Wild Amelia Nature Festival
May 20-22, 2016
Plans have begun for next year's nature festival. This will be our 10th Anniversary and many special events are planned to celebrate. The shark has been chosen as next year's Critter of the Year.
2016 Nature Photo Calendar
Every month has stunning photos to remind you of the beauty of the Amelia Island area. All photos were entries in this year's photo contest. They are available at the Atlantic Recreation center, the Chamber office, Kayak Amelia office (Talbot State Park & 4 North 2nd St gift shop) or purchase online
Wild Amelia tote for sale
Show your support for WA where ever you go. The generous18 x 13 x 6inch size, makes it great for groceries or trips to the beach. Get yours at a Wild Nite lecture, during the festival in May or online.
$15
Grab some kids and take them to the holy land
Warren Anderson is an environmental lawyer from Jacksonville. His recent TEDx talk is inspiring.
Captain Returns Home
Three years ago a green sea turtle was rescued in the Mayport Naval Basin after a boat strike. The CAT scan revealed that in addtion to damage to his carapace there was also partial paralysis to the hind flippers. Originally Captain had an issue with rear end buoyancy. For the last couple of years the staff at the GA Sea Turtle Center have
been providing Captain with weight therapy; Velcroing a pocket with weights in it to the back end of his shell to keep him level in the water.
After 3 years they could not correct the bouyancy issue, Captain could not be released back into the wild since he could not dive under water. He was scheduled to be permanently placed in an aqariium, he could not go back to the sea. Recently when the pocket was removed to give Captain a break from it, he was swimming and diving like a normal turtle! Captain had shown so much improvement that he was now considered a releasable turtle! After three years in rehabilitation, Captain would return home!
On October 21, 2013 Dr Norton and staff from the GSTC released Captain at Main Beach on Amelia Island. Many local residents came to wish him Bon Voyage. Kathy Brooks put together the slide show below.
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| A free picture slideshow by Smilebox |
Facebook - Keep up with all the local nature happenings
You can now become a member of Wild Amelia Nature Festival. Your support allows us to expand the programs we offer.
Member Benefits:
- Quarterly E-mail Newsletter
- Decal
- Membership Card
- $2 discount on Tee-Shirts and Calendars (Please show membership card when purchasing.)
- There will be a table at the EcoExpo where business members can display their promotional literature.
- Sustaining Members & Patrons will be recognized on our website.
- Patrons will be given a link on the Wild Amelia website, and will receive a framed Certificate of Appreciation.
Download Membership Form
If you would like to help support Wild Amelia's programs, visit our Sponsorship page.
Each year we choose a different local critter to highlight.
2007 Painted Bunting
2008 Gopher Tortoise.
2009 Northern Right Whales
2010 Egret
2011 Alligator
2012 Bobcat
2013 Horseshoe Crab
2014 Manatee
2015 Anole
2016 Shark
Three rehabilitated green sea turtles were released at Main Beach on Saturday Sept. 1. Thanks to the great work of Dr. Terry Norton and his staff at the GA Sea Turtle Center
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| This free digital slideshow created with Smilebox |
A big thanks to the entire Wild Bunch board who worked many, many hours to organize this event. Jody Hetchka, John & Kathy Brooks, Cynthia Belowski, Robyn Nemes, Kathy Russell, Janet & Lou Michea, Dawna & Scott Moore, Steve Leimberg.
Check out videos of past events and sea turtle releases
What folks are saying about Wild Amelia Nature Festival
"The best "festival' on this island is the Wild Amelia fest. Each one of the events is fantastic, well organized and staffed by caring, dedicated people and it is so nice that attention is paid to nature, solitude and quiet places.
Prediction: As our island's quality of life continues to deteriorate, as we become more and more crowded, noisier, those things and places emphasized by this festival will become increasingly important to all of us.
Thank you, Wild Amelia organizers, for highlighting and bringing attention to our natural surroundings and our quiet places."
Ron Sapp, former city commissioner
