Southwest Georgia’s Jones Center at Ichauway research center to host open house Saturday

NEWTON – Curious about southwest Georgia snakes and aquatic life? Ever driven by swaths of land on fire and wondered why you see it at the same time each year?

The Jones Center at Ichauway is a resource management and conservation center in Newton that stretches across nearly 30,000 acres of woods, water and wildlife. The center’s research programs seek to increase understanding on the ecology, restoration and management of the longleaf pine ecosystem and the hydrologically unique landscapes of southwest Georgia. 

Every other year The Jones Center hosts a free open house, inviting the public to come learn about what goes on on the property. This Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the public can come to the center to hear expert talks and take part in outdoor activities. 

Rachel McGuire, The Jones Center’s outreach and education coordinator, said the open house is the center’s only true public event. While the Center often hosts researchers and students, it hardly sees visitors outside those fields. 

“It’s a great way to learn more about the natural environment that’s in a lot of these people’s backyards,” she said. “It’s a great way to educate yourself on the critters and the land that we’re inhabiting, that we’re impacting, which is important to a lot of our local economy and beyond.” 

The open house has a packed schedule. Visitors can partake in research drone flight demonstrations, hear an expert talk on snakes (with live snakes) in southwest Georgia or watch a butterfly release. Every 30 minutes, visitors can hop on a wagon tour of the property.

McGuire said the wagon tour is always one of the most popular activities along with the Ichauway Passport Challenge, where attendees can collect stamps to “fill a passport” by visiting research labs, the conservation tent and attending an expert talk. 

Food trucks from Mi Casa, Hope’s Grilling and Kona Ice will be on site.

Much of the activities and talks are scheduled simultaneously. McGuire recommends looking at the schedule beforehand to map out activities. That information is available at their site. No prior registration is required. Attendees will be required to register upon entry.

The address is 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton.