This 26,000 acre barrier island, one of Georgia’s "Golden Isles," is maintained as a Heritage Wilderness Preserve, the strongest level of protection offered by the state of Georgia.  The former owner of Ossabaw, Mrs. Eleanor "Sandy" West, directed that Ossabaw Island, which is accessible only by boat, should be used for "scientific and cultural study, research and education."  Thus, Ossabaw provides a rare and valuable refuge for groups seeking education , inspiration, and community through nature. Ossabaw is home to maritime forests, marshes, rivers, swamps, hummocks, many animals of these habitats and an ocean beach of 9.5 miles. The beachfront campsite is basic -— providing only water for drinking and bathing, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and a primitive, palm-surrounded "facility" -— but Dr. Melear has found that previous course participants have been happy to trade modern  conveniences for the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful, biologically-rich ecosystem.