Agenda - SSPPS 2019

SSPPS 2019 Agenda


Monday 9th

7:30AM-8:30AM - Breakfast On Your Own

Breakfast On Your Own

The Buffalo Bayou coffee shop in the DeSoto lobby is available as an option.

9:00AM-7:00PM - Arrival and Registration in the Foyer

SSPPS Registration

Register and check-in in the Foyer.

8:30AM-3:00PM - Optional Pre-Conference Field Trips

George L. Smith Paddling Trip

(Canoe and kayak options)

Drive time: One and a half hours, one way.
Departure Time: 9:00AM - Return Time: 3:00PM - Meet vans in front of DeSoto Hotel at 9:00AM
Cost: Free.
Bring: Comfortable clothing for paddling, rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Trip Limit: Registration is first come, first served with a 5 people minimum, 14 people maximum.
Lunch: Lunch provided.
Trip Leader: Jackie Clay has worked for Georgia State Parks since 1995 as a park naturalist, interpretive ranger and now assistant manager. She has a BA in Sociology and Anthropology, a BS in Biology and is currently pursuing her MBA. Her main passions are natural resources, environmental education and experiential learning. In her free-time you might find her birdwatching, reading or training her dog.

Description:
"The peaceful natural beauty of George L. Smith State Park and the serene, cypress filled water of the mill pond offer you a tranquil escape where a small town, down home atmosphere provides both recreational and historical experiences."

George L. Smith is best known for the refurbished Parrish Mill and Pond, a combination gristmill, saw mill, covered bridge and dam built in 1880. The park’s mill pond beckons anglers and paddlers to explore thick stands of cypress and tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss. While on the water, nature enthusiasts can look for beaver dams, blue heron, white ibis and other wading birds. The park is also home to gopher tortoises, Georgia’s state reptile. This trip will include a 2-hour guided paddling trip through the mill pond.

George L.Smith State Park Webpage


Fort King George and Historic Downtown Darien

Drive time: One hour, one way
Departure Time: 9:00AM - Return Time: 3:00PM - Meet vans in front of DeSoto Hotel at 9:00AM
Cost: Free.
Bring: Comfortable clothing including walking shoes and rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Trip Limit: Registration is first come, first served with a 3 people minimum, no maximum.
Lunch: Lunch is on your own in downtown Darien.
Trip Leader: Valarie Ikhwan has worked for Georgia State Parks since 2012 as a naturalist, assistant park manager, and now historic site manager. Valarie has a BA in History and she has a passion for interpretation, and cultural resource preservation. In her free time, you will find her biking the coastal islands, knitting, or reading.

Description:
"The reconstructed Fort King George anchors present day visitors to a rich history where Native American and European cultures met, colonial empires collided, soldiers toiled and perished, and industry boomed on the shores of the Altamaha River."

Fort King George’s primary attraction is the reconstructed British outpost of the same name. The excursion will include a living history tour of the fort, tour of the museum, and ranger led walking tour of grounds focusing on the lumber industry that shaped the coastal low lands for hundreds of years. After the site visit, time will be allowed to explore historic downtown Darien, Georgia’s second oldest city next to Savannah. Guided site seeing will include walking on the historic shrimp docks, some of the oldest tabby ruins in the state, and small town charm and shopping.

Fort King George State Historic Site Webpage

Historic Downtown Darien Website


UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium Oyster Reef Habitat Exploration

Drive time: 30 minutes, one way
Departure Time: 8:30AM - Return Time: 3:00PM - Meet vans in front of DeSoto Hotel at 8:30AM
Cost: $44/person.
Bring: Comfortable clothing including walking shoes and rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Footwear: In the marsh, you must wear old sneakers or boots you don’t mind getting muddy and that will cover your feet. Do not wear flip-flops, Crocs, “water shoes” or any other shoes that can easily slip off when pulling your foot out of the mud. You must wear either a shoe that ties onto and completely covers your entire foot tightly or rubber boots. In the marsh, oyster shells are razor sharp, so be sure you have shoes that will fully and firmly cover and protect your feet.
Other suggested items include: sun hat, sun screen, sunglasses, sweatshirt or sweater for an extra layer if weather requires, plastic garbage bag for wet, muddy, and sandy clothing, zip-loc bags (for shells and/or other samples IF going to the beach), insect repellent.
Trip Limit: Registration is first come, first served with a 15 people minimum, 24 people maximum.
Lunch: Lunch included in price per person.

