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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261203
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UID:86593-1796256000-1796515199@sapelonerr.org
SUMMARY:SINERR 50th Anniversary Summit & Community Celebration
DESCRIPTION:December 3–5\, 2026\nJoin the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve as we celebrate 50 years of research\, education\, conservation\, partnership\, and coastal stewardship. \nThis three-day gathering will bring together scientists\, historians\, community members\, current and former Reserve staff\, partners\, and friends of Sapelo to reflect on SINERR’s history\, explore the work that has shaped our understanding of Georgia’s coast\, and look ahead to the Reserve’s next 50 years. \nThis event requires registration and tickets as space is limited!  \nEvent Schedule\nThursday\, December 3: Optional Sapelo Island North End Tour w/ Lunch at Lula’s Kitchen \nBegin the celebration with an optional field trip to Sapelo Island. Participants will have an opportunity to visit the Guale Shell Ring\, Chocolate Plantation\, and other areas not accessible on public tours. End with a lunch at the famed Lula’s Kitchen for authentic island food. \nSpace will be limited\, and advance registration and fees will be required. \n\nFriday\, December 4: 50th Anniversary Summit\n8:30 AM – 4:30PM  – Summit at Oaks on the River\, Darien\, GA\nThe Summit will bring together leading coastal scientists\, historians\, community voices\, partners\, and former and current Reserve leaders for a day of presentations\, conversations\, and reflection. Lunch and snacks included in registration. \nTopics addressed include: \nThe Beginning\nHow a vision for protecting Georgia’s coast became reality.\nFounding stories\, history of the Reserve\, early leaders\, archival photos\, and anecdotes from the early years.\nDiscoveries\nThe science that changed what we know about the coast.\nPresentations from leading Georgia scientists and others who have shaped coastal research.\nTogether\nPartnerships\, people\, and community.\nSpeakers addressing culture and stewardship;  panels with agency partners\, universities\, and organizations.\nLooking Forward\nThe next fifty years.\nStudents\, young professionals\, restoration efforts\, emerging research\, climate resilience\, and the future of Sapelo Island.\n\nWere you part of the Sapelo story? Former staff\, researchers\, students\, volunteers\, and partners will be invited to share photographs\, memories\, and field stories that may be featured throughout the symposium.\nSome of the day’s featured speakers include: \nBuddy Sullivan\, noted Georgia coastal historian\, will reflect on the history of Sapelo Island\, the establishment of SINERR\, and the people and events that shaped the Reserve’s first 50 years. \nDr. Merryl Alber\, director of the University of Georgia Marine Institute\, will address historic and current ecological scientific breakthroughs on Sapelo Island \nDr. Melissa  Cooper\, Author of Making Gullah: A History of Sapelo Islanders\, Race\, and the American Imagination\,  will speak about Sapelo Island’s Saltwater Geechee identity\, historical memory\, and their contributions to research \nThe day will also feature games\, video clips\, demonstrations\, and opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the Reserve’s history. \n5:00 PM – 7:00 PM –  Social Hour and Poster Presentations (location TBD)\nJoin us for a short walk to Downtown Darien for an informal social hour and networking event\, along with Poster Presentations from current Sapelo scientists. \nPoster application required (click here).  Must be registered for the Summit (recommend additional registration for the Low Country Boil Celebration). \n  \nSaturday\, December 5: Low Country Boil Community Celebration\n8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Field trips\, Posters on Display \nField Trips to Sapelo Island will be offered Saturday morning for attendees who would like an opportunity to experience the Reserve. Posters from the Poster Presentation will be up in the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. \n12:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Low Country Boil & Cultural Performance\, Sapelo Island Visitors Center (Mainland)\nThe anniversary celebration will conclude with a Low Country Boil at the Sapelo Island Visitors Center. \nThe celebration will include a special performance by the McIntosh County Shouters. \n\nPlanning Your Visit\nRegistration\nAdvance registration will be required for the Summit\, field trips\, and Low Country Boil. Participants will be able to select the activities they plan to attend during registration. \nRegister for all activities here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sapelo-island-nerr-anniversary-celebration-tickets-1988940219738 \nSapelo Island Field Trips\nTravel to Sapelo Island requires transportation aboard the state ferry. Because ferry and on-island transportation capacity are limited\, field-trip participation will require advance registration and may be limited. \nRegistered participants will receive additional information about: \n\nFerry departure and return times\nParking and check-in\nOn-island transportation\nAppropriate clothing and footwear\nAccessibility considerations\nWeather-related changes\n\nSummit Location\nOaks on the River Conference Room\n205 Fort King Georgia Dr\nDarien\, GA 31305 \nLow Country Boil Location\nSapelo Island Visitors Center\n1766 Landing Road\nDarien\, Georgia 31305 \nLodging\nAttendees are responsible for arranging their own lodging. Oaks on the River is the recommended hotel (833-550-6257; oaksontheriverresort.com); other recommendations nearby include Open Gates Bed and Breakfast and the Darien Dockside Inn. Darien also offers a variety of other vacation rentals\, as well as large chain hotels at Exits 38 and 49. \nWe look forward to welcoming you to the Georgia coast and celebrating this milestone together.\nQuestions?\nFor questions about the Summit\, field trips\, registration\, or anniversary celebration\, please contact: \nSapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve\nRachel Guy \nRachel.guy@dnr.ga.gov \n(912) 485-2251
URL:https://sapelonerr.org/snerrevent/sinerr-50th-anniversary-summit-community-celebration/
CATEGORIES:Announcement,Outreach
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sapelonerr.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Symposium-Background-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Sapelo NERR":MAILTO:info@sapelonerr.org
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