The large white columned main building, built in 1927 as a retirement home for the Brotherhood of Railroad Conductors, was used as a Public Health Service hospital during World War II and then as the Technical Development Laboratories for the US Center for Disease Control until declared surplus in 1973. Today it houses environmental classrooms, offices, a conference center, and a complete television studio where area high school students learn to produce TV programs both for commercial and public television.
The 60 acre forest was once cleared farmland where cotton was planted during the 18th and 19th centuries by the McQueen family, made famous in Eugenia Price's novel Don Juan McQueen. Today nature trails follow a circuitous route through large oaks, magnolias and pines bordered by a variety of ferns, the red-berried yaupon holly and trees heavy with Spanish moss and the vines of the muscadine grapes. Along the way, visitors pass through variety of large natural habitats and view indigenous Georgia wildlife:
Two log cabins, built in 1835, have been moved from their original sites and restored at the Center's Heritage Homesite area. These cabins form the backdrop for educational programs and an annual fall crafts festival which features the grinding of sugar cane and the making of cane syrup in the traditional south Georgia manner. Increasingly, this area is being used as a set for movies, and activity which helps Oatland increase its visibility and its endowment fund.
One of the unique features of the Oatland is the fact that all of these habitats, trails, the marsh walkway, the observatories, docks, and marine laboratory were built by kids. Also unique is the admission charge: donations of cash or a can of animal food are equally welcome.
HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM, 2nd Saturday of each month October through May 11 AM to 5 PM.
ADMISSION: Donation.
DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 80 toward Tybee Island. Turn left onto Islands Expressway. Turn left onto Sandtown Rd.