Description:
Travel by skiff to a nearby island and investigate oyster reef communities and their importance to the larger estuarine ecosystem. Students look at oyster reef zonation, collect data on living oysters and explore the organisms living on and around the reef. This class emphasizes STEM objectives. (3.5 hours) Following the oyster reef exploration, learn what organisms live in a single drop of salty water. Students survey a plankton sample using standard microscope techniques. Students learn how marine animals and plants are part of the plankton community and how they reproduce. Discussions also include how environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, turbidity, and seasonality relate to plankton abundance. Students practice observation, microscopy, biological illustration, and data collection skills. (1.5 hours).

UGA Aquarium Website


Other downtown suggestions on your own

These are locations that our planning committee visited and would recommend as a great way to spend your day in Savannah. (No transportation provided).

Juliet Gordon Lowe House
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is perhaps the only “house museum” in the nation created specifically for girls to enjoy—though it is loved by everyone! At this unique house museum, owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA, visitors can trace the arc of Juliette Gordon Low’s life and the Girl Scout Movement she founded. The house stands as a National Historic Landmark honoring the daughter, debutante, wife, adventurer, and artist who became the first Girl Scout—our beloved Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. Admission fee is $15 and tour times vary.

Telfair Museums
Telfair Museums offers a unique understanding of Savannah’s place in our collective American past through art, history, and architecture. Mary Telfair’s 19th-century vision has uplifted the people of this city and beyond for more than a century. Her legacy continues to inspire. Located in Savannah’s Historic District, Telfair Museums is comprised of three unique sites (Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters). Tickets are $20 and include a visit to all three sites and are valid for one week from time of purchase.

Coastal Heritage Society sites
We recommend these three sites, but you can pick between any 3 of these museums for $18.
Georgia State Railroad Museum: Georgia State Railroad Museum is a beautiful National Historic Landmark located at the old Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities. With a fully operational turntable, you have the chance to explore historic railcars, experience the handcar, and go on guided tours.
Savannah History Museum: Savannah History Museum allows you to walk through the city's history from 1733, spanning the American Revolution and Civil War, all the way to today! Located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Train Shed you can also see exhibits highlighting Savannah's musical, cultural and artistic contributions from the famous bench from Forrest Gump to the life of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
Old Fort Jackson: Old Fort Jackson is a must-see National Historic Landmark offering daily cannon firings and exciting interactive programs for adults, kids and families! Only minutes away from historic downtown Savannah, you can experience unique views of Savannah's riverfront and walk on the grounds of one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast.

Explore downtown Savannah on your own. Established in 1733, Savannah was the first planned city in the country and is Consistently named one of the “world’s friendliest cities”. She is filled with picturesque park squares and fountains, cobblestone streets, historic mansions, Spanish moss-draped live oaks and exciting nightlife.

7:00PM-9:00PM - Welcome in the Harborview Room on the 15th floor of The DeSoto

SSPPS Welcome

Harborview Room on the 15th floor of The DeSoto.

Join our interpreters for hand’s on demonstrations and displays showcasing the interpretive program offerings in Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites. Cash bar available.

9:00PM-11:00PM - Hospitality in Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto

SSPPS Hospitality

Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto.

 

Tuesday 10th

7:30AM-8:30AM - Breakfast at the DeSoto

DeSoto Breakfast

8:30AM-9:00PM - Welcome - Meet in the Cumberland Ballroom

SSPPS Welcome

Welcoming meeting in the Cumberland Ballroom.

State Parks Director Jeff Cown and Assistant Director Eric Bentley welcome you to SSPPS.

9:00AM-10:00AM - State Park Showcases

State Park Showcases

Meet in the Cumberland Ballroom.

10:15AM-11:15AM - Morning Sessions

Three Concurrent Sessions

View session information

11:30AM - Depart DeSoto for Skidaway Island State Park

Depart DeSoto For Skidaway Island

Meet buses in front of The DeSoto Hotel.

Drive time: 30-minutes, one way.

