Phillip Jordan To Speak at Thomas Persons Hall

Next Thursday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at Thomas Persons Hall (TPH), persons are invited to take a historical-scenic tour with nature photographer, Phillip Jordan, from Jasper County down the Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Altamaha Rivers to the Georgia coast.

Phillip began this project to document the wildlife along these rivers. Over the past 10 years, the project came to include 171 days of solo paddling his canoes and kayaks over 3,000 miles and camping 42 nights beside the rivers. He photographed the diverse wildlife, including hundreds of alligators, many larger and further north than he had expected.

Along the way, he became fascinated by the river’s impact on history, and man’s impact on the river. This pictorial tour will explore early navigation and commerce along the river, the role of slaves in constructing boat channels and island cuts, the challenge of the river to Sherman’s March to the Sea, the engineering of 19th early 20th century railroad bridges still in use, and current recreation along the river.

Phillip is widely recognized for his excellent wildlife photography. His work has been used in books, magazines, maps, websites and brochures, including publications of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Geographic, The Appalachian Trail Conference, and The Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

“Come enjoy the intriguing stories as you are transported through photos down the rivers to the sea at 7 p.m, February 21, at Thomas Persons Hall, Monticello,” said Cissy Benton, director of TPH.