Welcome to Sapelo Island!

This resource was created by the GCE-LTER graduate students to help GCE-LTER undergraduate and graduate students new to the island prepare for their visit. Although not comprehensive for everyone,

we hope this packet provides a good start!

Table of ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................................2

Before you arrive.........................................................................................................................................2

Getting permission to do research..........................................................................................................2

Packing....................................................................................................................................................2

Groceries.................................................................................................................................................3

Medical Emergencies...................................................................................................................................3

Getting to Sapelo Island...............................................................................................................................3

Visitor Center...........................................................................................................................................3

Ferry Information....................................................................................................................................4

Ferry Schedule.........................................................................................................................................4

Staying on the Island...................................................................................................................................6

General Map............................................................................................................................................6

University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI).....................................................................................6

Code of Conduct......................................................................................................................................7

Housing....................................................................................................................................................7

Transportation.........................................................................................................................................7

UGAMI Facilities......................................................................................................................................8

Main Lab Resources.................................................................................................................................9

Contacts.....................................................................................................................................................10

UGAMI/GCE-LTER Staff..........................................................................................................................10

Field and Lab Help.................................................................................................................................10

Vehicle and Housing Help......................................................................................................................11

Fieldwork Tips............................................................................................................................................12

Things to bring into the field:................................................................................................................12

Cultural and historical resources...............................................................................................................12

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IntroductionSapelo is a state-managed barrier island, the fourth largest in the chain of coastal Georgia islands between the Savannah and St. Marys rivers. Accessible only by passenger ferry, Sapelo provides a number of recreational, educational, and lodging opportunities.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the island. DNR operates the ferry service and serves as state liaison for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR) , the University of Georgia Marine Institute, and the civilian Hog Hammock community, permanent home to about 70 full-time residents, many of whom are descended from the antebellum slaves of Sapelo's plantations.

Before you arriveGetting permission to do researchUGAMI, the GCE-LTER, DNR, and SINERR have implemented a research tracking partnership on Sapelo Island. Certain research projects may require prior registration with one of the four research sponsors. You should arrange permission for your research at least 2 months in advance. For GCE-related research, start by filling out a research request on the GCE-LTER website. The purpose of this is to help you avoid conflicts with other researchers and to fulfill our obligation to let SINERR know about our research activities. If your research involves any infrastructure, it important to address this in the request.

Research projects, especially those involving equipment that is left in the water or the marsh, may require permission from GA DNR and/or the Army Corps of Engineers. If that is the case, you will get a notification from GCE when they receive the request and then it is your responsibility to contact GA DNR to complete the process. If your project involves plant or animal collections, this can be handled by UGAMI, which maintains a scientific collector’s permit for certain types of organism collections and can issue sub-permits for educational purposes in many cases. Please contact Natalie (Natalie.Schrey@uga.edu; 912-485-2221 x2238) for more information about plant or animal collection.

PackingWhatever you bring to UGAMI must be transported on the passenger ferry, where space can be at a premium.

What not to bring: Linens: Sheets, blankets and pillows are provided in all housing units, so there is no need to

bring them unless you have a specific requirement. Cooking Equipment: Cooking facilities are available at UGAMI, including refrigerators, freezers,

microwaves, and coffee pots. There are also dishes, standard pots and pans, etc. Bicycles or beach chairs: Bikes are NOT allowed on the ferry. However, UGAMI has a fleet of

bikes that are available for use by our visitors.

What to bring: Old sneakers, hiking boots, and rubber boots (something you won’t mind getting extremely

dirty)

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Old clothes that can get dirty (very dirty) A lightweight jacket/sweater Flip flops are nice when you get back to your housing Rain gear Bottled water or your own water bottle to fill Sun screen and sun protection (long sleeves, hat, neck gator) Sun glasses to protect your eyes in and out of the field Bug spray (depending on the season, this can be important!) Camera Flashlight (must use red lights at night on the beach during turtle nesting season) Towels – both bath towels and beach towels Hat and sunglasses Prescription glasses/reading glasses Any specialized medications, including epinephrine for severe allergies, benadryl, asthma

inhalers, etc.

GroceriesThere is no grocery store (or restaurants) on Sapelo Island, all food and beverages must be purchased prior to arrival and transported to the island via ferry. All housing units are equipped with full kitchens (oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and coffee maker).

Medical EmergenciesPlease use abundant caution when on Sapelo Island. The nearest medical facility is an hour transport time away under ideal conditions. Although Sapelo Island has a volunteer team of first responders with basic medical knowledge such as first aid and CPR and access to an AED, no advanced medical care is available. A phone list for the Sapelo first responders is posted in every housing unit, but in an emergency the first thing to do is to dial 911. Please also tell others in your group if you have a medical condition and what to do if you have trouble.

