Big Haynes Creek Nature Center awarded wildlife-viewing grant for ADA-compliant kayak launch

CONYERS, GA— Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC), located at the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP), is one of six recipients awarded the 2024 Wildlife-Viewing Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR). In alignment with the state’s efforts to maximize outdoor educational opportunities for those with disabilities, BHCNC plans to add a freestanding, ADA-compliant canoe/kayak launch to better access the wetlands area. The launch will be installed on the Purple Trail, adjacent to the boardwalk and closest to the trailhead entrance.

The grant, funded by the Georgia Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund, helps develop and enhance public wildlife-viewing options with an emphasis on State Wildlife Action Plan species and habitats. A supportive watercraft system allows visitors to get in and out of the water more safely, while encouraging exploration around the rear rookeries brimming with native and migratory waterfowl such as herons, egrets, ospreys, ducks and kingfishers. Educators, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts can also look for top priority species such as eagles and Prothonotary warblers. The construction of the new launch is a marginal improvement from what is currently available, making it universally appealing to utilize.

“Over the years, we have had a number of visitors ask if we can improve our water accessibility, particularly for disabled individuals. The new launch design will be a welcome amenity for paddlers and will certainly elevate wildlife-viewing opportunities for everyone,” says, Dawn Tanner, event manager at the Georgia International Horse Park. “We are excited to find ways to offer more inclusivity and connect with those who may otherwise be limited in their participation of outdoor learning. We are thankful for the financial support from the state to help all individuals enjoy the natural biodiversity at Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, and will continue to seek ways to provide equal opportunities in all of our improvement plans.”

The ADA kayak launch was awarded $3,000 from GA DNR. Remaining costs will be offset by funding from the Nature Center’s dedicated fund through the City of Conyers. Designs for the project are underway, and installation date projected by the end of summer.

For more information about the 2024 Georgia Wildlife Viewing Grant Awards, please visit: https://georgiawildlife.com/dnr-new-wildlife-viewing-projects-awarded-grants.

For more information about Big Haynes Creek Nature Center and updates/photos for this project, please contact Dawn Tanner at dawn.tanner@conyersga.gov or visit: https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/BigHaynesCreekNatureCenter.