"The marsh ecology of this barrier island teems with life providing visitors to Skidaway Island State Park hours of activity to indulge their senses while the camping and recreation opportunities intermingle with many wonderful natural and cultural resources."

Located near historic Savannah, this park borders Skidaway narrows, a part of Georgia’s Intracoastal Waterway. Trails wind through maritime forest and past salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoon, egrets and other wildlife.

Skidaway Island State Park Webpage

12:00PM - Food Truck Lunch at Skidaway Island

Food Truck Lunch

1:00PM-3:00PM - Choose Your Experience

Choose Your Experience

You can choose to experience either Skidaway Island State Park or choose to go offsite to the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. If you choose to go to the UGA Aquarium you will not have time to explore Skidaway Island State Park other than lunch time.


UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

Invertebrates Lab

Drive time from Skidaway Island: 15 minutes, one way.
Departure Time from Skidaway Island: 1:15PM - Return Time to Wormsloe: 3:00PM
Cost: Free
Bring: Comfortable clothing including walking shoes (no sandals) and rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Trip Limit: Registration is first come, first served with a 15 people minimum, 25 people maximum.

Description:
Sample the invertebrate community found living beneath the water line on floating docks. Using dissection scopes and laboratory protocols, students observe and identify species in this community and discuss the biotic and abiotic factors that determine the diversity of organisms collected there. Students practice observation, microscopy, biological illustration and data collection skills.

UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium Website


Skidaway Island Sandpiper Trail Hike

Hike start time: 1:00PM and 2:00PM - This hike is offered twice, and you will need to preregister for the hike you prefer.
Trip Limit: 5 people minimum, 20 people maximum
Hike Leader: Josh Snead has been the Interpretive Ranger for three years at Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp where he leads boat tours, hikes and astronomy programs. Originally from North Georgia he has a great appreciation for the diverse habitats of Georgia and enjoys being able to share some of those unique resources with the public.

Description: Skidaway Island is on an island that is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by salt marsh and Wassaw Island and is one stop along the Colonial Coastal Birding Trail. Explore salt flats, tidal creeks, maritime forests and the natural history of Skidaway Island on this guided one-mile loop Sandpiper Trail hike. Observe common wildlife such as fiddler crabs darting between the spartina grass on the salt flats, listen for woodpeckers in the maritime forest and watch for patient wading birds looking for their next meal at the water’s edge. Walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers around Confederate earthworks and look for signs of moonshiners from days gone by. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, history and critters of Skidaway Island and Georgia’s coast. While hiking we will watch for a variety of songbirds, shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl.

Birding Trail Map

Species Checklist


Paddling Trip into the Intercoastal Waterway

Paddling Trip start time: 1:00PM and 2:00PM - This paddle is offered twice, and you will need to preregister for the trip you prefer.
Trip Limit: 5 people minimum, 10 people maximum.
Trip Leaders: Jessica Aldridge has worked for Georgia State Parks for 15 years and started her career as Assistant Manager of Crooked River State Park in 2004. She is currently Park Manager at Crooked River and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University with emphasis in Interpretation of Natural Resources. In her free time, she teaches children’s bible study and enjoys kayaking, birding, hiking, and camping with her family and friends.

Patrick Turknett has worked for the Georgia State Parks since 2015 as an MIT at Skidaway Island State Park then on to George L. Smith State Park and now settled in at Crooked River State Park. Patrick has a BS in Outdoor Recreation Management and has a strong passion for fishing and being on the water. In his free time, you can find him in his kayak searching for the Reds and Trout on Crooked River.

Description:
Explore the waters of Skidaway Narrows, a section of the Skidaway River that runs along Skidaway Island State Park. If you are paddling under the causeway bridge from the recreation area, you will have Wormsloe State Historic Site on your left and Skidaway Island State Park on your right. Along this waterway, you will often see dolphins, egrets, ospreys, eagles, herons, and lots of other migrating birds. The Spanish moss-covered Live Oaks along with other local flora and fauna cover the banks of this intercoastal waterway. Enjoy this beautiful and serene area as few people get to do by paddling the Skidaway Narrows.


