyll island jekyll island georgia, Georgia, georgia beaches, georgia coast, georgia review, green, jekyll, jekyll books, jekyll bookstore, jekyll island, jekyll island plantation road, Mother Nature Festival, old infirmary, recycling
Posted in April 2009, Beachscape | No Comments »

Jekyll Island volunteer citizens have teamed up to coordinate the first annual Easter Egg Stroll on April 11. The Stroll is a laid back alternative to the Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Festival previously held. It is geared toward young children ages 6 and under. All eggs will be numbered and will have to be redeemed for prizes at the Easter Egg Stroll Information Booth located near the Sweet Shoppe. One unspecified number will merit a grand prize. There will be 12 of these lucky grand prize eggs hidden. Otherwise small prizes will be awarded based on the number of eggs found, with a limit of 20 per child. Once the eggs are redeemed for prizes, they will be re-hidden for other children to find throughout the afternoon. The event is free; for more information, contact the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center at (912) 635-3636.
 
 
In addition to the Easter Egg Stroll, the Jekyll Island History Center will also offer a special free tram ride at 11:30 that day. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Easter attire and take a 20 minute, kid-friendly tram ride through the beautiful Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. The ride will end near the Easter Egg Stroll Information Booth where the kids can begin their egg hunt. Although the ride is free, spaces are limited. Please make your reservations by calling the Jekyll Island Museum
at 635-4036.

Tags: Beachscape, easter, easter at the beach, easter celebration, easter egg hunt, Easter Festival, georgia coast, georgia coast easter, golden isles easter, historic district, historic tram ride, jekyll, jekyll island, jekyll island authority, jekyll island beach, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island club national historic landmark, jekyll island easter egg stroll, Jekyll Island Events, jekyll island history, jekyll island museum
Posted in April 2009, Beachscape | No Comments »

Celebrate Spring on Jekyll Island with the first annual Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The festival boasts numerous activities for families to enjoy the outdoors and explore Jekyll Island while being green-conscious. Be sure to check out the activities below:
  
Festival Highlights
 
Friday, April 17
 
Pre-Fest Beachsweep, 10 AM–12 Noon, Beachdeck
Join the Jekyll Island Authority as they clean the beach in preparation for Earth Day. Gloves and trash bags provided. Just bring some helpful hands!
 
 
Saturday, April 18
Eco-Friendly Craft Zone & Exhibitor Area, 10 AM – 4 PM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Make eco-friendly crafts and peruse the numerous arts and crafts vendors, local ecology groups, and green friendly businesses displaying their items and information. Also, step inside the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn about sea turtles and their habitat.
 
 
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- Regift Auction,
10 AM – 4 PM, Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Bid on a variety of items “re-gifted” to the Center in honor of the Mother Nature Festival. The Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Re-gift Auction puts a spin on the typical silent auction. Proceeds go to the continuing operation of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. We still need donated items.
 
 
Family Fishing Day 10 AM – 2 PM,
Rixen Pond behind Tidelands Nature Center
Join the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division for an afternoon of fishing at Rixen Pond. Free fishing poles provided as well as tips and advice.
 
 
Helicopter Tours 10AM – 4PM,
Jekyll Island Airport
Take a helicopter tour above Jekyll Island with Dragonfly Helicopters. $25 per person.
 
 

Kite Flying Demonstration
11 AM – 1PM, Beach at Blackbeard’s Restaurant
Watch as Coastal Windsports demonstrates their kite flying skills on the beach. Free.
 
 

Herpetology Session
2:00 PM, Tidelands Nature Center
Join the staff at Tidelands in a hands-on demonstration of amphibians and reptiles that make their home on Jekyll Island.
 
 
Outdoor Excursions
Make reservations for a variety of outdoor adventures in Dolphin Tours, Off-Shore Fishing Trips, Horseback Rides on the Beach, Kayak Excursions, a Bird Ramble, or a Beach Ecology Walk.

