Episode Guest
MiKayla Spencer, Park Manager
General Coffee State Park (Georgia)
Park Stats
- Location: Nicholls, Georgia
- Date created: Donated to the state by Coffee County in 1970
- Park size: 1,511 Acres
- Interesting Facts:
- Names for General John Coffee – a planter, US Congressman, and military leader
- Celebrates southern agricultural history with goats, sheep, pigs, corn crib, tobacco barn, cane mill, and more
- Home to endangered species – pitcher plant, Shy Indigo snakes, Gopher Tortoises
Speed Round
What is your earliest park memory?
My parents made sure we got to experience parks, and it was really Georgia State Park heavy. So camping at places like George T Bagby, High Falls, FDR, Little White House. And I grew up right outside of Reed Bingham, so swimming in Reed Bingham and gonna Reed Bingham every week was a big part of my childhood.
What made you love the parks?
I think just that the memories that I had, and wanting to be able to know that I can keep those resources available for other kids as they grow up.
What is your favorite thing about General Coffee State Park?
I think it’s a hidden kind of gem. I. That it is really diverse and offers a lot more. Once people get here, they really understand and see how much there is to offer.
What is your favorite thing to do at General Coffee State Park?
I think fish. We stock our pond and it’s always a good time to fish here. And the animals are a huge. Plus for me in managing this park, the reptiles. Snakes are one of my favorite animals to teach on.
What park have you yet to visit but is on your bucket list and why?
I’m ashamed to say it, but I haven’t been to Cloudland Canyon yet. That’s a Georgia State Park that I really need to go to. And then Yosemite. I’d like to go there and experience that.
What are three must-haves you pack for a park visit?
I know I always forget my lighter to make the campfire, so that is one. Water bottle, ’cause please stay hydrated. And then usually if you’re in South Georgia, probably some bug spray and/or sunscreen.
What is your favorite campfire activity?
It’s making the fire. I really enjoy making the fire and keeping it going. I like that I’m given that task.
Tent, camper, or cabin?
I really like to stay in yurts. I think that’s a good like midway point, but then cabin and tent are a close second.
Hiking with or without trekking poles?
I think it really depends. I don’t want to be so over prepared for a mile and a half hike, but if I were to do a strenuous hike, I think trekking pole are a good thing to have.
And what is your favorite trail snack?
Jerky and shelled pistachios
What is the favorite animal sighting that you’ve had?
I think any kind of snake. I love snakes. And woodpeckers, water birds, and birds of prey are some really cool things I think to see. And you can see those all here.
What is your favorite sound in the parks?
I really like when we’ve got a really good crowd here. You can really hear the visitors chatter and really enjoying their time at the park. When it’s a quiet day, the birds that you have the chance to see hear.
What is the greatest gift the parks give to us?
I think the fact that it’s a space dedicated to our resources. It means that other generations will be able to experience them for years to come, and they’re protected because of that reason.