Marsh Ecosystem Hike

Hike start time: 1:00PM, pre-registration required.
Trip Limit: 20 people maximum
Hike Leaders: Jan Mackinnon and Jordan Dodson are biologists with the Coastal Resources Division of DNR. Jan has been with CRD for 20 years and has been involved in Division’s wetlands work including nature-based infrastructure projects and wetland ecology. She works with landowners to implement living shorelines as greener techniques for bank stabilization. Jordan has been with CRD for 3 years and has worked in both the regulatory capacity and most recently is working as a biologist in the wetlands program. She has a knack for salt marsh plants! She’s also working on marsh restoration project planning and works directly with property owners regarding living shoreline projects.

Description: Explore salt flats, tidal creeks, maritime forests and living shorelines on Skidaway Island State Parks’ hike down the Sandpiper Trail and the Avian Loop. This guided hike will allow you to observe common marsh wildlife and plants while discussing marsh restoration activities and viewing Skidaway State Parks very own living shoreline project. This is a great hike for those that love plants as we’ll talk about historical uses of some of these coastal species. Enjoy Georgia’s amazing coast as we discuss the latest salt marsh science, discuss challenges facing the coast, all while viewing some of the coast’s most specialized species.


Other Skidaway Island experiences

To explore on your own (Vans run in loop).

  • 6-miles of trails to hike on your own
  • Campfire, Yard Games and S’mores at the Amphitheater
  • Walk through a camper cabin to see a unique amenity
3:15PM - Depart Skidaway Island State Park for Wormsloe State Historic Site

Depart Skidway Island for Wormsloe

Meet buses in front of the Skidaway Island State Park group shelter.

3:30PM - Arrive at Wormsloe State Historic Site

Arrive at Wormsloe

Description:
"The majestic oak lined drive beckons visitors to Wormsloe State Historic Site, whose abundant natural resources have been, and continue to be, shaped by Native American, European, and African American cultural influences for over three centuries.

Wormsloe was the colonial estate of Noble Jones, who arrived with James Oglethorpe at the founding of Georgia in 1733. Surviving the harsh environment of the new settlement, Jones went on to serve as a soldier, doctor, constable, Indian agent, Royal Councilor, and surveyor. The breathtaking oak lined avenue leads visitors to the tabby ruins of Jones’ fortified house, the oldest standing structure in Savannah. During your visit site staff and volunteers will present guided tours and hand’s on demonstrations including colonial games, natural dyes, and more.

Wormsloe State Historic Site Webpage

5:00PM - Depart Wormsloe State Historic Site for the DeSoto

Depart Wormsloe for DeSoto

Meet buses in front of the Wormsloe State Historic Site Visitor Center.

5:30PM - Arrive back at DeSoto, Dinner on your own

Dinner On Your Own

Silent auction begins.

7:30PM Scavenger Hunt Downtown

Scavenger Hunt Downtown

Meet in the Foyer (teams of 6 people is recommended but team sizes should be around 4-7 people per team).

9:00PM-11:00PM - Hospitality in Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto

SSPPS Hospitality

Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto.

 

Wednesday 11th

7:30AM-8:30AM - Breakfast at the DeSoto

DeSoto Breakfast

TBA

8:30AM-10:15AM - Daily Announcements and State Park Showcases

Daily Announcements and State Park Showcases

Meet in the Cumberland Ballroom

10:30AM-11:30AM - Morning Sessions

Three Concurrent Sessions

View session information

11:30AM - Meet Buses in Front of DeSoto Hotel

Meet Buses in Front of DeSoto Hotel

11:45AM - Depart DeSoto for Fort McAllister State Park

Depart DeSoto For Fort McAllister

Drive Time: 45 minutes, one way.

Description:
"For centuries the rising and ebbing tides of the Great Ogeechee River at Fort McAllister State Historic Park have mirrored the currents of history, connecting Native American life, the valor of Civil War soldiers through to the Henry Ford Era and on to present day visitors."

Located south of Savannah on the banks of the Ogeechee River, this scenic park showcases the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The earthworks were attacked seven times by Union ironclads but did not fall until 1864—ending General William T. Sherman’s "March to the Sea."

Fort McAllister State Park Webpage

12:30PM - Lunch At Fort McAllister State Park

Lunch at Fort McAllister State Park

1:00PM-5:00PM - Choose Your Experience

Choose Your Experience

You can choose how to experience Fort McAllister State Park with some activities and ideas available below.


