Bear Island WMA / Donnelley WMA / Old Sheldon Church Ruins

For our April field trip, we will tour Bear Island WMA, Donnelley WMA, and the Old Sheldon Church Ruins (pictured above).

"Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources, is managed to provide quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland wildlife including threatened and endangered species such as woodstorks and bald eagles."

"Donnelley WMA is named in honor of the late Gaylord Donnelley and his wife Dorothy for the contributions they made to the ACE Basin Project and conservation across the continent. Donnelley WMA is owned and managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation, US Army Corps of Engineers, The Nature Conservancy and other conservation interests participated in establishing the property."

"Sheldon Church, formerly known as the Prince William Parish Church, has a tumultuous and eventful history. From its first service in 1757 to its present peaceful setting, the church has followed the travails of our nation’s history. It is one, if not the first church built in temple form in the United States."

We can meet at the entrance of Bear Island at 9am. Turn in on TiTi Road (off Bennett's Point Road, Green Pond, SC 29446). We'll park on the right hand side of the dirt road until everyone arrives. If you are running late, call or text me at 912-659-7065. After we tour Bear Island, we'll then tour Donnelley (approx 12pm), then Sheldon Church (approx 3pm).

Bring your preferred lenses. Suggestions: A long lens for photographing the wildlife, a shorter lens or wide angle lens for landscapes, and a macro lens for macro. Tripods are also helpful. Use filters if you know why (what effect) you are trying to achieve with them.

There are no fees for Bear Island, Donnelley, or the Sheldon Church Ruins.

There are no Port-a-johns or restrooms at Bear Island or the Sheldon Church Ruins. There are restrooms at the check-in station toward the center of Donnelley WMA.

Bring water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear for you and your camera, insect repellant and hat if needed. Check the weather forecast beforehand and dress for the weather and come prepared.

Group size: 20 max. GNPA Field Trips are for Paid GNPA Members only.
Not paid up? Visit: https://gnpa.org/membership-join-us/

Do not leave anything out in your car while on the trails. Keep any possessions in your car trunk or out of sight; do not provide temptations.

BY REGISTERING FOR THE EVENT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY
GNPA will make every attempt to execute each trip, workshop or event as planned and as described. However, circumstances beyond GNPA’s control may arise that that affect GNPA’s ability to complete a Trip.

If a Trip is cancelled by GNPA for any reason prior to its start date, GNPA will not provide any compensation for payments made by registrants such as non-refundable hotel deposits or car rental fees. GNPA reserves the right to make changes to the trip including changes to the itinerary and trip leaders at its sole discretion.

PERSONAL SAFETY is of utmost importance.
Nature photography includes inherent risks which all participants must evaluate for themselves as to the safety of any activity based on their personal abilities. Be constantly aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards which could result in injury to you or others.
DO NOT PLACE YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER!

By registering, you are AGREEING to the standard GNPA Warranty and LIABILITY RELEASE:
As a condition of participation with the Georgia Nature Photographers Association [“GNPA”], I agree to release from liability and to hold harmless the GNPA and its officers, agents, employees or assigns for any injury, including illness, accident, emergency and death, and for damage to or loss of personal property, including equipment, film, and memory cards, while participating in any activities affiliated with the GNPA.

CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 WARNING DISCLAIMER
Coronavirus, COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus that spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Federal and state authorities recommend social distancing as a mean to prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, personal injury, permanent disability, and death. Participating in any activities affiliated with the GNPA could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. GNPA in no way warrants that COVID-19 infection will not occur through participation in any activities affiliated with the GNPA.

PHOTO RELEASE
I do hereby give the GNPA permission to use my photo and its likeness for any and all print and video purposes it deems necessary but not limited to: newsletters, brochures, instructional and promotional videos, and press releases. The GNPA will not be required to reimburse me for use of my photo or its likeness.

Thanks and enjoy nature and your fellow GNPA members.