Visitor Information

The Yawkey Wildlife Center is an important habitat for many species of birds and waterfowl, as well as other wildlife! This trip will visit various habitats for wildlife, including brackish marshes, managed wetlands, and longleaf pine forests. Locations will vary due to the time of year and which birds are in residence. Make sure to… Continue reading Birding and Wildlife Photography

Experience the beauty of one of the most endangered ecosystems, the longleaf pine forest. Learnthe historic use of longleaf, as well as their ecological characteristics, importance, and present-day management. Program will include an extensive but leisurely hike through the forest and a visit to remains of a former sawmill on Cat Island. Participants should be… Continue reading Longleaf Forest Walk

Experience a guided educational field trip around the 24,000 acre Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, learning about the history and ecology of the islands, as well as the legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey. This trip requires little walking, but participants will need to navigate 2 floating docks and a pontoon boat to cross the Intracoastal… Continue reading Introductory Bus Tour

The Yawkey Wildlife Center is an important habitat for many species of birds and waterfowl, as well as other wildlife! This trip will visit various habitats for wildlife, including brackish marshes, managed wetlands, and longleaf pine forests. Locations will vary due to the time of year and which birds are in residence. Make sure to… Continue reading Birding and Wildlife Photography

When the precursor to today’s Intracoastal Waterway was under construction, there was a bustle of activity in Smithville - from houses, to logging and sawmill operations, and a loading dock.Explore this area today and see the evidence of these activities and the people who lived and worked here on Cat Island. This trip will require… Continue reading Exploring Smithville: Building the Canal

Experience a guided educational field trip around the 24,000 acre Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, learning about the history and ecology of the islands, as well as the legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey. This trip requires little walking, but participants will need to navigate 2 floating docks and a pontoon boat to cross the Intracoastal… Continue reading Introductory Bus Tour