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Membership
Plan Your Visit
The Oyster House
A Lively Spot
Rooted in History
The Oyster House is home to The Ford’s Naturalist Center and is without a doubt one of the most popular places on the property for members of all ages. In addition to being the base for the on-staff naturalist, the Oyster House–originally Henry Ford’s cabin—is the setting for monthly member Oyster Roasts, and casual gatherings.
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The Naturalist Center
Inside the Oyster House is where learning comes alive. Our naturalist maintains a collection of fossils as well as live snakes and turtles which are used for kids’ camps and educational demonstrations. Just outside is an observation deck overlooking the marsh, turtle pens plus an owl barn for rehabilitating injured birds of prey.
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A Setting for Roasts and Toasts
In addition to being home to the Naturalist Center, the Oyster House is a casual, welcoming place for members to enjoy at their leisure. Surrounding the Oyster House are several tables used for shucking during The Ford’s monthly Oyster Roasts, as well as a s’mores-ready fire pit, all illuminated by strings of lights.
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Environmental Stewardship
Our experienced naturalist leads a number of year-round activities and excursions designed to help members and visitors understand The Ford’s unique flora and fauna and help preserve the property’s natural splendor for generations to come.
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Naturalist-Led Events
- Seasonal bird counts
- Bluebird monitoring
- Junior naturalist programs
- Kids’ camps
- Nature walks
- Kayaking trips
- River cruises
- Trips to local wildlife refuges
- Gator spotting (seasonal)
- Gator tagging (seasonal)
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Naturalist Center Staff
Shannon Matzke, Naturalist
Shannon joined the team with a background in botany, habitat restoration, and coastal ecology. She recently completed her Master of Science in Biology at Georgia Southern University and has worked in native plant restoration nurseries in Louisiana, California, and Maine. She grew up in South Louisiana and has settled in Savannah with her husband and their cat Juju. Shannon loves hiking, camping, gardening, cooking, and exploring the Georgia coast.
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Audubon Certification
The club has received Audubon Certification for environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, water conservation and education—inviting all member families to join the on-site staff naturalist for bird counts, demonstrations, animal rehabilitations and educational activities.
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