The Okefenokee Swamp

The Okefenokee Swamp is a different world; a seemingly untouched, primitive landscape of serpents and dragons; a foreboding, dark land, yet exciting and evoking the urge to explore. I have explored this intriguing swamp habitat on many occasions; each time paddling a bit further, and each time investigating its details a bit more closely. My desire is to promote and preserve this majestic piece of Earth through my nature journals and photographs, and the travel blogs of other adventurers…  

The Okefenokee is the largest blackwater swamp in North America. The majority of the swamp lies within the state of Georgia, but straddles the border into Florida. It is protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. Its Native American name means “The Land of Trembling Earth”.

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Hi, I’m conservation photographer and nature writer William Wise. I am definitely not an Okefenokee expert, but I am certainly an Okefenokee enthusiast. I am provided the privilege of the Okefenokee lying within less than a half-day’s drive from my home. I’m currently an animal shelter manager and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. William Wise Nature Notes is my wildlife and birding photo blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. I am also a guest author at Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures and The Creation Club.  I sell stock photography to support my creation ministry and pet adoption photography efforts. — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Latest Posts…

• Rock Star Alligator PaparazziMay 9, 2021
  Huge, intimidating, armored beasts all decked out in bony spikes and dark leather – they are the rock stars of the reptile world! And I’m the paparazzi that follows them. What exhilarating photo subjects (sure beatsContinue reading “Rock Star Alligator Paparazzi”
• Sophie’s YawnMay 6, 2021
  An Okefenokee evening entry from my March 5, 2017 journal: Sunday, 6:14 PM – Nine hours on the canoe trails of the Okefenokee Swamp! Nine continuous hours in the canoe without a break to stretch ourContinue reading “Sophie’s Yawn”
• Stephen C Foster Canoe RentalsMay 3, 2021
  Even if you don’t own a canoe or kayak, the Stephen C Foster State Park is worth a stay. The park has plenty of canoes lined up along the canal ready for rental. If your timeContinue reading “Stephen C Foster Canoe Rentals”
• Alligator Appetite for Hound DogsApril 30, 2021
  ​Excerpt from The Last Remaining Indian in the Okefenokee Swamp, by Tommy Hartley. “​They say the Lee’s never carry dogs in the swamp anymore without caring a long, keen, Cypress sapling with a knife blade fastened toContinue reading “Alligator Appetite for Hound Dogs”
• Struggle through Mixon’s HammockApril 27, 2021
  A toil through Mixon’s Hammock from my March 5, 2017 Okefenokee journal: Sunday, 3:45 PM – The journey along the wide canal known as The Sill was quite easy, especially with an electric trolling motor aidingContinue reading “Struggle through Mixon’s Hammock”