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All Creatures Podcast

All Creatures Podcast

How a Wild Swamp Defeated a Mine | Saving the Okefenokee

Sep 23, 2026 · 48m

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On this episode

About this episode

Chris speaks with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Drew Kann about Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp and its new status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They explore the swamp’s blackwater wetlands, remarkable wildlife, and delicate balance of fire and water. Drew explains how a proposed titanium mine raised concerns about water loss, severe fires, and damage to nearby rivers—until public opposition and a conservation land purchase stopped the project. They also discuss the power of local journalism and why continued protection remains essential. Timeline 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 03:24 What Makes Okefenokee Wild 06:46 Ecology Fire Water Wildlife 09:23 Mining Threat Origins Trail Ridge…