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Fabulous Festival
This year's festival was a huge success. Over 2000 people participated in the various evnets. These events included a sea turtle release by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at Main Beach, ecotours and photography classes throughout the three-day Festival, an EcoExpo at the Atlantic Recreation Center with 30 exhibitors indoors and 15 exhibitors for children outdoors, a spectacular silent auction, and two new events—behind-the-scenes tours and photography shoots at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
This year's critter is the Horseshoe Crab. An ancient animal that has not evolved for over 3 million years but is a vital part of the coastal ecosystem. And, guess what, it's not a crab at all! Find out more about Horseshoe crabs
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
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
