About the Warnell Center
Established in 2001, the Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center’s Mission is to:
- Explain and demonstrate responsible forest management
- Convey the need for and benefits of sustainable forest management
- Interpret the natural patterns and processes of forest ecosystems
To accomplish this Mission, we primarily focus on providing natural resource educational programming to kindergarten through 12th grade students, teachers, parents, youth-serving organizations, and the general public. We manage the associated Dorothy Warnell Research, Education, and Demonstration Forest so that proper forest management practices are showcased, and special focus is placed on managing for native longleaf pine forests.
Educational Programing at the Warnell Center
Field trip and in-school programs for public and private school k-12 students at the Warnell Center are hands-on and incorporate activities from award-winning environmental education curricula such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, Project WET, and the Beetles Project. Programs are designed to teach students how to think, not what to think, about natural resource-related topics. Public school program content corresponds to the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Homeschool students enjoy special program days set aside just for them as well!
In addition, the Warnell Center offers a wide variety of options for youth-serving organizations including merit badge programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, assistance with competition- based team coaching for FFA CDEs and 4-H, and special presentations for after-school Science Clubs and STEM programs.
Adult education at the Warnell Center comes in many forms. Certification workshops in Project Learning Tree, Project WILD or Project WET are available for teachers and other youth-serving adults. College-level students are also encouraged to attend these workshops or to schedule on-site learning experiences. Educational programs focusing on the importance of forest management and native species are available for groups such as Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, garden clubs, and civic organizations.
This beautiful and unique facility is also available to host natural-resource related educational events for landowners, natural resource professionals, and natural resource organizations. The Warnell Center is the perfect location to hold meetings, conferences, trainings, and workshops!
Where is the Warnell Center Located?
The Mary Kahrs Warnell Forest Education Center is located on the 3,300-acre Dorothy Warnell Research, Education, and Demonstration Forest in Guyton, GA (Effingham County). This location allows the Warnell Center to be tucked away in the quiet of the forest while still being just minutes away from Pooler, Savannah, and Statesboro.
What Amenities does the Warnell Center Offer?
The beautiful and unique Warnell Center was constructed using locally grown and milled southern yellow pine and its tall beams were designed to mimic the surrounding forest. This distinctive structure was the recipient of the Honor Award for Architectural Excellence by the Savannah Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
How to Schedule a Program or Reserve the Warnell Center
Current educational program offerings and facility rental information are provided by request. To receive information on renting the facility or to reserve the Warnell Center for your next educational event, please contact the Director by phone or email.