The Melvin L.
Newman Wetlands Center in Hampton, Georgia helps visitors understand and appreciate the role of wetland areas as a part of the natural water cycle.
The Clayton County Water Authority restored these wetlands and opened the center to the public in 1995.
Their goal was to provide visitors with educational experiences in natural resource conservation, wetlands ecology, and watershed protection.
An added benefit of the Newman Wetlands Center is that it provides visitors with a quiet place to take a self-guided nature walk and observe area wildlife.
A.
5 mile wheelchair accessible wetlands trail makes a loop through the 32-acre property.
The trail is a combination of boardwalk and crushed stone path that is an easy walk for all ages.
The boardwalk crosses over two creeks, Turkey Creek and Pate's Creek, which are the main water sources for the wetlands.
The plants that live in the wetlands clean the water and provide food for the fish and wildlife.
The marshy area provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife including turtles, river otters, deer, and water snakes.
Beaver dams in the area help to extend the wetlands.
Many different bird species have been observed in the area.
Visitors will see nesting boxes that have been placed throughout the property.
The large boxes on poles in the water are for wood ducks.
Wild turkey, quail, woodpeckers, and hawks are regularly seen here, as well as marsh birds and wading birds such as herons.
The Atlanta Audubon Society holds Saturday morning bird watching hikes here several times each year.
A family friendly Wetlands & Watershed Festival is held at the center each year in October.
The center's interpretive building has interactive exhibits and displays for visitors to enjoy.
There is also a short video on the importance of wetlands.
Visitors are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy the center's picnic area.
The Melvin L.
Newman Wetlands Center is located at 2755 Freeman Road in Hampton.
Freeman Road is off U.
S.
Highway 19/41.
Summer schedule operating days (June-August) are Tuesday through Saturday.
The Interpretive Center building is open from 8:30am-5pm.
The trail is open from 7am-7pm.
Admission and parking are free.
The Newman Wetlands Center is smaller and not as well known as some of the other preserves and parks in the area.
That makes it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet nature walk and learn something about wetlands ecology.
It is one of the area's hidden gems.
Newman Wetlands Center in Hampton, Georgia helps visitors understand and appreciate the role of wetland areas as a part of the natural water cycle.
The Clayton County Water Authority restored these wetlands and opened the center to the public in 1995.
Their goal was to provide visitors with educational experiences in natural resource conservation, wetlands ecology, and watershed protection.
An added benefit of the Newman Wetlands Center is that it provides visitors with a quiet place to take a self-guided nature walk and observe area wildlife.
A.
5 mile wheelchair accessible wetlands trail makes a loop through the 32-acre property.
The trail is a combination of boardwalk and crushed stone path that is an easy walk for all ages.
The boardwalk crosses over two creeks, Turkey Creek and Pate's Creek, which are the main water sources for the wetlands.
The plants that live in the wetlands clean the water and provide food for the fish and wildlife.
The marshy area provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife including turtles, river otters, deer, and water snakes.
Beaver dams in the area help to extend the wetlands.
Many different bird species have been observed in the area.
Visitors will see nesting boxes that have been placed throughout the property.
The large boxes on poles in the water are for wood ducks.
Wild turkey, quail, woodpeckers, and hawks are regularly seen here, as well as marsh birds and wading birds such as herons.
The Atlanta Audubon Society holds Saturday morning bird watching hikes here several times each year.
A family friendly Wetlands & Watershed Festival is held at the center each year in October.
The center's interpretive building has interactive exhibits and displays for visitors to enjoy.
There is also a short video on the importance of wetlands.
Visitors are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy the center's picnic area.
The Melvin L.
Newman Wetlands Center is located at 2755 Freeman Road in Hampton.
Freeman Road is off U.
S.
Highway 19/41.
Summer schedule operating days (June-August) are Tuesday through Saturday.
The Interpretive Center building is open from 8:30am-5pm.
The trail is open from 7am-7pm.
Admission and parking are free.
The Newman Wetlands Center is smaller and not as well known as some of the other preserves and parks in the area.
That makes it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet nature walk and learn something about wetlands ecology.
It is one of the area's hidden gems.
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