Getting to Sapelo Island

Visitor CenterThe Sapelo Island Visitors Center is located at the mainland ferry dock in Meridian, GA. Please follow this link to learn more about the visitor center.

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Address and phone number:1766 Landing Road, SE Darien, GA 31305 (912) 437-3224 Ferry Information

The ferry to Sapelo Island is run by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and can be accessed at the dock adjacent to the Sapelo Island Visitor’s Center in Meridian, GA. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. All visitors must have a reservation. To arrange a visit to UGAMI, please contact Gracie Townsend, graciet@uga.edu (see Housing section, below).

The ferry is run by the GA Dept. of Natural Resources. The trip takes 20-30 minutes. The roundtrip fee for UGAMI users is $5.00, which is paid in full when transiting over to the Island.

Parking near the ferry is reserved for residents of the island and commuters so please do not park beyond the sign that is marked “for residents only” if you are a short-term visitor. You may drive your vehicle to the dock for loading and unloading.

The DNR Sapelo Island ferry is operated under state and federal regulations. The captain has the last word regarding any and all freight and passengers. If you have questions, feel free to contact DNR at (912) 485- 2251.

Ferry requests must be submitted to the DNR by UGAMI for all UGAMI visitors to the island. When you contact UGAMI, this process will be taken care of for you. If you would like to bring a group of 10+ or will have extensive gear, a minimum of two weeks’ notice is required. For parties <10, 48 hours minimum notice.

Gear space is limited. Beach/lawn chairs, bicycles, surf/paddle boards and giant coolers are prohibited. If you are unsure, please call ahead.

UGAMI groups are limited. Maximum of 28 persons with gear, and maximum of 40 persons without gear (day trips). This must be arranged in advance!

Please call UGAMI or DNR in advance if you plan to bring gas cylinders, toxic/dangerous chemicals or dewers of inert, liquid gases. These may have to be transported to UGAMI separately in certain instances.

Gasoline, Coleman fuel, radioactive materials, open alcohol containers (consumables) and explosives (fireworks included) are not allowed on the ferry. If you need any of these items for your research, contact the GCE-LTER technicians or UGAMI staff to discuss getting them to the island.

Ferry ScheduleNote that there are no ferry runs on most state holidays, including New Year’s, MLK Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Occasional changes to the ferry schedule for funerals

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and other special events are often posted at the island dock on short notice. If you made a ferry reservation through UGAMI, the UGAMI staff should notify you of any changes.

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Staying on the IslandGeneral Map

You will arrive at the ferry dock, and stay on the main quad of the UGA Marine Institute or in one of the areas with trailers (i.e. Shell Hammock). In some cases, you will drop your garbage at the dump, and refuel vehicles at the fuel station. The Hog Hammock community has a bar, small convenience store, churches, library, and a community center.

University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) The mission of UGAMI is to provide exceptional opportunities for research and university-level education in coastal ecosystems. Located within the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (SINERR), UGAMI is a living laboratory that offers access to protected barrier island habitats, including salt marshes, beaches, maritime forests, tidal creeks, and estuaries. It serves as the home base for the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Project (GCE LTER). Long-term ecological monitoring data, together with the results from hundreds of previous studies, make UGAMI a world-renowned field destination for scientists and classes. See this link for pictures and descriptions of UGAMI’s housing and facilities.

Phone and internet: Cell phone coverage is very spotty on the Island, so be aware that you may not be able to make or receive calls during your visit. Wireless internet is available in the main quad and in most of the dorms, but there are limitations on bandwidth that make it difficult to stream movies or to run data-intensive applications.

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Code of ConductStaying at UGAMI is a privilege that can be revoked for bad behavior. Please be considerate of the other researchers, of UGAMI staff, and of island residents. Please adhere to the guidelines described below regarding housing, vehicles, and laboratory use.

Housing Arrangements for ferry and housing at UGAMI can be scheduled by emailing the UGAMI Program Coordinator Gracie Townsend (graciet@uga.edu). GCE-LTER REU students will have their housing coordinated prior to their arrival and should expect to stay in one of the mobile homes near Shell Hammock. Other students should check with their supervisor regarding who will make housing and ferry arrangements.

Visitor housing is for persons on official research or education business only. Persons on official business are NOT allowed to bring friends or relatives to stay in UGAMI housing or use UGAMI vehicles and equipment.

All sewer systems on the island are tied into septic tanks and leach fields. Please be mindful of what you put down the drains and toilets. Septic tanks cannot break down sand and mud. Please rinse sandy or muddy clothes and equipment outside.

Please take everything you brought to the island back home with you. Please make sure to take all food, including condiments and dry goods. Do not leave collected items such as shells, horseshoe crab molts, sea whips, etc.

