Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy

Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy believes a healthy watershed is the catalyst for local economic growth and environmental sustainability. Based on this belief, the Academy has developed award-winning, hands-on, environmental science education programs designed to teach natural sciences within a living laboratory — Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. From school field trips to teacher workshops and scout programs to Georgia Master Naturalist, our programs reflect the diverse interests of the community we serve. Follow the links below to learn more about our Education Programs. The purpose of our research is to comprehensively study water resources within the Savannah River Basin.  Our research is conducted without agenda or bias, with the intent to gain full understanding of what impacts our water quality and quantity, and to then develop solutions to minimize those impacts. The objective, scientific data and analysis provides the basis upon which informed decisions can be made by communities, corporate entities, cities, as well as state and federal regulators regarding water quality and quantity.  The Academy’s research uses basic and applied science, and our approach aims to find the necessary balance between a healthy river ecology and a vital economy within the Savannah River basin. River basin ecology, restoration ecology, and water quality are the primary areas in which our researchers focus during their efforts to maintain that balance. River basin ecology research includes projects pertaining to watersheds, rivers, floodplains, streams, and wetlands. Restoration ecology research includes projects pertaining to urban impact restoration, mine rehabilitation, reforestation, wetland creation, and low-impact development. Water quality projects include constructed wetland development and assessing the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Savannah River and its effluents.