ons, three species of egrets, laughing gulls, ospreys, bald eagles, royal terns, least terns, and black skimmers. Winter migratory residents of the campus tidal creek include hooded mergansers and loons.
Fifty of nearly 100 species of coastal mammals recorded from the low country sea islands have been reported in Chatham County. They include both terrestrial species and marine species (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). The largest mammal encountered near the campus is the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Individuals and small pods have been observed from the University dock swimming up the tidal creek to feed on the abundant mullet. Pods exhibit a remarkable behavior here and in other tidal creeks of the low country: they chase schools of mullet onto the mud banks and emerge completely from the water onto the bank to feed on them.
Large river otters and mink are occasionally seen swimming or running along the mud banks and disappearing into the marsh grass along the tidal creek. Raccoons would probably be more abundant on campus were it not for the large populations of feral house cats that live and forage near the marsh and dormitory trash bins. Several undeveloped areas remain on the campus which contains natural understory vegetation of the maritime forest. These acres are principally located along the north margin of the campus bordered by the Placentia Canal, North Tompkins Road and Drew-Griffith Hall. Another small, but diverse section remains between the NROTC building and the Orsot Apartments.
No other instructional unit of the University System of Georgia can boast such a rich endowment of coastal habitats and ecosystems. On a calm cool evening in the early spring and late fall, the view through the oaks, pines, palms, cedars, and magnolias to the salt marsh grasses illuminated by the setting sun is a unique and enchanting experience of singular beauty, inspiration, and wonder.
The natural environments of its campus have enhanced the rich educational history and legacy of Savannah State University. This spiritually uplifting place lives in the memories of all those who have been touched by it and will continue to offer its unique qualities and experiences in higher education to all.
The 165-acre campus of Savannah State University contains elements of two biologically diverse coastal ecosystems: The maritime live oak forest and the salt marsh estuary. The variety of plants and animals found in these habitats provide a natural laboratory for instruction and research.
We wish to thank the following individuals for sharing information about the campus vegetation: Mr. Elias Golden, Head, Grounds and Maintenance, Dr. Margaret C. Robinson, Dean, School of Sciences and Technology, Mr. Risher Willard, Forester, Georgia Forestry Commission, for assistance with tree identification, and Dr. Louise Golden, Associate Professor of Humanities for editing. A 1993-1994 Title III Grant sponsored this faculty and student research publication. Dr. Charles J. Elmore, Director; Dr. John T. Wolfe, President
Matthew R. Gilligan, Ph.D., is a professor of Marine Sciences at Savannah State University where he has served since 1980
The late Kelvin Austin assisted with the project when he was a student in the Marine Biology degree program at Savannah State University. His contributions included library research, interviews, and field trips with University and community experts.
Clara Aguero, M.F.A., was Director of Archives and Associate Professor of Fine Arts at Savannah State University. She served as project director for Archives publications and lectures.