For more information on all of the Mother Nature festival activities and outdoor excursions, visit: www.jekyllisland.com/mothernaturefestival

Tags: Add new tag, arts and crafts, Beachscape, coastal georgia festivals, coastal windsports, conservation, dolphin tours, eco crafts, ecology, family fishing day, fishing trips, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, helicopter tours, jekyll island, Jekyll Island Beachscape, jekyll island mother nature festival, kite flying, Mother Nature Festival, re-gift, recycle, reduce, reuse, rixen pond, sea turtle conservation, sea turtles, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, tidelands nature center
Posted in April 2009, Beachscape | No Comments »

Come enjoy the music you grew up with, tunes that bring back the fond memories of yesteryear. Come enjoy the Three of Us, a popular musical group that performs pop and folk-type cover tunes from the 60’s and 70’s. Their tight vocals which come from many years of musical experience specialize in two and three part harmonies. The group features Bill Townsend on harmonica, guitar and vocals who has been performing professionally for over 30 years; Bo Fox on guitar and vocals with experience playing for over 45 years and Marie Toler, who joined the group about a year ago. Marie has been playing professionally for over 15 years and has become a focal point for the group’s performances. With her incredible bongo playing, stellar vocals and an arsenal of percussion instruments she keeps the audience wondering what she’ll do next. Making this band just plain fun to watch as well as hear. This free performance sponsored by the Jekyll Island Arts Association, on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 PM in Beachside Hall of the Jekyll Island Convention Center, will give you an opportunity to enjoy the best trio in the Golden Isles. For more information call 635-3920.

The Faircloth & Beasley Exhibit of Painting & Sculpture sponsored by the Jekyll Island Arts Association in Goodyear Cottage of the Jekyll Island Historic District is showing March 20th -April 19th. The artists’ reception will be held Sunday, March 22nd 1-3 PM. Admission is always free at Goodyear’s gallery and shop, where regular hours are M-F Noon - 4 PM and weekends 10 AM- 4 PM. For more information call 635-3920.

Goodyear Cottage will once again blossom this Spring with members’ creations during our annual Arts Festival Friday through Sunday March 13, 14, and 15. The Festival is the time for the Jekyll Island Arts Association to gather and celebrate among themselves and with the larger community. Our professional and intermediate artists mingle with beginner artists who are busy taking classes in January and February from our members who teach and share their skills.

The artists’ work will be available for purchase, along with our Festival Shop filled with more art and handworks. The Cafe will again feature Brunswick stew, sandwiches and drinks. For dessert treat yourself at our Bake Sale with local cookies, pies, cakes and breads. Raku, woodcarving, and other interesting demonstrations provide a great experience for children and adults alike. A variety of musical entertainment will be going on outside and inside Goodyear Malcolm Hanson’s piano performances will entertain as always. Our popular raffle will be held on Sunday afternoon.

Tags: Beachscape, georgia beach vacation, georgia beaches, georgia coast, jekyll island, jekyll island arts assocation arts festival, jekyll island arts association, jekyll island beach vacation
Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

March 20 - April 19

Faircloth & Beasley Exhibit of Painting & SculptureDon’t miss this month’s exhibit at Goodyear Cottage in the Historic District, Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island. Admission is free. M-F Noon-4, Weekends 10-4. 912-635-3920

March 2-27

Ultimate Tournaments on Jekyll Island 160 teams and 2500 students compete in the High Tide Ultimate Tournament throughout the month at the Jekyll Island Soccer Complex and fields in Glynn County.

March 12 - 15

Sandy Paws Greyt Fun in the Sun,  A Greyhound Gathering A fun filled weekend of seminars, shopping, blessing, memorial, dinner, ice cream social, beach walk and lots more. All activities take place at the Jekyll Oceanfront Resort.

March 13-15

Jekyll Island Arts Association Art Sale
Jekyll Island Historic District. Members of the Jekyll Island Arts Association exhibit and sell their works of art. Open to the public. Free Admission.

