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.

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Posted in April 2009, Beachscape | No Comments »

Celebrate Earth Day on Jekyll Island with the first annual Jekyll Island Mother Nature Festival on April 18, 2009. The festival, a celebration of nature and eco-friendly fun, boasts numerous activities for families to enjoy the outdoors and explore Jekyll Island while being green-conscious.
“This event is all about exploring nature while discovering ways to be more eco-friendly,” said Beth Burnsed, Event Marketing Coordinator for the Jekyll Island Authority.  “Jekyll Island offers many opportunities for families to learn about environment while respecting it.”
The hub of the activities is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Center will host an eco-friendly exhibitor area, eco-craft zone, and a special Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift Auction. In the exhibitor area, environmental organizations, artists, and shops will exhibit their eco-conscious and nature-related wares. Simultaneously, in the children’s eco-craft zone, kids can practice being environmentally friendly by making recycled-art projects. Finally, in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regift Auction, visitors can take part in a silent auction with a twist. The items in the auction are “re-gifts” — they have never been used, but were never needed by the donor. Now they can be your treasure. Proceeds from the auction go to the continuing operation of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  All activities, exhibitors, and entertainment continue until 4 p.m. The exhibitor area is free. The craft zone and auction are free with paid admission to the Center.
Other activities taking place the same day include a Family Fishing Day at Rixen Pond, behind Tidelands Nature Center. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be on-site to give fishing tips, loan free children’s fishing rods, provide bait, and help children identify the fish they catch. Rixen Pond is rich in red fish, speckled trout, and Atlantic croaker.
For added adventure, families can choose from a variety guided excursions to get an up-close look at the natural habitats that make Jekyll Island unique. Tours include Dolphin Tours, Eco-Tours, Off-Shore Fishing, Kayaking, Bird Walks, Nature Walks and Horseback Riding. Many of these tours are offered year-round; however, in honor of Earth Day, all are offering special themed tours both April 18 and 19.
For more information on Jekyll Island’s Mother Nature Festival, a complete festival agenda and list of guided excursions visit www.jekyllisland.com/mothernaturefestival.

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Posted in Beachscape, March 2009 | No Comments »