July 13, 2020 at 7:01 am EDT Savannah Morning News pulled Oatland from the archives this morning and what a wonderful trip down memory lane it was!
What is the purpose of a wildlife education center? To help people understand the natural world around us? To provide enrichment lessons and activities broadening our knowledge of a variety of flora and fauna? To preserve and display articles from the past so that we can better understand our present? To give a fuller picture of how life used to be? A wildlife education center can be all these things, but anyone who has visited Oatland Island Wildlife Center knows it is all those things and so much more.
“When we walk down the memory lane, we learn from the past and pick for the present the fundamentals, which can be brought into play for the future.” ―Erik Pevernagie
Before "Instagrammable" was an adjective and everyone had a super computer in their pocket, Oatland was providing amazing opportunities for Savannah locals and visitors to connect with the natural world and each other. Looking through this photo archive, it's easy to see that while the world has changed all around us, the fundamentals of Oatland have stayed the same. In this fast-paced and oft-uncertain world, that's truly a beautiful thing.
Educating our youth on the value of our native wildlife and the importance of conservation is absolutely essential.
Teaching wildlife conservation through fun and interactive education can be an amazing experience for children. It raises awareness on issues of sustainability and damage to native animals and the environment.
From the tiny periwinkle snails on the marsh grass to the American Bison (largest land animal in North America), Oatland loves and promotes them all. Every visit to Oatland Island Wildlife Center includes life-long lessons on local ecology, conservation, and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around you.
Take a trip down memory lane with us HERE. Hop on over to our Facebook page and share photos and memories of your favorite times at Oatland! We Miss You ♥