Discover Ansley-Hodges M.A.R.S.H. Project and Nature Trail - Featuring an observation tower overlooking a managed wetland and a 1 mile nature trail. Watch a variety of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Viewing other wildlife is also possible while learning about the importance of managed wetlands and hunting in the conservation of wildlife. This viewing area is situated on the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area where an impoundment was constructed as part of Ducks Unlimited's M.A.R.S.H. (Matching Aid to Restore States' Habitat) program.
The impoundment is located on the remains of an old rice plantation. Many of the rice fields are managed to benefit waterfowl and other wildlife species.
Types of Birds: Birds of prey, shorebirds, songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl, raptors
Best Birding Seasons: Songbirds (all), shorebirds (all), wading birds (all), waterfowl (fall and winter), raptors (fall and winter)
Specialties: Wood stork, swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle, king rail, painted bunting, mottled duck, wood duck, white ibis, glossy ibis.
Tips: Look for common snipe feeding in exposed muddy areas. In summer, look for wood ducks. In fall and winter, black ducks, pintails, green-winged teal, northern shovelers and other waterfowl can be seen in the impoundment. Look for railsdarting through the vegetation in the impoundment. Bald eagles can be spotted in winter and spring.
Fun Things To Do: Look for alligators sunning along the dike. Try to identify animal tracks along the dike.
Contact and Address
Phone: 912-262-3173 - Located on US Hwy. 17 South, Darien Georgia 31305 Directions: 1 mile south of Darien on Hwy 17.Take Exit 49 on I-95 at the junction of I-95 and SR 251 (Briardam Road). Travel east on SR 251 to the junction of SR 251 and US 17. Turn right (south) on US 17 and continue through Darien. The entrance to the Ansley Hodges M.A.R.S.H. Project will be approximately 3.5 miles on the right.
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