Guided Fort Tours including demonstration areas

Tour start time: 1:30, 2:30 AND 3:30 p.m. the fort tours will be offered three times, and you will need to preregister for the guided experience.
Tour Limit: 30 people maximum.
Tour Leader: Jason Baker has worked for Georgia State Parks since 1998. Beginning in a maintenance position, then transferring to an Interpretive Ranger, he enjoys sharing the stories of our past. In his free time, he takes delight in motorcycling and exploring the coastal area.

Description: Along the fort tour we will explore the grounds with cannons, a hot shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more.


Other Fort McAllister Experiences

Explore on your own - vans run in a loop.

  • Explore the fort on your own
  • Spinning Wheel Demonstrations in the Old Barracks
  • Blacksmith Demonstrations in the Blacksmith Shop
  • Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstrations across from Old Barracks
  • Pioneer Tools Demonstration near the Old Barracks
  • Musket Firing Demonstrations at back of the Fort
  • Civil War museum contains artifacts, a video (17 minutes long) and gift shop
  • Archery and Yard Games at the Group Shelter
  • 4.3-miles of trails to hike on your own - this is TBD based on repairs of boardwalks along trails due to hurricane damage

Fort McAllister Map

5:00PM - Low Country Boil Dinner

Low Country Boil Dinner

Low Country Boil Dinner at the Group Shelter (vegan and non-seafood options will be available).

5:30PM - Keynote Speaker: Nick Fuhrman, "Ranger Nick"

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Nick Fuhrman, Professor
Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication University of Georgia

Dr. Nick Fuhrman is Professor of Environmental Education in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Georgia. Nick received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in forestry from Virginia Tech and his Ph.D. in agricultural education and communication, with a focus in environmental education program evaluation, from the University of Florida. Prior to entering graduate school, he was an environmental educator with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for seven years where he used injured, non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles as teaching tools in public presentations. These presentations gave him opportunities to teach before large audiences and on television. The impact of using animals as teaching tools is a major focus of Nick’s research. Also known as “Ranger Nick,” his life’s passion is teaching and he often uses live animals (such as snakes, turtles, and owls) in the classroom and on his monthly national television series on RFD-TV, “Ranger Nick.” Nick is married to his best friend, Jessica, and they have two children, Miles and Ellis, and reside in Watkinsville, Georgia along with a small zoo of animal “teaching tools.”

Session Summary
As environmental interpreters, we are each teachers, not just presenters of natural history facts and figures. In his interactive teaching demonstration, “Ranger Nick” will help audience members see ways they can foster a connection with the audiences they serve while moving them from environmental awareness to pro-environmental action. Attendees will experience various forms of “edu-tainment” (including how to use animals as message ambassadors) and will walk away with innovative ways for evaluating their teaching effectiveness to communicate broader impact.

6:30PM - Depart For The Fort

Depart For The Fort

Load into buses to go to the Fort.

6:45PM - Cannon Firing Demonstration

Cannon Firing Demonstration

7:15PM - Depart Fort McAllister

Depart Fort McAllister For DeSoto

8:00PM - Arrive At DeSoto

Arrive At DeSoto Hotel

9:00PM-11:00PM - Hospitality in Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto

SSPPS Hospitality

Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto.

 

Thursday 12th

7:30AM-8:30AM - Breakfast at the DeSoto

DeSoto Breakfast

TBA

8:30AM-10:15AM - Daily Announcements and State Park Showcases

Daily Announcements and State Park Showcases

Meet in the Cumberland Ballroom

10:30AM-11:30AM - Morning Sessions

Three Concurrent Sessions

View session information

12:00PM - Lunch On Your Own and Explore Savannah

Lunch On Your Own

And explore what Savannah has to offer.

1:30PM-4:00PM - Choose Your Own Experience

Choose Your Own Experience

You can choose how to spend your time in Savannah with the following experiences.


Oatland Island Wildlife Refuge

Drive time: 15 minutes, one way.
Departure Time: 1:30PM (Meet bus in front of DeSoto) - Return Time: 4:00PM
Cost: Free
Bring: Comfortable clothing including walking shoes and rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Trip Limit: No minimum/maximum.

