Sapelo Island NERR Anniversary Celebration

For 50 years, the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve has been a place where groundbreaking science, dedicated stewardship, and lifelong friendships have shaped our understanding of Georgia's coast. Join us for three inspiring days celebrating the people who built this legacy, and those carrying it forward.

Hear from nationally recognized scientists, historians, conservation leaders, and community voices as they explore the remarkable story of Sapelo Island. Throughout the Summit, you'll experience:

• Stories from the Reserve's earliest years and the people who helped establish it
• Engaging presentations on the science that transformed our understanding of Georgia's coast
• Conversations with partners who have worked together to protect the estuary for generations
• Community stewardship and the future of coastal conservation
• Personal memories from researchers, students, staff, volunteers, and DNR employees whose lives were shaped by Sapelo Island
• Historic photographs and archival film clips
• Interactive demonstrations and exhibits during breaks
• Cultural presentations celebrating the heritage of McIntosh County and Sapelo Island

Whether you conducted research here decades ago, worked alongside Reserve staff, grew up visiting Sapelo, or are discovering this remarkable place for the first time, you'll find something to inspire, reconnect, and celebrate.

🗓️ December 3rd– (Optional-Additional Fee) Special North End Field Trip

📍 Sapelo Island Visitor Center 8:00am-2:30pm

Get out into the field with guided excursions exploring coastal ecosystems, research sites, and the cultural landscape of Sapelo Island and the surrounding area not often visited on the public tours. Enjoy a southern lunch at Ms. Lula's Kitchen.

Limited capacity.

🗓️ December 4th – SINERR 50th Anniversary Summit

📍 Oaks on the River Hotel 8:30am-4:30pm

A full-day symposium featuring presentations and discussions on:

The Beginning
How a vision for protecting Georgia's coast became reality.
Founding stories, history of the Reserve, early leaders, archival photos, and anecdotes from the early years.

Discoveries
The science that changed what we know about the coast.
Presentations from leading Georgia scientists and others who have shaped coastal research.

Together
Partnerships, people, and community.
Speakers addressing cultural and stewardship; panels with agency partners, universities, organizations.

Looking Forward
The next fifty years.
Students, young professionals, restoration efforts, emerging research, climate resilience, and the future of Sapelo Island.

Were you part of the Sapelo story? Former staff, researchers, students, volunteers, and partners will be invited to share photographs, memories, and field stories that may be featured throughout the symposium.

Registration includes lunch and snacks.

Social Hour & Poster Presentations

📍 Tabby Brewing Co 5:30pm-7:30pm

Student poster presentations during social hour, please submit your abstracts at https://forms.gle/X8vVZnNBgZctdCpU7.

🗓️ December 5th AM– (Optional- Additional Fee) Different Field Trip Options Available

📍 Sapelo Island Visitor Center 8:00am-12pm

Get out into the field with guided excursions exploring coastal ecosystems, research sites, and the cultural landscape of Sapelo Island and the surrounding area.

Limited capacity.

🗓️ December 5th– Lowcountry Boil Close-Out Celebration (seperate ticket from the Summit)

📍 Sapelo Island Visitor Center 12:30pm-3:30pm

Wrap up the week with a relaxed, gathering featuring a traditional Lowcountry boil, coastal sides, and a cash bar to help us celebrate the anniversary of the Reserve.

Special performance by the McIntosh County Shouters!