The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of North America’s last great wilderness landscapes and, as of 2026, a recommended UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its Outstanding Universal Value alongside iconic places such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. This three-section course explores the remarkable natural and cultural story of this internationally significant wetland, which spans southern Georgia and northern Florida. Participants will discover how the Okefenokee was formed through fascinating geological processes and why its extraordinary biodiversity earned global recognition. The course also examines the swamp’s rich human history, from indigenous peoples to European settlement, its role as a refuge for freedom seekers escaping slavery, conservation efforts, and its influence on American literature, art, and popular culture. Guidance will be offered on planning visits, from easy day excursions to unforgettable multi-day paddling adventures beneath some of the darkest skies in the eastern US. Participants will also learn how the successful UNESCO nomination was achieved after decades of effort and what this designation means for the refuge’s future.