Okefenokee

Okefenokee refers to the Okefenokee Swamp, a large peatland wetland in southeastern Georgia that also extends into northern Florida. It is among the largest intact freshwater wetlands in the United States and is notable for its blackwater channels, peat deposits, and extensive cypress and pine forests. The name is of Native American origin and is commonly interpreted as meaning “land of the trembling earth” or “water-filled land,” though exact roots are disputed.

Geography and ecology: The swamp covers roughly 400,000 acres (about 1,600 square kilometers). Water moves slowly through a mosaic of lakes, bogs, and river channels. Vegetation centers on bald cypress and pond cypress trees, with water tupelo and a range of wetland grasses. The peat soils create acidic, nutrient-poor conditions that support carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundews.

Fauna: The area hosts alligators, black bears, bobcats, otters, and numerous bird species, including herons, egrets, ospreys, and migratory waterfowl. The swamp’s isolation and hydrology make it a focal point for wildlife research and ecotourism.

Conservation and access: Most of the area is protected as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with additional protections within adjacent lands. Access is by boardwalks, trails, and guided boat tours, with efforts aimed at preserving hydrology, water quality, and habitat.