Suwannee River Visitor Center

Located west of the famed Okefenokee Swamp, the Suwannee River Visitor Center overlooks a bend in the black-water river where people can fish and launch boats. Inside, visitors learn what gives the river its tea color and that mother alligators actively care for their babies. Animal displays include a black bear, bobcat, fox squirrel, otter, snakes, fish and numerous birds, including an endangered wood stork. A beautiful film takes visitors on a leisurely trip through the river and swamp. The center also includes exhibits on local history and energy efficiency. Operated by Stephen C. Foster State Park in Georgia. 912-637-5274 or GeorgiaStateParks.org/StephenCFoster.

Green Building:

 Composting toilets use no water and solar fans for ventilation
 Insulation made from recycled newsprint treated to be fire retardant
 Parking lot made from porous concrete to reduce storm water runoff
 Decking made from recycled plastic
 Retaining wall made from recycled electrical cable and automobile dashboards
 Carpet and ceiling tiles made from recycled materials
 Natural lighting
 High-efficiency heating and air conditioning unit
 70% of all building materials from local sources
 30% of all materials have recycled content
 77% construction waste was recycled