John Culbertson tests the Electric All Terrain Mobility Device.

Volunteers who help operate the St. George Island Visitor Center & Lighthouse Museum visited several new facilties and learned about some new services at the SGI State Park during the summer volunteer event on August 19.  The quarterly events are intended to thank volunteers for their service and to introduce them to new amenities so that they can share the information with our visitors.

First stop of the day was at the St. George Island State Park, where Rangers Mark Knapke and Josh Hodson demonstrated three devices to accommodate individuals with limited mobility.  Volunteers got an opportunity to check out an Electric All Terrain Mobility Device, a Floating Beach Wheel Chair, and a regular Beach Wheel Chair.

Mark Knapke, manager of the park, said that many people who had not been able to enjoy the beach in years have been delighted with the new vehicles.  All are available at no charge to park visitors who sign up at the ranger station.

After a bus tour of the park, the second stop of the day was at the new headquarters of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint.  Scheduled to open in November, the facility houses public educational displays and aquaria, research laboratories, and administrative offices.  One of the highlights is a mural in the round, which is an amazing depiction of the inhabitants of the Apalachicola estuary.  A short video compliments the mural by highlighting live examples of the wildlife and aquatic species shown in the painting.

Nestled into a tree-covered site on the bay near the terminus of the bridge to the island, the building includes many "green" provisions for protection of the environment and ecologically sound use of resources.

A visit to the new clubhouse and pool at the St. George Plantation community on the west end of the island completed the trip.  After serving lunch, Plantation General Manager Karen Rudder and homeowners John and Rita Culbertson led a tour of the beautiful facility, complete with meeting rooms, kitchen, and offices for Plantation staff.

After a tour of the Plantation narrated by John Culbertson, the bus returned the enthusiastic group to Lighthouse Park.  All three stops showed the volunteers new places and services that can be shared with visitors to our wonderful island.  VC Executive Director Elaine Rosenthal once again did a great job of organizing a successful trip that was both educational and fun!

For more photos of the Volunteer Event, please see the Photo Album.