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 priority. We want our visitors to see 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 at our other properties, scroll further down.

On the 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 wildlife viewing here. When staff is available, we allow guests to borrow binoculars while they are on-site.

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 property unless on a guided tour.

Purchase at Newman Wetlands Center (2755 Freeman Rd, Hampton, GA 30228)
Valid for one year from date of purchase
Pricing:
- Wildlife Viewing – Day: $5.00
- Wildlife Viewing: $25.00
- Wildlife Viewing Plus: $40.00
Payments: CASH or CHECK ONLY. Checks payable to Clayton County Water Authority.
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 this form.
Display: Permits must be hanging from rear view mirror with information facing out.

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 about three hours in length and include car birding and some walking on flat, gravel or grassy areas. 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.

Permit Holder Guidelines

Stay on marked roads. Do not walk down into ponds, walk around gates, or cross any spillway.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons are not permitted.
No watercraft allowed at Shamrock or Blalock during Nov-Feb. 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’. Pick up pet waste.

Permit Hours By Month & Location

Notice Clayton County Water Authority reserves the right to close the reservoirs at any time during the year for unanticipated reasons such as safety hazards, maintenance, or dangerous weather. CCWA may rescind entry rights to any person found to be in violation of the above guidelines.