Steve Golladay, a scientist at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, invited Bainbridge Lions Club members Wednesday to attend the center’s open house Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The center, which was originally a hunting plantation, was founded by Robert W. Woodruff, who was CEO of Coca-Cola for most of the 20th century beginning in the 1920’s.

“Mr. Jones, for whom the center is named, was a special assistant to Mr. Woodruff,” Golladay said.

“The center is located on Georgia State Highway 91, approximately 10 miles south of Newton and 15 miles north of Colquitt.”

Golladay emphasized that the mission of the center is to seek to understand, demonstrate and promote excellence in natural resource management and conservation on the landscape of the coastal plain of the United States.

He said open house events will include hands on learning activities for kids of all ages, wagon tours of Ichauway’s landscape, historical area walking tours of working research facilities and a slide show. presentation.

“We have 1200 species of plants and some pine trees that are more than 400 years old.

“Visitors should bring a picnic lunch. Drinks and tables will be provided. We want the public to come and enjoy themselves.”