Wildlife Viewing Information

Grab your Binoculars!

Wildlife Viewing at NWC

Newman Wetlands Center is an excellent place to see wildlife. We maintain our facility with wildlife viewing as a top priority. We want our visitors to experience wildlife in a wild setting, which is why we have strict site rules. Visiting NWC is always free. If you’re looking for details about wildlife viewing on our other properties, scroll down.

On an average day, a guest might see painted turtles basking on a log, dragonflies showing off their flight skills, or a Great Egret foraging along Pate’s Creek. Some guests are lucky enough to spot a deer or a Belted Kingfisher. Even luckier visitors might spot a river otter playing or a beaver repairing their dam.

We recommend bringing binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. If you don’t have either, you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife. When staff are available, guests may borrow a pair of binoculars. 

Wildlife Viewing Permits

The CCWA Wildlife Viewing Permits allow permit holders to observe wildlife at E.L. Huie Holding Ponds and Shamrock, Blalock, & JW Smith Reservoirs. Wildlife Viewing Plus Permit holders are invited on private tours of the Huie Constructed Treatment Wetlands and other non-public areas for birding and wildlife photography opportunities. Permit holders may not enter closed or non-public areas on CCWA. Click here for a printable version of the information below.

  • Purchase at Newman Wetlands Center during open hours.
  • Permits are valid for one year from month of purchase (Ex: If purchased March 3, 2024, a permit would be valid through March 31, 2025)
  • Pricing:
    • Wildlife Viewing – Day: $5.00 (Access only)
    • Wildlife Viewing: $25.00 (Access only)
    • Wildlife Viewing Plus: $40.00 (Access + guided field trips)
  • Payments: Cash or credit card accepted
  • Usage: Each permit can be used for up to five people in one vehicle. Permit holder must be in the vehicle.
  • Liability: Each permit holder must read and complete a hold harmless form.
  • Display: Permits must be hanging from rear view mirror with information facing out.

Viewing Hours By Day & Location

Wildlife Viewing Trips

Each month from October through April, we host guided birding tours on Clayton County Water Authority’s constructed treatment wetlands for Wildlife Viewing Permit Plus holders. These trips typically occur on Saturdays and occasionally, Fridays. They are three hours long and include car birding and some walking on flat, gravel, or grassy terrain. We typically see or hear Sora, Virginia Rails, Bald Eagles, Osprey (spring), Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Green Herons (spring), American Coots, Blue-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Gadwall, and more. 

Field Trip Dates

UPDATE: The April 25th field trip is now happening on April 24th.

Permit Schedule

Permit Holder Guidelines

  • Stay on marked roads. Do not walk or drive into ponds, around gates, or cross any spillway.
  • Alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons are not permitted.
  • No watercraft allowed at Shamrock or Blalock during November - February. Follow reservoir guidelines the rest of the year.
  • No swimming or wading.
  • No bicycles or motorized off-road vehicles are permitted on site.
  • Do not play loud music or cause disturbances that will hinder wildlife viewing for others.
  • During the winter season, all trash must be self-contained and disposed off-site.
  • Keep photo ID on you as CCWA or law enforcement staff may ask for it.
  • All pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6’. Always pick up pet waste.