March 14

Peaches to the Beaches
Peaches to the Beaches. This statewide yard sales takes shoppers from Middle Georgia to Georgia’s Peach. Sell your wares or shop the last stop at the Jekyll Island Visitor Information Center. 912-635-3636.

March 18

Chef’s Demonstration - Local Seafood
Chef Rob Sartorio presents a demonstration utilizing favorite seafood from local waters. Guests enjoy a generous tasting of each dish and printed recipes. 1:30 p.m. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. $30.00 Reservations. 912-635-2600

March 20 - 22

Jekyll Island Collegiate Golf Invitational.
The top men’s and women’s collegiate golf teams in NCAA Divisions II and III compete on Jekyll Island in an early season test of individual and team performance. 912-635-2368.

March 21

Great Dunes Historic Golf Tournament.
Play golf using hickory shaft clubs, gutta percha balls, and historic costumes. Hosted by the Jekyll Island Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Association. 635-2368

March 29
Sunday Dinner Dance
Enjoy a special menu gourmet dinner in the Grand Dining Room and dance away the evening to the music of ballroom dance band, “Four and Easy,” led by Wayne Tate. Jekyll Island Club Hotel. 6 p.m. Cost: $36.95 plus tax and gratutity. Reservations. 912-635-2400

April 11, May 9, May 30

Jekyll Island Play Golf America “Play Day”
11:30 a.m - Golf Clinic Q & A. 12:30 p.m Shot Gun Format,  2 Person Scramble Players - Beginners or Skilled, create your own team. Event is FREE. Jekyll Island Golf Course.

April 18

Mother Nature Festival
Join the Jekyll Island Authority & the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to celebrate the Spring Season. Eco-friendly arts and crafts activities, pictures with Scute the Sea Turtle, puppet shows, interactive education session and outdoor excursions.

May 15-16

Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl
Athletes compete in a triathlon and 5K fun run. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Registration still available at www.active.com.

June 1 - June 30

2009 Women’s Golf Month
Jekyll Island offers a “Ladies Play Day” on Wednesdays for $25.00 ea. Includes 1 hour group lesson, Green Fee & cart. All participants receive one year subscription to Golf Digest! Jekyll Island Golf Course. 912-635-2368.

June 8-13

Nest Fest Week on Jekyll Island
A week-long celebration of the one year anniversary of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Educational seminars and outdoor activities all week with a finale event at the Beachdeck on the 13th.

July 1 - July 31

Jekyll Island Family Golf “Kids Play Free”
Kids 14 and under play free with a paying adult. Contact the Jekyll Island Golf Course / 912-635-2368

July 4th

July 4th Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day on the beach at a family-fun party at the Beachdeck featuring the DJ game show - the Big Dawg and Paul Show - with a fireworks finale that is known to be one of the best in the region.

August 21-22

Beach Music and Barbecue Festival
Beach Music concerts, shag lessons, and lots of dancing all weekend. Concerts feature some of today’s top beach music bands and take place on Jekyll Island’s beach.

September 18-20

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival
A weekend celebration of two of Georgia’s most beloved foods - shrimp & grits. The festival features a cook-off, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment and kid-friendly fun zone.

September 19

Jekyll Island High School Country Invitational
Jekyll Island High School Cross Country Invites High School students to participate in a cross country race on Jekyll Island’s Great Dunes Golf Course. www.jixc.com

October 9-11

Georgia’s Colonial Georgia Coast Birding Festival
The Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Festival has activities such as nature walks, educational seminars and children’s programs.

Tags: activities on jekyll island, Beachscape, events, jekyll island vacation, what to do on jekyll island
Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »

Adopt a Turtle!

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is proud to announce the long awaited Adopt-a-Turtle Program! With your donation of $50 or more, you can adopt one of our sea turtle patients. Current patients and already released patients with satellite transmitters are eligible for adoption. When adopting a turtle, you will receive an official certificate of adoption, a letter from your sea turtle, a 5 x 7 photo of your sea turtle, weekly updates from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and you name will appear as an adoptive parent on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center website. If you chose to adopt a current patient, you also have the opportunity to be a VIP at the release of your adopted turtle!

