The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) is one of seven regional education centers operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The MEEC is a collaboration between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the McDuffie County Board of Education, the Watson Brown Foundation, and the Central Savannah River Area - Regional Educational Services Agency (CSRA RESA). This project provides teachers a unique site to take students for hands-on outdoor experience. Lessons address the dimensions of the Georgia Standards of Excellence in this diverse biologically rich area with activities available for PreK through seventh grade. The McDuffie Environmental Education Center provides students with stimulating, outdoor learning experiences about the ecology of our wildlife, water, soils, and forests and the stewardship of these important natural resources.

The MEEC offers three diverse habitats, two trails, a hands-on self-directed discovery room, indoor classrooms and several outdoor classroom areas.

The mission of the McDuffie Environmental Education Center is to provide instructional programming which fosters ongoing understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Georgia's natural resources.

Programs

McDuffie Environmental Education Center offers grade specific programs correlated to the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade
• Seventh Grade
• Homeschooling

Accommodations & Facilities

The MEEC staff strives to provide ongoing support for environmental education in the classroom through mutual sharing of information and strategies. Programs are continually reviewed and modified to meet the needs of individual groups. Teachers may contact us about teacher training, customizing the student experience, or conducting an outreach program. We now offer outreach to schools even if they have not visited before. Outreach programming is $65/program within 25 miles of the MEEC; $75/ program within 25-50 miles; 50+ miles a $40 mileage fee will be added to the $75/program cost.

Plan Your School's Visit to the McDuffie Environmental Education Center

The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) is open year-round by reservation. While spring and fall are ideal for outdoor exploration, we welcome field trips in all seasons.

MEEC offers:

• Field trips throughout the year
• Summer programming for scouts, private camps, and more
• Three indoor classrooms for use during cold or rainy weather
• Space is limited to 75 students per trip. We recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
   

Fees:

• $150 per class (up to 25 students)
• $300 per group (up to 50 students)
• $450 per group (up to 75 students)

Payment is due by check to MEEC/DNR on the day of your visit. An invoice will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

Ready to Schedule?

Check our calendar for available dates and complete the reservation form for your school.

Private Children's Fishing Events at MEEC

The McDuffie Environmental Education Center offers children’s fishing events on-site by request, featuring a children-only, stocked hatchery pond.

Details:

• Cost: $8 per child (minimum of 10 children)
• Duration: 3-hour block
• Includes: Fishing instruction, poles, and bait

Payment is due on the day of the event by check or money order made payable to MEEC/DNR.

Please complete the Community Fishing Request form to schedule your children’s fishing event and create lasting memories at MEEC!

Offsite Free Community Fishing Events with MEEC

Organizations and municipalities are welcome to host free, open-to-the-community fishing events in partnership with the McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC).

What We Provide:

• Georgia DNR Fishing Trailer with 80 fishing poles available for public use
• Optional Educational Programs:
  • Passport to Fishing program (IGFA curriculum)
  • Displays and information about aquatic invasive and nuisance species

Please Note: Bait is not provided.

Important Requirements:

• The event must be free and open to the public to qualify for the use of the fishing trailer.
• MEEC must review the event location and pond for suitability and logistics before committing to participation.
• Use of the fishing trailer is subject to staff and trailer availability. You will be contacted by MEEC staff to confirm availability and event feasibility.

Fishing License Requirements:

If the event is held at a public pond or waterbody, a valid Georgia fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older.

Interested in Hosting?

Contact us to start the process of bringing this free, educational, family-friendly fishing experience to your community!

Please complete the Community Fishing Request form.
 

Accommodations & Facilities

The McDuffie Environmental Education Center is located at 4695 Fish Hatchery Road in Dearing, GA. This Wildlife Resources Division site, known locally as the "State Ponds", is the location of the McDuffie Public Fishing Area and the McDuffie Warmwater Fish Hatchery as well as the McDuffie Environmental Education Center. Following is a listing of other opportunities available at the McDuffie Complex.

• McDuffie Archery Range, Public Fishing Area, & Hatchery
• Boat Ramps
• Campground — 7 tent, trailer & RV site-specific campsites
• Canoe Access
• Discovery Room (hands-on, self-directed)
• Fishing Dock
• 2 Indoor Classrooms
• Lake
• Nature Trails (2 trails)
• Outdoor Classrooms
• Picnic Shelters
• Picnic Sites
• Restrooms
• Parking

Activities

• Archery
• Boating
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Geocaching — not allowed during managed hunts
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Lake Fishing

Recreational Opportunities

Kids Fishing Events

The Public Fishing Area holds kids' fishing events during the fall, summer, and spring seasons to encourage youngsters under the age of 16 to participate in the sport of fishing. Two ponds stocked with channel catfish are reserved for this event. Youngsters may catch and keep up to five fish. Search for Kids Fishing Events.