Billy Cullens Memorial Nature Trail and Observation Towers

The Billy Cullens Memorial Nature Trail and Observation Towers give birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to observe wetland-dependent wildlife in the managed impoudments of teh Butler Island Refuge unit of the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area.

The nature trail consits of two parts, a north loop and a south loop.  The loops may be walked as one long unit, or two separate trails.  The trails follow the dikes separating the different managed wetlands on the refuge.

The two obersvation towers provide excellent views of the managed wetlands.  The northern tower is easily accessed via a short walk from teh parking area on the east side of Highway 17.  The newer, southern tower is accessible only by walking the south loop of the nature trail.

There are seven inforamtional signs scattered along the nature trail that provide inforamtion on waterfowl, shorebirds, wadding birds, wetlands, songbirds and salt marshes.  The kiosks at the north tower provide information on the management of the area and conservation efforts along the Altamaha River. 

Two bronze plaques, located at the North Tower, recognize Billy Cullens for his conservation involvement, and the Sea Isalnd Company for their financial support of wetland conversation along the Altamaha River.

The trail and towers were named in honor of the late Billy Cullens, an avid sportsman and conservationist who took a keen interest in the waterfowl management activities that occurred on the Altamaha WMA.

The four management impoundments of the Butler Island Refuge provide habitat for wintering waterfowl, migrating shorebirds and teal, resident wading birds and many other species of wetland dependent wildlife.  By varying the water depth and timing of flooding in each of the impoundments, the specific habitat needs of various wetland bird groups can be met.

Funding for the Butler Island Refuge MARSH Project provided by Georgia DNR/Wildlife, Resources Division, Weekend for Wildlife, and Georgia Ducks Unlimited.