Join Us for Turtle Tales with Miss USA

Turtle Tales is offered on Saturdays at 10:30am and is FREE with general admission! There are so many books about sea turtles, it’s hard to choose! Our Turtle Tales program will introduce you to the many children’s books about sea turtles. This program involves a turtle-inspired book reading and craft for children of all ages. There will be a different book and craft each month. And yes, you can purchase the books in our Gift Shop! Join us in May as we read another turtle-ific tale. Special guest Miss USA will join us on May 17 to read this special tale.

Turtle Tours Night Walks

Explore the beach at night, and learn about the amazing journey of the loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the Georgia Coast. These popular programs begin with a 30-45 minute presentation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center about the natural history of sea turtles, followed by a guided beach tour (participants must provide their own transportation from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to the beach)

Turtle walks will be conducted June 1 – July 31 (Walks will not be conducted on July 4) with two nightly programs every day (8:30 and 9:30 P.M.). Depending on the nesting season, the concluding date may vary. Reservations are required as group size is limited by DNR permit restrictions and programs nearly always sell out many days in advance. Participants will have a limited amount of time to briefly explore the Exhibit Gallery before their presentation begins, but the hospital area will not be accessible.

Cost: $10 adults (13+), $5 children (ages 4-12)
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the time and nature of these walks, we require children to be at least 4 years of age.
For the safety of the turtles, flashlights, camera and video camera lights are not allowed on the Walks. Night vision cameras are allowed. Walk Guides will have a special, turtle-friendly, approved flashlight.

Behind the Scenes

Ever wonder what it feels like to be on the other side of the Treatment Window? Wish you could get a closer look at the patients, off of the pavilion walkway? You’re in luck. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is pleased to offer behind-the-scenes tours. Guests will visit food preparation areas, animal holding areas, and the treatment, X-ray and Surgery Rooms. Come join us for a closer look at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center from the other side of the Treatment Window.
Tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 P.M. and are offered on a first come first served basis,–Reservations are required. Call early or sign up in the Gift Shop- Group size is limited to 10 guests. (912-635-4444) Cost: $25/Adults - $15/Children (Must be at least 10 years of age). Price includes admission.

Sea Turtle Release

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be saying farewell to one of their patients. Spitfire will be released on the Jekyll Island Beach Saturday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m. Spitfire’s release will take place on the same day as Nest Fest and the Turtle Crawl Triathlon. Enjoy the fun as the Center celebrates the beginning of turtle nesting season and bids Spitfire goodbye!
The 2008 Wild Amelia Nature Festival, May 16-18, is an exciting and memorable way for residents and visitors to experience the wild side of Florida’s Amelia Island. The three-day festival offers something for everyone, with more than 25 seminars and outdoor experiences designed to showcase the natural beauty and wonder of the popular barrier island destination. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be exhibiting at this event and also releasing Vida!

Terrapin Crossing on Jekyll Island

The diamondback terrapin is a salt marsh turtle commonly found along the Georgia coast including in the marshes surrounding Jekyll Island. Every year, from early May to July, female terrapins, venture to the causeway in search of high grounds on which to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, hundreds are injured and killed by motor vehicles on the causeways leading to Jekyll Island. Please watching out for our turtle guests while driving on the Jekyll Island Causeway entering the island!

Tags: Adopt-A-Turtle, Beachscape, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, May 2008
Posted in Beachscape, May 2008 | No Comments »

http://www.jekyllisland.com/resources/beachscape_october_2007/

Tags: Beachscape, jekyll island, monthly publication
Posted in October 2007 | No Comments »

http://www.jekyllisland.com/resources/beachscape_september_2007/

Tags: Beachscape, jekyll island, monthly publication
Posted in September 2007 | No Comments »