Richard S. Bolt Nature Store
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Every Purchase Supports the Swamp
Located inside the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center, the Nature Store is the largest source of revenue for Friends of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Every purchase directly supports environmental education, annual events, and vital projects throughout the refuge—making your visit even more meaningful.
Discover the Right Field Guide for You
Our store offers an excellent selection of field guides tailored to the Okefenokee experience. There’s no better way to choose the perfect guide than by holding it in your hands, exploring the vivid photographs, and reading through the detailed information before you buy.
Learn the Stories of the Swamp
We proudly offer a wide range of books that explore the Okefenokee’s natural beauty, rich history, and the lives of the people who have called it home. Our store offers an exceptional selection of field guides—perfect for identifying the flora and fauna of the Okefenokee.
We also feature a wide range of books that delve into the swamp’s natural history, cultural heritage, and the lives of its people. Whether you're reading about the “Queen of the Okefenokee” from a local author or exploring the colorful history of the "Settlers of the Okefenokee", there’s something here for every curious mind.
Nurture Young Minds
Our children’s section is designed to inspire a love for nature and spark curiosity. With engaging books, plush animals native to the Okefenokee, and kid-friendly field guides, young explorers will find plenty to discover.
Take Home a Piece of the Refuge
Commemorate your visit with a t-shirt, cap, ornament or magnet. Or bring home a taste of the swamp with Swamp Honey or pure Cane Syrup. Whatever you choose, your purchase helps protect and preserve the Okefenokee for generations to come.
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Annual Events
Friends of Okefenokee Youth Fishing Derby
Have fun at the Fishing Derby showing off your fishing skills! Fishing Derby for children ages 3-15. Raffles, trophies, and awards. Click here to read and view photos from the 2025 Youth Fishing Derby!
National Public Lands Day Celebration - September 27, 2025; 8am-12pm
Join us for a day set aside for service to our nation’s public lands. Activities include maintenance on the historic Chesser Island Homestead. Free hot dogs and refreshments for participants!
Photography Workshops – Workshop Fee and Reservation Required
Spend the day John Reed enjoying this magical place while learning fundamentals to take memories home though photos you create. The workshop includes both classroom instruction and roaming the refuge to apply your new photography skills to capture, save, and share your day. This event will be held in the Environmental Education classroom between Okefenokee Adventure and the Visitor's Center at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area entrance near Folkston. To register or for more information contact the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at (912) 496-7836 from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM daily.
Pioneer Day - 22 November 2025
Visit the Chesser Island Homestead for Pioneer Day, where history comes alive through hands-on demonstrations, traditional crafts, and the timeless rhythms of swamp life. Discover how early settlers made essential items like soap, brooms, butter, quilts, and baskets by hand. Watch demonstrations of clothes washing, meat smoking, cane grinding and other survival skills that sustained families in and around the swamp.
Taste the past with a sample of flavorful food such as biscuits and other items cooked on a wood-burning stove just as they were generations ago. The aroma alone is worth the visit!
Listen to the musical history of the swamp with sounds of live bluegrass music and four-note singing. Meet horses, mules, and other livestock that were once essential to daily life. Join in the games your grandparents played - musical chairs, wheelbarrow races, and more! Finally, take part in a traditional sugar cane boil. Watch as sugar cane is ground, and sample the fresh, sweet juice. Then see staff and volunteers boil it down into rich, authentic pure cane syrup—a true taste of Southern swamp heritage.
Visit our Instagram or the Friends Facebook Page for event updates.