Please do a general cleaning of the housing unit before you leave. This includes disposing of items in the trash can, cleaning dirty dishes, sweeping, and placing used bed linens and towels in a pile.

Please set thermostat on a more energy-efficient setting (set temp only a few degrees higher in the summer, or a few degrees lower in the winter).

No pets are allowed in visitor housing.

TransportationPlease drive cautiously on the island and do NOT operate vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please report mechanical problems and clean out vehicles before returning. Vehicles are in high demand, with limited availability, and often assigned immediately to other visitors. Students should expect to share vehicles. Contact Gracie Townsend (graciet@uga.edu) to make arrangements.

The GCE LTER has a truck and some utility vehicles that can supplement the UGAMI fleet in some cases – talk to the technicians to discuss this possibility.

Cars and TrucksUGAMI maintains a small vehicle fleet and may be able to assign you a vehicle for temporary use. UGA employees as well as those who work for the University System of Georgia are covered by insurance and may drive vehicles. If you are from another University, an MOU and proof of insurance are required.

Golf Carts A limited number of golf carts may also be available. Drivers of golf carts must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license. The golf carts are for road use only. Please do not go off road or over dunes

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with the carts. You will be held responsible for damage to the carts that result from negligence. Turn key to off position when not in use.

Bicycles Bicycles are also available for UGAMI visitors. Maintaining these can be difficult given the sandy and salty conditions. Help UGAMI take care of them and do not take them onto the beach.

UGAMI Facilities

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Main Lab ResourcesThe Main Lab houses most of the institute’s equipment and laboratory space. Please do a general cleanup of your lab space when you are finished with your work. Lab space is in high demand and is often assigned immediately to other visitors. Please contact UGAMI’s laboratory safety manager, Natalie Schrey (Natalie.Schrey@uga.edu; 912-485-2221 x2238), for a complete list of shared equipment and other inquiries.

Available resources include:

Short-term laboratory space Drying ovens and combustion furnace Deionized and MilliQ water dispenser Ice Vacuum filtration rigs Balances Short-term refrigerator and freezer space Wet lab resources (tanks, saltwater valves

(PVC), freshwater valves (brass), air valves, etc.)

Shared equipment (i.e. centrifuges, spectrophotometers, microscopes).

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ContactsUGAMI/GCE-LTER StaffPersonnel listed and described below are those a student might expect to interact with on a frequent basis. Please refer to the UGAMI Directory for a comprehensive list of staff and contact information.

Field and Lab HelpDontrece SmithResearch Professionaldtsmith@uga.edu770-401-3371

Elise DiehlResearch Technicianelisekd@uga.edu770-355-2659

John WilliamsResearch TechnicianJohn.Williams4@uga.edu912-485-2221 x2204

Natalie SchreyLaboratory Safety ManagerNatalie.Schrey@uga.edu912-485-2221 x2238

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Vehicle and Housing HelpGracie TownsendProgram Coordinatorgraciet@uga.edu912-617-0300

Jason JohnsonFacilities Manager

Jeff HallAutomotive Mechanic

Randall RozierHVAC Systems Control Technician

Ike SellersFacilities and First Responder(On-island resident)912-270-3741

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Fieldwork Tips Given the lack of consistent cell phone reception on the island, you should communicate your

field agenda (e.g., a “float plan” if you are using a boat) to a buddy. This person would then be responsible for making sure you return from the field. For example, if your boat or truck were to break down, someone would know when and where to look for you.

Storms can be unpredictable, especially in the summer. It’s handy to have a lightning tracker app (like My Lightning Tracker) to monitor lighting in the area. As a general rule of thumb it’s best to avoid flat, exposed areas (like a marsh or open water) if lightning strikes closer than 10 miles within a 30-minute window.

Things to bring into the field: Footwear (it depends on where you

want to go): o Knee-high waterproof/rubber

bootso Old Sneakers/Tennis Shoes

Long pants Lightweight long sleeve shirt Rain jacket

Hat Sunscreen and sun protection (long

sleeves, hat, neck gator/bandana) Sunglasses Bug spray and/or bug hat Gardening gloves (hand protection) Backpack Food/water for a full day Lots of happiness (a must have!)

Cultural and historical resources Sapelo Island has been inhabited by people for thousands of years and continues to be home to a historic Gullah Geechee community. These links and several books can provide you with an introduction to island history. Please respect the current island residents and give them priority on the ferry and on the island, which is their home.

Hogg Hummock - Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society (SICARS) Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor – Where Gullah Geechee Culture Lives

(gullahgeecheecorridor.org) The Heart of Sapelo – Garden & Gun (gardenandgun.com) The History of Sapelo | Sapelo Island NERR (sapelonerr.org)

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