Safety

We want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience during your visit. Please take a moment to review the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself, others, and the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Emergencies

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 and provide your location clearly. Below are the park site addresses to assist:

• Plains High School (Visitor Center): 300 North Bond Street

• Carter Garden: 1 Woodland Drive

• Plains Depot: 100 West Main Street

• Boyhood Farm: 402 Old Plains Highway

For park-related concerns, you can also contact the visitor center at 229-824-4104 ext. 0, available daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Weather & Heat Safety

South Georgia weather can change quickly. Be prepared by checking the forecast before your visit. Thunderstorms and extreme heat are common, especially in summer.

During hot weather:

• Drink water often—even if you’re not thirsty.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.

• Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (typically noon to 4 PM).

• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter indoors immediately.

Wildlife Awareness

The park is home to many wild animals, including snakes, bees, and fire ants. To stay safe:

• Observe wildlife from a distance.

• Stay on marked paths and trails.

• Never feed or touch wild animals.

• Be especially cautious around snakes—some may be venomous. If you see a snake, leave it alone and report sightings to a park ranger.

• Use insect repellent to help protect against ticks and bites.

Reminder: Interfering with wildlife is prohibited by federal law.

Wildlife Protection

Under Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 36/Chapter – 1/ Part 2.2 Wildlife Protection
(a)The following are prohibited:
(1) The taking of wildlife, except by authorized hunting and trapping activities conducted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) The feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding or other activities.
(3) Possessing unlawfully taken wildlife or portions thereof.

For a more detailed explanation:
Code of Federal Regulations: 36CFR Part 2

Local Pets at the Boyhood Farm

You may see local dogs and cats roaming near the Boyhood Farm. These are pets from neighboring properties. Please do not approach or feed them.