Description: The Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is home to more than 150 animals from 50 different species. The animals are exhibited in large natural habitats along a rustic trail through forest and marsh lands. The "Wolf Wilderness" exhibit features gray wolves, armadillos, flying squirrels, screech owls and a selection of reptiles. Along the trail are cougars, bobcats, bison, alligators, red fox and birds of prey. Cows, sheep, goats and rabbits can be viewed in the "Georgia Farm" area. The center is a unit of the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. We will lean about the history of the facility, get to experience 5 live animal encounters and walk along the trails to see the live animal exhibits.


Fort Pulaski National Historic Monument

Drive time: 25 minutes, one way.
Departure Time: 1:30PM (Meet vans in front of DeSoto) - Return Time: 4:00PM
Cost: Free
Bring: Comfortable clothing including walking shoes and rain gear, water and a camera are recommended.
Trip Limit: Registration is first come, first served with a 10 people minimum, 25 people maximum.

Description: Fort Pulaski National Monument, located on Cockspur Island, is a well preserved example of America’s “third system” fortifications. During the Civil War the fort was subjected to an intense bombardment and the effects are still visible today. This 1.5-hour tour will show the fort through a different lens. You will explore the fort and its history, hear soldier’s words echo off the walls, and see graffiti they left behind. This fascinating tour should not be missed.

Fort Pulaski National Historic Monument Website


Other downtown suggestions on your own

(no transportation provided) These are locations that our planning committee visited and would recommend as a great way to spend your day in Savannah.

Juliet Gordon Lowe House
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is perhaps the only “house museum” in the nation created specifically for girls to enjoy—though it is loved by everyone! At this unique house museum, owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA, visitors can trace the arc of Juliette Gordon Low’s life and the Girl Scout Movement she founded. The house stands as a National Historic Landmark honoring the daughter, debutante, wife, adventurer, and artist who became the first Girl Scout—our beloved Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low. Admission fee is $15 and tour times vary.

Telfair Museums
Telfair Museums offers a unique understanding of Savannah’s place in our collective American past through art, history, and architecture. Mary Telfair’s 19th-century vision has uplifted the people of this city and beyond for more than a century. Her legacy continues to inspire. Located in Savannah’s Historic District, Telfair Museums is comprised of three unique sites (Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters). Tickets are $20 and include a visit to all three sites and are valid for one week from time of purchase.

Coastal Heritage Society sites
We recommend these three sites, but you can pick between any 3 of these museums for $18.
Georgia State Railroad Museum: Georgia State Railroad Museum is a beautiful National Historic Landmark located at the old Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities. With a fully operational turntable, you have the chance to explore historic railcars, experience the handcar, and go on guided tours.
Savannah History Museum: Savannah History Museum allows you to walk through the city's history from 1733, spanning the American Revolution and Civil War, all the way to today! Located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Train Shed you can also see exhibits highlighting Savannah's musical, cultural and artistic contributions from the famous bench from Forrest Gump to the life of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
Old Fort Jackson: Old Fort Jackson is a must-see National Historic Landmark offering daily cannon firings and exciting interactive programs for adults, kids and families! Only minutes away from historic downtown Savannah, you can experience unique views of Savannah's riverfront and walk on the grounds of one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast.

Explore downtown Savannah on your own. Established in 1733, Savannah was the first planned city in the country and is Consistently named one of the “world’s friendliest cities”. She is filled with picturesque park squares and fountains, cobblestone streets, historic mansions, Spanish moss-draped live oaks and exciting nightlife.

6:00PM-8:00PM - Banquet and Live Auction

Banquet and Live Auction

Silent auction ends 6:00PM. Banquet themed for Floyd’s Retirement Party (dress for Floyd).

9:00PM-11:00PM - Hospitality in Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto

SSPPS Hospitality

Suite 420 on the 4th floor of The DeSoto.

 

Friday 13th

7:30AM-8:30AM - Breakfast On Your Own

Breakfast On Your Own

The Buffalo Bayou coffee shop in the DeSoto lobby is available as an option.

8:30AM - Airport Shuttles Begin

Airport Shuttles

Shuttles to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Vans will leave as needed from DeSoto Hotel.